South bend SB1012 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

L
Luis MartinNov 21, 2025
What to do if my South bend Lathe does not start?
- S
  Samuel JacksonNov 21, 2025
  If your South bend Lathe doesn't start, several issues could be the cause. First, ensure the emergency stop push-button is disengaged by rotating it clockwise until it pops out. Next, check that the spindle ON/OFF switch is in the ON position. Also, verify that the main power switch and circuit breaker are turned ON. It's also possible a fuse has blown in the machine's electrical box due to thermal overload, so replace the fuse. Make sure that electrical box door, chuck guard, spindle, and brake switches are not engaged and that headstock oil is pumping. Check that the thermal overload relay has tripped; if so, turn the thermal relay cut-out dial to increase working amps and push the reset pin. If these steps don't resolve the issue, there may be a short in the electrical system, a faulty ...
R
Ryan HowardAug 25, 2025
How to stop my South bend SB1012 from vibrating?
- L
  Laura GarciaAug 26, 2025
  To stop your South bend Lathe from vibrating, start by ensuring the workpiece is balanced and centered within the spindle bore. Check for loose or damaged belts and tighten or replace them as needed. Make sure the V-belt pulleys are properly aligned. Inspect the gears for wear or breakage and replace if necessary. Rebalance the chuck or faceplate. Adjust gears and establish backlash. Also, check if the workpiece is hitting any stationary object. Finally, inspect the spindle bearings.
A
Alexis SchultzAug 27, 2025
How to improve the surface finish on my South bend SB1012?
- O
  ortizjessicaAug 27, 2025
  To improve the surface finish on your South bend Lathe, adjust the spindle speed and feed rate to the appropriate settings. Ensure your tooling is sharp and suitable for the operation. Adjust the tool height to the center line. Also, tighten the gibs.
S
Stephanie HillAug 27, 2025
Why is the carriage on my South bend SB1012 hard to move?
- M
  Matthew ConwayAug 27, 2025
  If the carriage on your South bend Lathe is hard to move, first check that all gears are engaged by adjusting the gear levers. Ensure the carriage lock bolt is fully released and that the screw on the feed handle is tightened. Clean away any chips that have loaded up on the bedways and lubricate the bedways and handles. Make sure the carriage stop isn't interfering. Also, check the gibs and loosen the gib screw(s) slightly if they are too tight.
A
Amanda RobinsonAug 28, 2025
What to do if headstock oil does not flow in my South bend SB1012 Lathe?
- T
  tamararobbinsAug 29, 2025
  If the headstock oil in your South bend Lathe isn't flowing correctly, and it's the first time operating the machine, ensure it's wired in phase. Check that the emergency stop push-button is disengaged and the main power switch and circuit breaker are turned ON. Ensure there's sufficient oil in the headstock oil tank and that you're using the correct type of oil. Clean the suction screen, and inspect the oil lines for any pinches or damage, replacing them if necessary. Also, look for any leaks and reseal/replace affected components.
V
vhillSep 22, 2025
Why is my workpiece tapered on my South bend SB1012?
- J
  Jennifer ScottSep 22, 2025
  If your workpiece is tapered on your South bend Lathe, the headstock and tailstock may not be properly aligned with each other. Realign the tailstock to the headstock spindle bore centerline.
M
Matthew CollinsSep 16, 2025
How to remove a stuck tapered tool from my South bend SB1012 tailstock?
- C
  Carrie BergerSep 16, 2025
  If a tapered tool is difficult to remove from the tailstock quill of your South bend Lathe, ensure the quill is fully retracted. Turn the quill handwheel until it forces the taper out. Also, check for contaminants on the taper before inserting it into the quill; clean the taper and bore before re-installing the tapered tool.
X
Xavier KingSep 18, 2025
Why won't the chuck jaws move on my South bend SB1012 Lathe?
- D
  dianegarciaSep 18, 2025
  If the chuck jaws on your South bend Lathe will not move or do not move easily, it is likely due to chips lodged in the jaws or scroll plate. Remove the jaws, clean and lubricate the scroll plate, and then replace the jaws.
R
Ralph MedinaSep 8, 2025
How to fix vibrations in my South bend Lathe?
- J
  Jennifer JohnsonSep 8, 2025
  If your South bend Lathe vibrates upon startup or while running, consider these potential causes: * The workpiece may be unbalanced, so try to reinstall it as centered as possible with the spindle bore. * Check for loose or damaged belts and tighten or replace them as needed. * Ensure the V-belt pulleys are properly aligned. * Inspect for worn or broken gears and replace if necessary. * Rebalance the chuck or faceplate. * Adjust gears and establish backlash. Also, make sure the workpiece isn't hitting any stationary objects. Finally, inspect the spindle bearings and either adjust the preload or replace them if worn.
C
Cheryl WarnerSep 4, 2025
Why are the chuck jaws on my South bend SB1012 Lathe stuck?
- K
  Kevin TrujilloSep 4, 2025
  If the chuck jaws on your South bend Lathe will not move or do not move easily, it's possible that chips are lodged in the jaws or scroll plate. Remove the jaws, clean and lubricate the scroll plate, then replace the jaws.

