Thread: 17 Leblond restoration?

I've noticed this machine on ebay for a while now, its almost too cheap to pass up. Large Metal Lathe 17 LeBlond make great wood lathe | eBay

Any comments on the idea of restoring would be appreciated. It would be a big job, but very possibly worth it. The biggest problem would be moving it......

I think it has potential to be a nice lathe . But it would cost a small fortune to move it , like minimum of $1000 . Cranes would be needed at both ends too load/unload it And , you would need a big shed to keep it in . Older Le Blonds have a very good reputation from what I understand . I used a newer le Blond at TAFE , about the same size as that one . Mike

"Would make a great wood lathe" could be read as 'unfit for intended purpose'. Very close inspection advised.

About 20 years ago I nearly bought a lathe like that, but now think back I am glad I didn't. The thing that killed the whole deal was getting a truck crane.

If this is your first you would be better off with a smaller lathe. This one wont have any sort of top speed for carbide and small jobs.

Dave

I do already have a smaller 10 x 28 machine but would like a larger machine. However moving this would be a far bigger job than the seller makes it out to be. The bed alone is 2600mm long and god knows how heavy. It caught my interest as leblonds tend to be made like tanks......and apparently just as heavy.

I had a Hercus at the time I looked at that one, but ended up buying a 12 x 36 lathe some years latter, and it does most ever job I need to do. Sometimes I with I had a bit bigger lathe, but I think no matter what size lathe you have you will always say that, LOL

Dave

Oh dear, Another machine.....
When the seller offered to transport it for $300, and sent me some 20 good close up pics i couldn't say no.
I don't think i'm quite prepared for the size of this one, just the thought that i could probably bolt my 10" x 28" in it and spin it round is a bit scarey.
It does seem to be missing the original compound slide, but has a rather home made (or
"agricultural" as my father would say) one. otherwise it is very complete, has original belt driven coolant pump but only a faceplate, so i'll probably spend more on chucks than the machine.
Now i just have to wait till next Friday, or maybe even the one after.

A new machine day is always a good day. Let us know what it's like when you get it, and don't forget the pictures.

Dave

Originally Posted by Ueee

Oh dear, Another machine.....
When the seller offered to transport it for $300, and sent me some 20 good close up pics i couldn't say no.
I don't think i'm quite prepared for the size of this one, just the thought that i could probably bolt my 10" x 28" in it and spin it round is a bit scarey.
It does seem to be missing the original compound slide, but has a rather home made (or
"agricultural" as my father would say) one. otherwise it is very complete, has original belt driven coolant pump but only a faceplate, so i'll probably spend more on chucks than the machine.
Now i just have to wait till next Friday, or maybe even the one after.

Make sure you take some piccies of the unloading process and post them here

Mike

Here are some of the pics the seller sent me:

The size of it all still eludes me. The spindle nose looks all innocent and small, but from all the internet trawling i've done it should be 2 7/8" 5tpi. Just look at the leadscrew compared to the 3 phase plug, and the thickness of locking plate under the tailstock.









The last pic is of the interesting backgear arrangement. The belt drive LeBlonds have a double back gear, clutch operated, so three belt speeds gives you 9 speeds total.

There also seems to be lube all over the place, hopefully a good sign, its hard to tell with all the dust.

Ewan

It's certainly an impressive lump. Here's hoping there's life in the old girl yet. Will be watching with interest.

Agree that is a big lathe.

Dave

Ewan

You should be able to machine car flywheels on that machine

There would be a good value in its scrap weight as well . Not that you would ever consider going down that route

mike

Originally Posted by morrisman

Ewan

You should be able to machine car flywheels on that machine

There would be a good value in its scrap weight as well . Not that you would ever consider going down that route

mike

You should fit truck flywheels on that one.

Dave

Was that a loose thread of belting around the joiner,was that a trolley jack on the floor was that a link belt running on the power coed.