Harrison L5’s

[Bill MullParticipant @billmull]

Hi all,
Now I ve got space for a workshop I ve been keeping an eye on the classifieds for a lathe.

I’ be seen several Harrison L5s for sale for reasonable prices, usually much cheaper than Colchesters or other brands.
I know the L5 is an old lathe at this stage but are they a decent home workshop machine?
From research online I notice some versions have limited spindle speeds and an unusual chuck fitting.
Anyway your opinion is welcome.

[Bill MullParticipant @billmull]

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

I have had an L5A for many years and have had no reason to want anything else instead.

I have a Myford S7 and a Pultra 1770 as well, but for moving metal at a decent rate the Harrison is my go to lathe.

Phil

[JonParticipant @jon]

The 11" and 140 are a much better machine especially if fitted with the Norton box but make sure the hard to obtain change wheels are present.

In many ways I prefer to the latest M series that have spindle start, just love the clutch operation and beefier build.

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

I make most of my boiler parts on my L5 but it does have some issues – the hole through the headstock is very small (never measured it) so very restricted in terms of putting decent size bar into it, and the top speed on mine is half what I would like it to be – but otherwise its bomb proof.

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