Summary

Scope of Manual

Manual Feedback

Updates

Customer Service

INTRODUCTION

About These Machines

Overview of the lathe's history, design, and features.

SAFETY

Understanding Risks of Machinery

Identifies potential hazards and signals used in the manual.

Basic Machine Safety

Outlines essential safety practices for machine operation.

PREPARATION

Preparation Overview

Outlines the basic steps for preparing the lathe for operation.

Inventory

Cleaning & Protecting

Location

Physical Environment

Details environmental requirements for safe and optimal operation.

Electrical Installation

Guidelines for connecting the machine to a power source.

Lighting

Specifies adequate lighting requirements for safe operation.

Weight Load

Considers machine, equipment, and workpiece weight for placement.

Space Allocation

Recommends space for operator movement and auxiliary equipment.

Lifting & Moving

Leveling & Mounting

Leveling

Describes the process and tools for accurate leveling.

Assembly

Lubricating Lathe

Adding Cutting Fluid

Power Connection

SB1012 (220 V 3-Phase)

Specifies electrical requirements for the SB1012 model.

SB1014, SB1037 (220 V 3-Phase)

Specifies electrical requirements for SB1014 and SB1037 models.

SB1013 (440 V 3-Phase)

Specifies electrical requirements for the SB1013 model.

SB1015, SB1038 (440 V 3-Phase)

Specifies electrical requirements for SB1015 and SB1038 models.

Connecting Power Cord to Lathe

Hardwiring Lathe to Power Source

Correcting Out-of-Phase Wiring

Test Run

Spindle Speed Controls

Gearbox Range Lever

Spindle ON;OFF Lever

Main Power Switch

Spindle Break-In

Recommended Adjustments

Operation Overview

Description of Controls & Components

Main Power Switch

Identifies and describes the main power switch.

Headstock Controls

Explains the various controls located on the headstock.

Carriage Controls

Details the controls related to the carriage movement.

Control Panel

Cutting Fluid Flow Control Lever

Controls the flow of cutting fluid from the nozzle.

Compound Slide Handwheel

Operates the compound slide and includes a graduated scale.

Carriage Lock Bolt

Secures the carriage for rigidity and accuracy.

Tailstock Controls

Foot Brake

Describes the function and operation of the foot brake.

Chuck & Faceplate Mounting

Removing Chuck or Faceplate

Step-by-step guide for safely removing chucks and faceplates.

Mounting Chuck or Faceplate

Installing and Adjusting Camlock Studs

Guide for installing and adjusting camlock studs for proper mounting.

3-Jaw Chuck

Changing Jaws

Steps for changing jaws on the 3-jaw chuck.

Mounting Workpiece

Procedure for securely mounting a workpiece in the 3-jaw chuck.

4-Jaw Chuck

Mounting Workpiece

Procedure for securely mounting a workpiece in the 4-jaw chuck.

Tailstock

Moving Along Bedway

Using Quill

Installing Tooling

Removing Tooling

Offsetting

Aligning

Faceplate

Mounting Workpiece with Clamps

Procedure for clamping workpieces onto the faceplate.

Mounting Workpiece Between Centers

Instructions for mounting workpieces between centers.

Centers

Mounting Dead Center in Spindle

Steps for installing a dead center in the spindle.

Dead Centers

Details on the use and characteristics of dead centers.

Live Centers

Details on the use and characteristics of live centers.

Removing Center from Spindle

Mounting Center in Tailstock

Removing Center from Tailstock

Steady Rest

Follow Rest

Compound Slide

To set the compound slide at a certain angle

Steps to set the compound slide to a specific angle.

Four-Way Tool Post

Aligning Cutting Tool with Tailstock Center

Adjustable Apron Stop System

Carriage Stop

Manual Feed

Carriage Handwheel

Moves the carriage along the bed.

Cross Slide Handwheel

Moves the cross slide toward or away from the work.

