Presto lathe value?

[Sunnydevon]

Hi all. I've got a really old presto(I think)
Record lathe. I was gonna split it up and sell the valves and audax cutter head
But thought it might be worth seeing if it had
Much value as a whole unit
Thanks
Joe

[Angus McCarthy]

It depends on the model and the condition, but in any case it is more valuable as a complete unit.

[domignostika]

More info on the Model of the unit and its condition would be helpful. Put some pictures up if you can't identify it; the folks here most definitely can.

[powerstrip]

It's only worth what you sell it for...

post up pics and location, maybe you will be flooded with responses

[Sunnydevon]

Hi all. It's a presto model d compact. I'm in
The south west uk.
Can't seem to paste in photos at the mo but the
Lathes close to mint condition. I can email photos if anyone
Wants a look. Thanks
Joe

[Angus McCarthy]

The Presto D is a rare beast, indeed. I'd expect it to go for a price similar to the K-Series lathes.

[rsimms3]

A 12d recently sold in a local/absent bid auction for $250 (you have to register to view the sale price).

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/16962330_presto-record-cutter-lathe-recorder-type-12d

[Sunnydevon]

Thanks . I was hoping I'd get more
Than 250. Just shows what I know! Thanks
For your help. I think the valves are worth
80 a peice( sylvania 45s) so it looks like ill
Do better to part it out. Saves on shipping I guess!

[Stevie342000]

A bit of background on the Presto 6D, it was superseded in 1941 by the Presto 6N, I would figure it weighs about 50-80lbs in old money, shipping to the USA would be expensive.

Breaking it up should be a last resort, these are few and far between.

There are other questions to ask as well, if it is in the UK what mains voltage and frequency is it set to run on, standard US issue would be 120v 60hz, UK model which would be rarer still would be 230v 50Hz, if it is the latter than sell it on eBay even it if is the former you will get better money for it in the USA.

Shipping will be high, oh and as for the 45 tubes assume that they are still able to do full emission? Or test them they may not work at all. Suggest that if this has been sat around for a year or two or more do not power it up, something will blow probably an electrolytic capacitor and the motor will probably be gummed up as well, as any oil will have dried up, it may run for a while and then seize up, just words of warning from various threads here. Last thing you want to do is burn the motor, or power transformer out? Unobtanium or expensive to replace.

Of course if it is a US model then it will need a step down transformer and will run 16-17% slow.

My thoughts would be try to sell it as it is on which side of the pond is up to you, I just bought a cutting lathe and am in the UK, I have some Rek O Kut (M5) cutter carriage to off load shortly, along with a Revox G36, hope that helps.

Stevie342000

[Sunnydevon]

Hi . Thanks for the background info and advice
I don't think il risk firing it up. Definitely
Best left to the professionals. Ill sell it as a whole for whatever
I can reasonably get. Thanks again for the info
Joe

[Stevie342000]

No problem FYI there is a Presto 1940 catalogue available on line and it states that it weighs 67lbs (30kg). Not sure if it is exactly the same as yours as this one is just the transport, no built in amp.

Original cost in 1940 $400 and shipping weight 95lbs (43kgs), not cheap, interestingly the 6N is in the same catalogue.

The 6D came with a Presto 1c cutting head, that's all I know, you will need to specify if it is for UK or US voltage, it should be there somewhere probably on the motor.

The chassis is aluminium which does not take to shocks easily it may shatter so make sure you pack it well if shipping, especially overseas.

Glad to help,
Stevie34200

[Angus McCarthy]

It's an interesting transitional lathe between the K-series and the 6-series. I would expect that if you put this up on eBay, you'd get bidding into the $300-$400 range. Local auctions aren't the best judge of going market prices.

[Sunnydevon]

Didn't sell on eBay in the end. Went to a collector
In the uk for £750. Would of liked more but I guess
Buyers are few and far between

[piaptk]

You got a very good price for it. It was the high end of retail for that model in unknown condition.