Thread: possible early flat bed Hercus in Canberra

Anyone interested in a 1930's flat bed lathe, possible a Hercus 4" or 5" centre height. I had an email from a lady in Canberra wanting to dispose of her late fathers lathe. With the pictures she sent me it is impossible to tell what it is, although it seems very similar to an early Hercus from the little I can see.
If anyone in the ACT is interested in having a look at it and advising the owner on what her options are or possibly make her an offer, send me a PM. This is a model of Hercus that there is not much information on so I would be very interested in anything that could be found out to verify the maker is in fact Hercus.
Mal

Hi Mal, pity the supplied photo is indistinct, makes an id difficult.

Mal, has the history of Hercus been written up in detail. For example when did they start and by whom?

What affiliation did Hercus have with Southbend?

Any info you have would be great.

Ken

Originally Posted by neksmerj

Hi Mal, pity the supplied photo is indistinct, makes an id difficult.

Mal, has the history of Hercus been written up in detail. For example when did they start and by whom?

What affiliation did Hercus have with Southbend?

Any info you have would be great.

Ken

Ken,
See the thread " A few photos of the old Hercus plant". I had a short conversation with Peter Hercus.

Wonder whats at the tail of the bed. Added extended bed perhaps?

Could be just a place to put his tailstock to get it out of the way, but still engaged,when not in use.

Possibly suggest to the Canberra lass that she take night flash photos of the lathe. That window will wash out any day shots.

Unfortuneately she does live near the machine or I would. If no one else is interested I'll go down and take a look myself, if it looks genuine I might add it to the collection.

Originally Posted by allterrain50

Unfortuneately she does live near the machine or I would. If no one else is interested I'll go down and take a look myself, if it looks genuine I might add it to the collection.

I'm sorta local, could go have a look for you ? try PM Im not here often.

I decided rather than muck people around I'd go myself.

no worries................

There are some problems identifying these early models. Any owners of the Bar bed, 4" gap bed and 5" gap bed models who can supply comprehensive detailed photos and serial numbers would be a great help in completing the information on these 1930's models.
Also any of the other of the early Hercus manufactured machinery. I would love to be able to list all the details their machines in detail from 1924-now. Picture of the Hercus 5" centre height lathe circa 1939 from the Hercus 50 year book.

It is a pity you are so far away. If it was a special one, I would grind the bed for you for nothing so it could be restored to look as new.