Anyone have a Craftsman 21715 15"?

I just bought one on Ebay. It is unused, but missing the knob that controls the speed. Ebay number 130117303469

Is it just a matter of getting a knob, or did I buy an expensive boat anchor? I have a 90 minute drive to go pick it up. I will pay for it in any event, but if it is a boat anchor I can save the drive.

On a related matter, I am going to build a bench in my garage for it. I could use the garage framing as the rear legs. That would make it easier and more stable, but couldn't be moved. I am not sure why I would ever want to move a lathe, but don't have all that much experience; maybe there is a good reason I haven't encountered. Any advice would be appreciated. And finally; from the picture there are 4 holes for bolting the lathe to the bench. How far apart are they?

Thanks much.

Reply to
Toller
Loading thread data ...

It's a regular knob. I had one and traded the knob for a universal fit handwheel. The knob was too small for my hands to turn because of arthritis. Go for it, the price is right.

Reply to
Mike R. Courteau

Thats good news, thanks. Do you know how far apart the bolt holes are to mount it?

Reply to
Toller

Thanks much; they show the knob in a plastic bag on the lathe, so it is complete! I am sure I will appreciate your belt instructions as soon as I get my hands on it.

Reply to
Toller

I have a lathe like the one you have but with a stand. I pulled the stand away from the wall at the headstock end. (I think some book or video said to do that). That way when something breaks loose and hits the wall and bounces back the angle causes the projectile to usually miss me. Away from the wall completely sounds safer yet.

Reply to
TWWT

I picked the lathe up today. Turned out it was freight damage salvage, which accounts for the price!

Only damage seems to be to the switch; it works, but has part of the lip broken off. Not a big deal.

Reply to
Toller

I am guessing the lathe is the same Craftsman as mine - you will find a spindle lock if you remove the small bolt on the top of the lathe at left side center, then push the back cover left and down. This is where you see the variable speed belt.

Inside, at the very top, closest to the operator side is a small red handle - pull it toward you and and it will push a small pin out that will lock into the index plate (you may have to move the spindle to get the pin in the hole. Spindle is now locked in place and then I normally just grab the faceplate and turn. If tight, I believe the faceplate that came with the lathe will accept a wrench.

By the way, to you and the other owners of this unit - went to turn a spruce burl last night, and was happily working away when the lathe started making an odd noise. In about a minute the motor was running but the bowl was not turning. Since I have never had a reason to take the side plate off the unit I had no clue what to expect. Turns out there is a small 3/4 inch flat belt that drives the shaft - that was very much shredded! (Darrell - know your site has the variable speed belt instructions but don't recall the drive belt listed - hope I just missed it!) Anyway, called Sears and had a shock at the cost - $49.19 Cdn! Decided had better order the variable speed belt as well at a mere $90 bucks! Good thing is, both are stock items and are arriving in a few days. All things considered, still very pleased with the lathe!

Reply to
xcaper

That worked just fine, thanks. I suppose one could argue that the lock is difficult to get to to prevent it from engaging by mistake...

The guy I bought it from get them in as freight damage salvage. I have asked him to let me know if if he gets one in truly broken; it should be worth buying just for the belts.

Reply to
Toller

Makes me glad I can just put a wrench on the outboard side, and it's all ready to go. That Craftsman sounds like an awfully big hassle!

Reply to
Prometheus

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.