I mentioned to a friend that I was getting the Sidney Lathe. He said I could have this lathe to do whatever I wanted with.If it ever had a carriage it is missing.
Some turret lathes have long handled wheels (think drill press) to move the turret along the bed. This one seems to have a bar welded to it for that purpose.
The ways on this lathe are much lighter than on the Sidney.
EDIT: It is a die head. Sort of like a die head in modern terms. For threading.
Whatever it is mounted to the spindle is interesting. Sort of looks like a large Jacobs style chuck. Notice the finger grips on the rim.
EDIT: Later learned that this is a nice if dated HARDINGE 22J COLLET CHUCK
It has been converted to V belt drive. Notice the missing gear tooth.
Oilers are missing.
The front bearing seems to be a multi part, maybe cone, tightened by that notched ring ahead of the bearing.
The rear looks to be a standard split bronze bushing. The cover for the headstock is in the chip tray.
EDIT: With the spindle off I found both bearings are solid not split. Managed to free them.
I don't have any plans for this lathe but it looks to be a simple lathe and except for the missing tooth maybe simple to fix.
EDIT: Talk about things the bite you. Far from simple.
"DRIVE Cone, 3 steps, largest 11" diameter. 3" belt. Friction back gears. 12 changes of spindle speed forward, 30 to 450 revolutions per minute; 6 backward, 63 to 450 revolutions per minute. Speeds in geometrical progression. 4 forward speeds always instantly available, without shifting belt."
Even worse all 3 or 4 levers are missing from the front of the machine.
Maybe a crazy idea but perhaps it could live outside under a tarp and use a gas engine. If it proves to be useful enough it could be moved in side and given more TLC. Just thinking.
November 11
My BX will not even lift the countershaft stand. In an attempt to lighten the lathe in general I am removing parts. Today I removed the collet chuck by separating it from the back plate. A 3/8" rachet and an allen socket did the trick. They were not too difficult to remove.
Started removing the spindle so I could free the belts between it and the motor stand. Managed to loosen the tailstock bearing cap screws by double nutting the strange bolts. Did not try to loosen the bearing cap. Thinking one should back off the spanner nut first. Did not attempt the front where there is brazing in a hole where the bolt should be. Gorilla snot.
To my great surprise the tailstock including turret came free by loosening the grippers that held it to the bed. This is a rod that extends through the bed and comes out the other side.
This thing is heavy. I just managed to drag it from the lathe bed to the truck bed. Once home I moved it from the truck to the loader bucket and from there to a dolly. It must weigh quite a bit because the tractor's rear wheels did not have any traction with it in the bucket. Thinking at least 300 lbs.
This thing is a brute. I may need the engine crane to handle it.
I moved the parts washer to the machine shop and washed the disassembled chuck with tide and dawn. Could not find the purple power. It did not remove all the grease but most of the dirt is gone.
If that ring with the balls in it is a bearing there is a good chance it is ruined.
EDIT: This is a thrust bearing and although there is some rusting it maybe servicable.
EDIT: This is a thrust bearing and although there is some rusting it maybe servicable.
The cleaner chuck. The hand wheel now works as it should to tighten the collet.
The entire thing is going to need to be cleaned better. Maybe with hotter water, better soap or worst case brake cleaner.
Thinking about putting a dish washer in the shop for cleaning parts. Just need to rig up a pump and heater because the shop has no water.
EDIT: Cleaned and reassembled using grease. Need to wash the grease out and replace with oil.
