I'll preface this by admitting that I'm not a machinist worthy of this scale, but I would like to improve my skills and this machine is 'sorta' in my price range. My shops coming along and I hope its an investment that might pay its own cost over the long run. My first concern is the obvious bow in that lower bar. I'v never herd of this brand and thought I might come here to those experienced for any reviews pro or con. Take a look and tell me what you think. http://jacksontn.craigslist.org/tls/5650280780.html
Find yourself an old Southbend, LaBlonde, Clausing, you can still get parts/manuals for the old American Lathes. Alot of imports came in, some good, some bad, German/Japanese stuff good, early China imports bad, some of the Taiwan is OK. I was in Tool&Die/Pattern Shop business for 36 years, trade 50 years, bought American machine's only, tried some cheaper import and was very disappointed in quality, there are quality import machines, not cheap. Not familiar w/ brand your asking about, suggest you check internet for parts, manuals, etc. This free advice is worth the price you paid. Good luck on your hunt for equipment.
Looks like someone pulled up too far and pushed in the front and that lower bar. It might just be cosmetic damage. I don't know anything about it or the brand, maybe somebody will chime in for you.
I don't have any first hand experience with Jima lathes but I don't think the bent rod is a big deal. Most likely bent when being lifted with a strap. The two drive shafts that power the feeds look OK to me. You need to look at the lathe before you buy it. The price is right but it may actually be more lathe than a home hobbyist needs, can accommodate and power. I did a quick Google search and there is quite a bit of information on line. Think the importer is http://www.sterlingmachinery.com/db-files/JIMA-C-SERIES.pdf
That's a lot of lathe for a home shop. What power requirements does it have? For 2K you can find plenty of older kit ready to go with tooling. I have less than 900 bucks in my atlas. Came with 3 chucks, insert tools, steady rest and gears for thread cutting. Runs on 110V and doesn't take up too much space. If you are just starting out I would look for something a little more compact and complete. If you do go for it if be interested in how involved the repair is. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Ran them all, great machines, American Pacemaker is also a good one. The problem with most small lathes is there is no manual clutch (lever). Makes for interestig tapping.
That size of lathe makes 110v improbable, but if the JIMA lathe is 220 single phase (here again, probably not) you should be able to wire it in without too much trouble. If it's 220 3-ph, you're looking at buying a phase converter; upwards to $900. Some will say that a solid-state converter will be OK. It won't .... due to the fact that there's not a separate clutch as DDDenny mentioned, because the motor that's turning everything is at maximum torque requirement when the lever is engaged. This lever is just to the right of the apron. It is also the means of reversing; in most lathes of that configuration/size. Looks like the bent shaft is for setting trips or stops. The coolant pan would need attention too. For home use, a 14 x 40 single phase would be ideal.....IF you've got the room Even those weigh in at approx 2,000 lbs Apparently the JIMA is of Chinese design built in Alabama. Don't know if that's still the case.
That photo may be distorted by the camera lens. One thing at 4950 lbs and 97 inches long that isn't a little unit that your and your bud are going to load in the back of a half ton truck. It will take some work to move.
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