Thread: Nuttall Herbert 6.5 x 40 cone head lathe

Hi all, I'm new to machining and the forum so hi to all from me in Australia. I am after some advise, I have the opportunity to buy this 1940s Nuttall Herbert lathe for $500 which is in good condition however has no tailstock. I'm not a purist and not concerned about adapting a tailstock from another machine but don't really know if that is a good option or if I should just pass and keep looking for another lathe. I like the idea of having and restoring an old wartime machine and keeping it alive however I don't want to spend more than the lathe is worth to have it. Any advise would be greatly appreciatedScreenshot_20220305-205819_Chrome.jpgScreenshot_20220305-205839_Chrome.jpg thanks

To me a latge without a tailstock is worthless, adapting one will be a mammoth pain in the ass and even when you finish that the machine is fairly limited. I started with a newer Nutall than that a while ago and they are fine machines but that one can go to the ladle.

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Agreed. You need a tailstock and the chances of finding the right one out there somewhere are vanishingly small.
I can't think of the last time I used the lathe but did not use the T/S at some stage while making the part, whether for drilling or holding a centre.

Michael

One other thing to note, i bet its also missing its change gears and the fact that there is paint a lot of places it isnt supposed to doesnt augur well.

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Hi

Those early Nuttall cone head lathes turn up regularly for sale on the usual sites - Gumtree and Ebay . That one pictured is only good for use as a spare parts donor, the motor mount isn't original . It might be worth offering $200 for it as scrap value and a better example will turn up later on that you can actually use.

Welcome to the forum.