Late Model Nuttal Lathes

[Pez]

Is there much knowledge in the forums on the later Kirby made Nuttal Lathes?

I'm interested in a generation 350 to replace an import lathe that has too many bad memories. The Nuttal appears to be sturdy and have a proper clutch type drive, but beyond that I haven't found much out.

Thanks to a search I've contacted the bloke who owns all the original drawings and manuals which will help some once I get a copy across.

Anyone run these later lathes, and if so what are your thoughts?

[morrisman]

Hi How many hp does it need to run it and do you have 3 phase power connected ?

[caskwarrior]

I have, they really are just the early models in new clothing, which isnt a bad thing they are a heavily built perfectly functional machine, the later machines all got d1-6 camlock spindles too which is nice. The only thing it wont have on your import is spindle speed.

To be frank i wouldn't necessarily think it would be any better than a good import, although the way they engage the sliding/surfacing speeds is quite nice.

[Pez]

Thanks for the feedback. I have three phase etc so should be alright.

The import lathe is basically an AL336, about 6 months old and single phase but I'm just not into it.

I've got plenty of space so could fit up to a 1500mm BC lathe if a good one presented itself, but don't really need it for what I'm doing.

Main aim is something solid/rigid, good condition, clutch drive with a proper threading gearbox.

[Oldneweng]

I used to have a Nuttall with a clutch and I found it very useful although towards the end the brake was getting worn and required pressure to apply it rather than just releasing the lever. Having said that my current lathe does not have a clutch, but it does have a foot brake which works very well and I am quite happy with this arrangement.

Dean

[Pez]

Appears this is a bust. It's had at least two hard crashes, and for the asking price & shipping I'm not game to chance it.

[.RC.]

Nuttall appeared to do a redesign of their lathes starting in the mid 1960's with the introduction of the series 17 and series 20, which I think were just imperial versions of the later generation series which were metric lathes. Prior to that they changed little over the years. They did make incremental improvements over the years, from screw on chucks to camlocks.

[OldRustyToolie]

The D1-6 spindle nose was on Nuttall lathes from at least 1962. The Kirby Nuttall lathes had some problems with non keyed gears inside the headstock and it was not uncommon to have these pressed on gears come loose on their spindle.

The 350 was a good general lathe lathe but many are out here which have been used and abused by apprentices at TAFE Colleges so beware of hidden damage from their many crashes!

[Pez]

Thanks for the tips - I suspect that's what happened to this one.