Craftsmen Model 11323881 lathe

Attachments are basically interchangable for the most part.

You probably have #2 or #3 morse taper in the spindle and a thread on the outside. I can’t recall the sizes
but it’s a common size.

Others here will be able to tell you for sure.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

See if this link works for you

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/retrieveModelActionHome!retrieve.action;jsessionid=lu2nsE7wo8dODGKHzwxBgQ**.shcapp3005?modelNumber=11323881+&pop=flush

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Thanks. I will do some more checking. In other words if I took one of my tapers in to a store they could direct me to a faceplate or chuck that would work? Of course, I have plenty of learning and practice to do just on long spindle type stuff with the tail and head and the parts I already have : )

-- Kevin, Blue Springs, MO

See if you can locate a wood turning club in your state. You might find a want-ad source through them.

Also try www.partsdirect.com or www.toolpartsdirect.com. Put in your lathe model number and the schematic should show you what you’re looking for and whether it’s available. You could also check for the specific parts on Ebay. And then I’d put the part name into Google and see what they link you to. Every now and then you find an oddball supplier who’s got exactly what you need. Good luck!

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

Grizzly has a good selection of lathe parts. I’m not sure of the measurements for all of the tapers, but I know the #1 goes up to 3/4”. I’m not big on turning, so my knowledge is limited.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

You guys are great. Thanks for all the good advice.

-- Kevin, Blue Springs, MO

Looks like I have a 1 morse taper (whatever that means : ) rather than a two or three. Is the diameter bigger as the numbers go up? Or down? The schematic from WayneC’s very helpful link does not show a faceplate or chuck as an option, so I guess it will have to be third party or Sears made for another model and happens to work. Does the faceplate or chuck thread on to the spindle or insert in the spindle like the tapers?

Probably some of my questions don’t even make sense as I am not even certain I am using the right terms. Thanks in advance for your patience.

-- Kevin, Blue Springs, MO

Kevin, the numbers go up, ie #2 is larger than a #1. Another source for lathe parts is Penn State Industries.
http://www.pennstateind.com/ Also, if you have any questions, like about morse tapers and such, the tech line at Grizzly is very helpful.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

I just looked at your chairs. Those are great looking pieces. Thanks for all the tips.

-- Kevin, Blue Springs, MO

Thanks, Kevin. Appreciate it. Also, I found you some information on Morse tapers. #1 tapers from .369” – .475” #2 tapers from .572” – .700” #3 tapers from .778 – .938”
If you have an older lathe, most of the time they are #1. I have an old lathe, might be Craftsman, doesn’t have a name on it anywhere. I just know it’s old and a light brown color, but it works for what I need it for.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

Let me caution you!
Once you take one “puff” of turning you will be well on you way to becoming addicted to the craft.
You can have a lot of lfun with these older lathes without too much extra equipment.
But, you will be “jonesing” for a new “this” and a new “that” each time you finish up a job with your lathe.

Now don’t say you havent been warned and go out there and have some fun!

Bob

-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner

Bob is right. I used to do turnings for my Dad when I was a kid. Of course, I was just doing chimp work reproducing broken chair parts for furniture he was restoring. Went almost 30 years before I bought the lathe that I have now. The only thing I turn is the adjusting knobs for my Morris chairs. But I will admit, I spend a considerable amount of time looking at turned bowls and vases. I’ve been checking out the burls and stumps of trees in my yard. Maybe I’ll be able to resist :o}

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

Unfortunately I have been fighting a flu, so haven’t done much in the shop. Have done some reading while recuperating about lathe work. Probably best to read up some first anyhow rather than knocking my head off with doing something stupid. I did remount the lathe motor today and did a few things but quickly lost steam. Trying to maintain a focus on a dresser I am building as a long overdue wedding gift to my stepdaughter. But hopefully I can get the “addiction” before too long!

-- Kevin, Blue Springs, MO

chucked in some old junk wood tonight and gave it the first whirl. It definitely isn’t as easy as it looks, but I had a lot of fun. I knew that old cedar board I tore off the deck last summer would be good for something! I will turn it all into dust pretty much just for practice!

-- Kevin, Blue Springs, MO