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AR15.COM
7/8/2026 7:54:11 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Firestarter123][Edited]
Here’s my current configuration.

It’s balanced and doesn’t try to alligator roll.

Nothing is being pinched.

I added a little block on top of the bottom piece so it can’t slide too far towards the tail stock.

The bottom board is oak.

The strap isn’t actually touching the carriage when it’s lifted.

The spindle strap isn’t bearing any weight.

ETA: I do have to take the right leg/foot of the hoist and go on the right side of the right cabinet as the measurements in the manual were wrong and it's only 40.25" between the cabinets rather than 43.75" and the legs/feet of the hoist are 40.75" wide



ETA 2: I wish I had a spreader beam but anything trustworthy appears to be $500+


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7/9/2026 5:53:55 AM EDT
[#1]
I'd pretend like this is overkill but I almost rolled my Leblonde Servoshift sooo...

Do the directions suggest anything?
7/9/2026 7:48:13 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By BobbyHill:
I'd pretend like this is overkill but I almost rolled my Leblonde Servoshift sooo...

Do the directions suggest anything?
View Quote


That’s my concern and I’d like to avoid that outcome.

The manual says to use a lifting plate which they don’t include with the machine nor is it sold anywhere

It’s basically this setup without the extra straps and the benefit is that the lifting eye is closer to the spindle to help with balance.

I’ll probably make one if I ever need to lift it again.

7/9/2026 7:59:02 AM EDT
[#3]
Through the headstock? That’s a new one on me.  I have no idea if those bearings are good for that weight on them.  


If they aren’t now you got an excuse to buy good Japanese bearings.

I ran my straps behind my threaded rod to avoid it all together.   12x36 or 40” Grizzly gunsmith lathe.   I picked mine up with a tractor as that’s what I had.  It was the replacement lathe as the trucking company dropped lathe #1 because they couldn’t read the huge labels on the crate that spelled out the off center weighted load. It looked like they dropped it off the loading dock.
7/9/2026 8:08:37 AM EDT
[Last Edit: giantpune][Edited] [#4]
Check out the manual for the precision matthews lathe that size.  It shows how to lift it with straps and blocks of wood.
As far as putting it on the base, I went in from the end.  I had the base resting on black metal pipes, pulled away from the wall.  Then straddle one end of it with the hoist to set the lathe on top.  once the lathe is bolted down, it will slide and roll on the pipes back towards the wall.  Then I used a toe jack to lift up on one end at a time to adjust the feet and pull the pipes out.

7/9/2026 9:28:47 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SteelonSteel:
Through the headstock? That’s a new one on me.  I have no idea if those bearings are good for that weight on them.  

.
View Quote

I agree about the spindle. I removed the motor and carriage and used a leveling bar for picking it up with one strap under the gear box and one under the end of the supported bed.
The way you cut your palm swells is skookum as frig
fatcat4620
7/9/2026 7:41:48 PM EDT
[#6]
It has landed and all is well.

The spindle strap was loose the whole time. It was just there in case it started to roll in order to prevent a catastrophe as I’d rather bend the spindle or damage the bearings than drop the machine.

I ran it briefly in low speeds and it’s nice and smooth.

I’m very happy with the purchase.

Attached File
7/14/2026 12:00:24 AM EDT
[Last Edit: maggiethecat][Edited] [#7]
What lathe is it? Looks like PM, but not
7/14/2026 12:02:46 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Firestarter123][Edited] [#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By maggiethecat:
What lathe is it? Looks like PM, but cant place the model
View Quote


@maggiethecat

It’s an Eisen 1340GHE.

They’re made in the same factory but this one has a sealed oil bath gearbox and was $4K less than a similarly equipped PM-1340GT as it comes with chucks, the stand, installed DRO, etc which all cost extra on the PM.

I really wanted the sealed gearbox even though the Eisen only has a 1yr warranty and their customer support isn’t as good as PM.

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