Any one have or used a Craftsman 351 lathe?

[medic1289]

I found a "new" 10 year old 351 lathe for a reasonable price.  The little I found about it from a web search was not all that positive. Does, or has anyone out there have experience with this machine? Have you had any problems with the electronics or belts?
Thanks for your input, don't want to buy a problem lathe!

sy

[CHARLIE]

I'm not sure what the 351 lathe is.  My first woodlathe was a Craftsman and I was glad to get something else. It vibrated a bit and I just didn't like it.  I still have it but haven't used it in over 10 years. My advise is to get a Jet or a Powermatic.  Now, if the 351 lathe is a metal lathe......I don't know a thing about them.

[medic1289]

No, this is a wood lathe.  Supposed to be a 2 HP?,(overrated I've heard), variable speed, iron bedded machine. About 10 years old.  It looks sound enough, but the eletronics thing about it worries me.  That and the reported belt-eating tendancies I've read about.

Anybody with any experience with this machine,, heresay even?

thanks, sy

[logwalker]

I have had good luck with mine. Runs smooth and has enough power.

Joe