Thread: Hercus Tail Stock Oiling

Answer for Ken,dont know how to send pics separately.

Ken was in the middle of using the lathe pic shows blind hole no plug ever been there and a small oiling hole on the top near the wheel to lube the shaft.
Hope that helps. Regards Peter

Hi Pete,

I see your oiler is missing also, as per your photo.

Perhaps another kind member can suggest what the oiler was for, and what it looks like. It is mentioned in the Hercus spare parts list as item No. 15, however, the picture of it too small to make out any detail.

Ken

My understanding is the oiler is used to oil the tail stock centre to pervent wear and binding on the work piece. If you are using a live centre oiling isn't required.

Below is a photo of my oiler which is the original, they are easy to make if you feel you need one.

Hi Speedie,

Yep, that looks like it. Just to save me a bit of guess work, what dia is the domed knob, dia of the waist below the knob, dia of the top shoulder, dia of pointed bit, and overall length? The rest can be guestimated!

Would like to make one as close to original as possible.

Looks like I'm going to need a ball turning tool after all.

Many thanks,

Ken

I think if you delve into it you will find they were for applying white lead to the dead centre.

Originally Posted by pipeclay

I think if you delve into it you will find they were for applying white lead to the dead centre.

Correct , white lead or red lead mixed with oil was stored in the little pot that the oiler nib fits into .
It was used as a lubricant for the dead centre.


Kev

Ken, I've got a few WWll era videos made by the South Bend Lathe works showing this oil dauber in use. These videos are long out of copyright-I'll be glad to burn them to a disc for you. They are typical of the period, and provide good info on plain turning, screw cutting and other operations. Since the South Bend was a Hercus copy the basic details are all correct.

Greg

Hi Greg,

That's jolly decent of you, I accept your offer.

Please let me know when it's convenient to call in for a cuppa.

Although off topic, have you made any progress on your Hercus fibre glass guards?

Ken

No progress yet, Ken...between chores here at home and work I've had no time at all. I'm going to go buy some supplies tomorrow and try to get started at least.

Cheers

Greg

Sorry Ken,

I've not been able to get the dimensions of the oiler for you.
I'll do it for you this week.

Noticed the progress in the paint job. The tail stock is still bereft an oiler,personally I think it would be as useful as milk appendages on a bull. Another expression a running board on your car,however watched an escape movie with the soccer star Pele in it recently the other guy broke out on the off side running board of a car perhaps you have some devilish scheme to escape to the workshop using the dinosaur oiler.
The paint and colour are going on well.Will you convert the spare room into a workshop?

Merry Xmas to all. Peter

Originally Posted by neksmerj

Just to save me a bit of guess work, what dia is the domed knob (10.90mm), dia of the waist below the knob (4.85mm), dia of the top shoulder (8.60), dia of pointed bit (3.35mm), and overall length (29.5mm)? The rest can be guestimated!

Hope this helps, Ken.



Speedy

Hi Speedy,

From your dimensions, I have knocked up a quick drawing.

Some of the dims have been rationalised to the nearest imperial size, then metricated.

I needed a drawing, so thought I would share it with others.

This part would look great in polished brass.

Ken

Originally Posted by neksmerj

Hi Speedy,

From your dimensions, I have knocked up a quick drawing.

Some of the dims have been rationalised to the nearest imperial size, then metricated.

I needed a drawing, so thought I would share it with others.

This part would look great in polished brass.

Ken

Ken, put the dimensions back to Imperial. This is how they were originally.

Den

Hi Cub3,

Attached is another drawing for those who prefer to work in imperial units.

Ken