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Thread: Lathe Identification
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1st Jan 2017, 12:21 PM #1Novice
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Lathe Identification
Hi all,
I'm generally a lurker here, but wondered if I might be able to get a little help identifying the lathe in this picture. I've been after a lathe for a while, but have a small budget. This one is very cheap. The seller/owner doesn't seem to know which model it is. I'm interested in finding out more about it, like it's weight and dimensions.
Any ideas what make it is or which make and model, ideally?
lathe1.JPG
Thanks!
Craig
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1st Jan 2017, 02:08 PM #2Philomath in training
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It looks like an old capstan lathe (Ward or Herbert perhaps? - although these normally have a name cast into them) that has been stripped down. However, it has no tailstock which immediately makes it far less useful (I'd keep looking).
Michael
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1st Jan 2017, 07:32 PM #3Banned
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Lathes UK might help: Machine Tool Archive
Flat ways make it highly likely to be England or Oz manufacture.
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1st Jan 2017, 07:52 PM #4Senior Member
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Craig, that appears to one of the Macson variations. I would guess at early - mid-'40's based on the style of the headstock casting. That one does not have a lead screw and appears to have a limited number of speeds.
The cross-slide looks unusual but difficult to see from that photo - not clear how that capstan is attached.
There should be MACSON cast into one of the 'legs' below the level of the chip-tray. Here is a photo of a similar looking unit that was on Gumtree a couple of years ago.
This one has the earlier Sliding/Surfacing selection - I have a slightly later machine that has the selection lever with the large slot as shown in your picture and a very similar headstock casting.
Mine has a lead screw, quick-change gearbox and tailstock so quite a different proposition.
I would agree with Michael but if you want dimensions I can get some from mine that would have to be pretty close - mine was a bit over 1000kg according to the crane truck, not light.
Ray
Macson .jpg
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1st Jan 2017, 08:51 PM #5Pink 10EE owner
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There has got to be something better then that around. It's value is boat anchor.
Gold, the colour of choice for the discerning person.
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1st Jan 2017, 09:45 PM #6Diamond Member
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1st Jan 2017, 10:07 PM #7Senior Member
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It would depend also on what it is you want to do with your lathe. But unless that lathe is free, or comes with a bunch of tooling and accessories its time to look elsewhere. It has a turret sitting on the bed but no post for it. Really as a lathe for a hobbyist you will be disappointed. No screw cutting. No drilling. No centre holding ability. .RC summed it up nicely.
Cheers Phil
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1st Jan 2017, 10:07 PM #8Diamond Member
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2nd Jan 2017, 10:37 PM #9Senior Member
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3rd Jan 2017, 08:07 AM #10Novice
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Thanks folks for all the helpful replies. I think you've brought me back down to earth.
I hadn't appreciated that the lead screw was missing as well as the tailstock. The ad says it comes with 3 and 4 jaw chucks, and no tooling, but I can see there's possibly a box of bits next to the headstock. I thought the biggest 'problem' with the purchase was the missing tailstock, which depending on how common or rare the model is, I could possibly source another, or a compatible one. Obviously not. A missing lead screw as well, means it's more trouble than it's worth.
I'll keep searching - and saving. I really like the idea of asking at the men's sheds, hadn't thought of that. There are two or three within easy driving distance of me. So far I've been checking gumtree, ebay and gowans auctions. Gumtree seems to have the best selection, but everything's $5000 and upwards, which is way too spendy for me.
PS: I don't own a boat, but if I did, I'd hopefully choose a more efficient anchor than this!
Cheers,
Craig
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3rd Jan 2017, 09:17 AM #11Most Valued Member
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Where is it? I'm thinking of putting in another mooring - I'm down near Kettering.
Good luck finding a good cheap lathe here in Tasmania. Anything worth having is going to be over $2000 and more likely over $3000. I sold a Hercus cheap a couple years back, but it needed a lot of TLC and they were never much of a lathe even brand new from the factory.
The last really excellent small lathe I know of that sold down here was an Emco Maximat 11 and I bought it. As I was running it the other day I kept thinking what a lovely lathe it was to use, dead accurate, quiet and everything beautifully fitted & finished. Even the compound slide screw has backlash adjustment.
PDW
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3rd Jan 2017, 11:40 PM #12Golden Member
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I was looking at this one a few weeks ago, it went a couple of hundred over my set budget. It has japanese chucks and the lathe is almost new. It has taper turning attachment too, better quality than the Al-960B from machinery house I think.
metal lathe
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4th Jan 2017, 02:52 PM #13Most Valued Member
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This just popped up on gumtree, I have had a rexman many years ago and they are okay, watch out for the fragile zamak main spindle gear though, reasonable price at $600. Its in Otago
Metal working Lathe | Power Tools | Gumtree Australia Clarence Area - Otago | 1134644999
Ralph
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4th Jan 2017, 05:47 PM #14Banned
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6th Jan 2017, 11:52 AM #15Novice
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Hi all. Another lathe popped up on gumtree, a Hercus 9" (southbend clone) that turns out is from 1951. Another poster mentioned their Hercus, and wasn't too impressed with it. I think for a novice like myself, it'll be ideal.
I love the look of those old lathes, and one of my favourite youtube channels (mrpete222, aka tubalcain of the workshop practise series) has tons of videos on the southbend 9". He's fairly old school, and considers these lathes to be ideal for the home workshop.
So - I went up to north of Launceston on Wednesday and picked it up.
It's in pretty good condition (to my untrained eye) for a 1951 lathe. I can immediately see that it needs new half-nuts. One of the good things about these lathes is the parts availability. I ordered new half-nuts from Mal at Australian Metalworking Hobbyists last night. They will hopefully be with me early next week.
If you want to see pics and read more of the grizzly details, you can take a look at the last couple of posts on my website makefixmod.com - or ask here. I am very excited about this - and more than happy to chat about it.
Cheers,
CraigLast edited by craigmarshall; 6th Jan 2017 at 11:53 AM. Reason: typo
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