Compound Slide Handwheel

Controls the position of the cutting tool.

Spindle Speed

Determining Spindle Speed

Factors affecting spindle speed and calculation methods.

Setting Spindle Speed

Power Feed

Power Feed Controls

To use the quick change feed direction knob

Instructions for reversing feed direction.

To engage the power feed

Steps to engage power feed for carriage or cross slide.

Understanding Thread & Feed Rate Chart

Positioning Gearbox Levers

End Gear Setup

Normal Position

Describes the gear setup for normal operations.

Alternate Position

Describes the gear setup for modular and diametral pitch turning.

Configuring End Gears

Step-by-step guide to change gear positions.

Threading Controls

Power Feed Lever

Correct position of the feed control lever for threading.

Half Nut Lever

Engages carriage with leadscrew for threading.

Thread Dial & Chart Overview

Using Thread Dial and Chart

TPI 4-72 Divisible By 4

Using the thread dial for TPI divisible by four.

TPI 2-54 Not Divisible By 4

Using the thread dial for TPI not divisible by four.

Odd Numbered TPI

Using the thread dial for odd numbered TPI.

1⁄2 Fractional TPI

Using the thread dial for 1/2 fractional TPI.

Other Fractional TPI

27⁄8 TPI

Chip Drawer

Cutting Fluid System

Adding Fluid

Step-by-step instructions for adding cutting fluid.

Hazards

Potential biological and poison hazards associated with cutting fluid.

Changing Cutting Fluid

Machine Storage

To prepare your machine for short-term storage (up to a year)

Steps for preparing the machine for storage up to one year.

To prepare your machine for long-term storage (a year or more)

Steps for preparing the machine for storage over one year.

Backlash Adjustment

Compound Leadscrew

Adjusting backlash on the compound leadscrew.

Cross Slide Leadscrew

Adjusting backlash on the cross slide leadscrew.

Leadscrew End Play Adjustment

Gib Adjustment

Half Nut Adjustment

Feedrod Clutch Adjustment

V-Belts

Brake & Switch

Leadscrew Shear Pin Replacement

Gap Removal & Installation

Machine does not start or a circuit breaker trips.

Loud, repetitious noise coming from lathe at or near the motor.

Diagnosing and fixing noisy motor operations.

Motor overheats.

Troubleshooting steps for an overheating motor.

Motor is loud when cutting, or bogs down under load.

Diagnosing causes for a loud or bogging motor during cutting.

Entire machine vibrates upon startup and while running.

Bad surface finish.

Troubleshooting steps for achieving a good surface finish.

Tapered tool difficult to remove from tailstock quill.

Resolving issues with removing tapered tools from the tailstock.

Cross slide, compound, or carriage feed has sloppy operation.

Adjusting gibs and other components for smooth feed operation.

Cross slide, compound, or carriage feed handwheel is hard to move.

Troubleshooting steps when handwheels are difficult to move.

Cutting tool or machine components vibrate excessively during cutting.

Addressing excessive vibration during cutting operations.

Chuck jaws will not move or do not move easily.

Carriage will not feed, or is hard to move.

Headstock oil does not flow or circulate properly.

Workpiece is tapered.

Warranty

SPECIFICATIONS

Model SB1014

Product Dimensions:

Physical dimensions of the lathe.

Shipping Dimensions:

Dimensions of the lathe when crated for shipping.

Electrical:

Electrical power source and connection requirements.

Motors:

Details on the main and lubrication motors.

Lubrication

Lubrication type and specifications.

Coolant

Main Specifications:

Operation Information

Key operational measurements and travel distances.

Headstock Information

Detailed specifications about the headstock and spindle.

Tailstock Info

Specifications for the tailstock travel and taper.

Threading Info

Information on available thread pitches and feed rates.

Dimensions

Construction

Other Specifications:

Features:

Accessories Included:

Optional Accessories:

Model SB1015

Product Dimensions:

Physical dimensions of the lathe.

Shipping Dimensions:

Dimensions of the lathe when crated for shipping.

Electrical:

Electrical power source and connection requirements.

Motors:

Details on the main and lubrication motors.

Lubrication

Lubrication type and specifications.

Coolant

Main Specifications:

Operation Information

Key operational measurements and travel distances.

Headstock Information

Detailed specifications about the headstock and spindle.

Tailstock Info

Specifications for the tailstock travel and taper.

Threading Info

Information on available thread pitches and feed rates.

