Below is a professional, buyer-oriented checklist to help you evaluate a pre-owned / used / surplus / second-hand King Model 52 Vertical Turret Lathe (52″ table) made in USA — structured so you can make a smart, low-risk investment without regret.

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Smart Investment Checklist

Key Factors Before Buying a Pre-Owned King Model 52 Vertical Turret Lathe (52″ Table) – Made in USA

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1. Application Fit & Expected ROI

Before even inspecting the machine:

✔ Part size & weight

• Confirm that your maximum workpiece diameter and height fit within the machine’s table and swing.
• Make sure the table diameter (52″) and height under rail accommodate your parts.

✔ Material mix

• Heavy steels, ductile materials, castings?
• Denser materials require more rigidity and torque capacity.

✔ Production volume

• Is this for one-off work, batches, or full production?
• Ensure the benefit of reduced setup/time justifies the investment.

Rule: If the machine doesn’t directly improve throughput or quality, it’s not a good investment.

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2. Machine History & Documentation

Successful buyers always ask for:

✔ Manufacture date & serial number

• Cross-verify with King documentation or support if possible.

✔ Maintenance logs

• Date of last rebuild
• Spindle service
• Replaced wear components

✔ Usage history

• Hours or approximate running life
• Types of parts previously machined
• Crash or overload history

No records = higher risk.

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3. Mechanical Condition

This is where most buyers make or break their return on investment.

Bed & Guideways

✔ Check the vertical turret lathe bed for wear steps and straightness.
✔ Look for visible scores, rust pitting, or indicator backlash.

Uneven guideway wear significantly impacts large work accuracy and is expensive to regrind.

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Turret & Tooling

✔ Inspect turret indexing accuracy
✔ Check tool clamp strength and repeatability
✔ Test both head turrets (if dual)

Any wobble in the turret under load means lost accuracy.

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Spindle, Bearings & Rotating Elements

✔ Check spindle run-out with a test bar
✔ Listen for noise and vibration during rotation
✔ Inspect bearing condition (play, heat, noise)

Replacing spindle bearings on a VTL of this size is expensive and time-consuming.

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4. Electrical & Control System

Older machines often have mechanical longevity but outdated electronics.

✔ Main electrical cabinet

• Inspect for corrosion, dust, and heat damage
• Check wiring harness condition

✔ Control panel (retrofit possible)

• Is it original or has it been upgraded?
• Confirm display and axis feedback are working

✔ Safety systems

• E-Stops
• Limit switches
• Interlocks

A potentially faulty control system can kill productivity immediately.

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5. Accessories & Tooling Value

Part of a machine’s value lies in what comes with it.

Check if the machine includes:

✔ Faceplates
✔ Steady rests (fixed or traveling)
✔ Large chucks
✔ Boring heads
✔ Tool holders
✔ Manuals (electrical, mechanical)

Missing fixtures mean additional cost later.

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6. Parts Availability & Service Support

Before purchasing, verify:

✔ Are spare parts still made or stocked?
✔ Can local service techs repair turrets, spindles, and wear surfaces?
✔ Availability of specialized tooling blocks and adapters?

If parts need to come from overseas with long lead times, downtime costs will rise quickly.

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7. On-Site Test Cuts

Never buy a tall lathe unseen.

✔ Perform test cuts with representative parts
✔ Measure concentricity and surface finish
✔ Compare to required tolerances

A machine that cuts “pretty close” might still cost you reject parts and time.

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8. Transport & Installation Cost

Consider these hidden costs:

✔ Rigging and unloading (special lifting required)
✔ Floor foundation and leveling
✔ Power rewiring / upgrade
✔ Alignment and test cuts after installation

Often, rigging + installation can cost as much as the machine.

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9. Pricing & Negotiation Strategy

Professional buyers negotiate based on condition, not sticker price:

✔ Quantify wear on guideways and spindle
✔ Derate price based on electrical & control state
✔ If accessories are missing, deduct cost of replacements
✔ Factor transport and reinstallation into your offer

Only negotiate from data — not emotion.

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10. Contract Terms & Acceptance Criteria

Before signing:

✔ Define on-site acceptance tests
✔ Allow rejection if performance tests fail
✔ Secure a list of items expected to be delivered
✔ Set penalties for delivery delays

A well-written agreement protects your investment.

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Quick Buy Checklist (Printable)

• Table diameter & swing match requirement
• Bed wear evaluated with indicators
• Spindle run-out measured
• Turret indexing checked
• Electrical cabinet inspected
• Control panel tested
• Accessories inventoried
• Parts availability verified
• Test cuts performed
• Delivery & installation cost estimated

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Summary

The King Model 52 Vertical Turret Lathe (52″ table) – Made in USA is a heavy, precision machine with decades of proven service life — if it’s in good condition.
Focusing on mechanical health, documentation, accessories, and true operating capability ensures you buy a machine that adds value rather than liability.