Dimensions

Construction

Other Specifications:

Features:

Accessories Included:

Optional Accessories:

Scope of Manual

Manual Feedback

Updates

Customer Service

Electrical Safety Instructions

Shock Hazard:

Warning about the dangers of working with live electrical sources.

Wire Connections:

Emphasis on ensuring tight and secure electrical connections.

Modifications:

Warnings against unauthorized wiring modifications.

Circuit Requirements:

Requirement to follow power source connection guidelines.

Capacitors;Inverters:

Safety precautions regarding stored electrical charges.

Wire;Component Damage:

Risks associated with damaged wires or components.

Wiring Overview

Component Location Index

Electrical Box Wiring

Electrical Box

220 V Spindle Motor

440 V Spindle Motor

220 V Oil Pump Motor & Pressure Sensor

440 V Oil Pump Motor & Pressure Sensor

220 V Coolant Pump Wiring

440 V Coolant Pump Wiring

Control Panel Wiring

Spindle Rotation Switch

220 V Power Connection

440 V Power Connection

Additional Component Wiring

Spindle RPM Sensor and Door Limit Switch Location

Visual identification of RPM sensor and door limit switch.

Brake Limit Switch Location

Visual identification of the brake limit switch.

Chuck Guard Limit Switch

Visual identification of the chuck guard limit switch.

Warranty

Scope of Manual

Manual Feedback

Updates

Customer Service

Headstock Casing

Headstock Controls

Headstock Controls Parts List

Headstock Upper Gearing

Headstock Upper Gearing Parts List

Headstock Transfer Gearing

Gearbox Gearing

Gearbox Gearing Parts List

Gearbox Controls

Gearbox Controls Parts List

Apron - Front View

Apron - Front View Parts List

Apron - Rear View

Apron - Rear View Parts List

Dial Indicator

Carriage Stop

Compound Slide & Tool Post

Saddle Body & Controls

Saddle Body & Controls Parts List

Saddle Base

Bed & Shafts

Bed & Shafts Parts List

End Gears

Motor Assembly

Motor Assembly Parts List

Cabinets & Panels

Cabinets & Panels Parts List

Headstock Oiling System

Headstock Oiling System Parts List

Tailstock

Tailstock Parts List

Steady Rest

Follow Rest

Electrical Cabinet & Control Panel

Electrical Cabinet & Control Panel Parts List

Accessories

Machine Labels (Front View)

Machine Labels (Rear View)

South bend SB1012 Specifications

General

Model	SB1012
Swing Over Bed	12 inches
Distance Between Centers	36 inches
Spindle Speed Range	70 - 1400 RPM
Spindle Speed	Variable
Spindle Taper	MT#4
Motor Power	2 HP
Voltage	220V

South bend SB1012 - User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

Summary

Scope of Manual

Manual Feedback

Updates

Customer Service

INTRODUCTION

About These Machines

SAFETY

Understanding Risks of Machinery

Basic Machine Safety

PREPARATION

Preparation Overview

Inventory

Cleaning & Protecting

Location

Physical Environment

Electrical Installation

Lighting

Weight Load

Space Allocation

Lifting & Moving

Leveling & Mounting

Leveling

Assembly

Lubricating Lathe

Adding Cutting Fluid

Power Connection

SB1012 (220 V 3-Phase)

SB1014, SB1037 (220 V 3-Phase)

SB1013 (440 V 3-Phase)

SB1015, SB1038 (440 V 3-Phase)

Connecting Power Cord to Lathe

Hardwiring Lathe to Power Source

Correcting Out-of-Phase Wiring

Test Run

Spindle Speed Controls

Gearbox Range Lever

Spindle ON;OFF Lever

Main Power Switch

Spindle Break-In

Recommended Adjustments

Operation Overview

Description of Controls & Components

Main Power Switch

Headstock Controls

Carriage Controls

Control Panel

Cutting Fluid Flow Control Lever

Compound Slide Handwheel

Carriage Lock Bolt

Tailstock Controls

Foot Brake

Chuck & Faceplate Mounting

Removing Chuck or Faceplate

Mounting Chuck or Faceplate

Installing and Adjusting Camlock Studs

3-Jaw Chuck

Changing Jaws

Mounting Workpiece

4-Jaw Chuck

Mounting Workpiece

Tailstock

Moving Along Bedway

Using Quill

Installing Tooling

Removing Tooling

Offsetting

Aligning

Faceplate

Mounting Workpiece with Clamps

Mounting Workpiece Between Centers

Centers

Mounting Dead Center in Spindle

Dead Centers

Live Centers

Removing Center from Spindle

Mounting Center in Tailstock