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Thread: Mars Mercury lathe
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8th Jul 2020, 06:26 PM #1Novice
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Mars Mercury lathe
I have had this lathe for several years and just used it for turning. Would like to see if I can restore it for thread cutting. Unfortunately a couple of the gears have stripped teeth, and I have no idea what the full complement of gears should be. Would anyone know where I could access an instruction manual for this lathe?
I have attached some photos of the gearbox and the two stripped gears which both have 30 teeth. One gear is from the main spindle, the other with the collar is from the gear train. This latter gear is also shown with a larger gear mounted on the collar. They were both on the bare shaft that can be seen in the gearbox photo. Anyone know where it might be possible to procure some replacement gears?
Thanks in anticipation,
robjean
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10th Jul 2020, 10:11 AM #2
First things first.
Hi Rob,
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RE: your photos,
There is auto moderation applying in the programming where if you post a link in the fist ten posts it is moderated and I have to approve it to be seen by the rest of the Forum members. Sometimes the programme works and other times it does not.
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Grahame
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10th Jul 2020, 11:30 AM #3Most Valued Member
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Hi Rob, working out what gears you are likely to need is going to depend on the pitch of your leadscrew. Once you know that you can either use an online calculator to work out the gears you need for common pitches you want to cut. The other thing you will need to know is the dimetral pitch (most likely 12 or 14) of your gears. Do you have a copy of machinery handbook perchance? Or the black book?
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10th Jul 2020, 11:37 AM #4Most Valued Member
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It would appear that the change gears required for screw cutting are listed on the threading plate on the left hand side of the headstock.
You would have to probably do a search for gear makers to source replacements, you would need to give them the gear dimensions, ( Pressure Angle, Diamentral Pitch or Module if the gears are Metric ).
There are people on the forum that maybe able to make them for you, if required.
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10th Jul 2020, 02:23 PM #5Novice
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Hi caskwarrior,
Thanks for your reply. Yes I have copies of Machinery’s Handbook, but at this stage don’t have a particular thread in mind. I first wanted to see if I could at least establish if anyone has the specifications for the full set of gears first provided with the lathe when new. But before anything else, I at least need to source a replacement driving gear fitted to the main spindle,
robjean
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10th Jul 2020, 02:31 PM #6Senior Member
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Have you come across the Lathes.co.UK website - there is some info on there that might relate to your machine?
Does the thread chart shown there match yours as it is much easier to read and gives a pretty good indication of what would have been supplied?
Mars Lathes - Hercules and 6-inch
Ray
PS. I just had a quick look and see that the models shown don't include the Mercury so there is possibly little cross-over to other variations?
This is an old post on the forum that discusses the change gears for a Mars so that might be of use as well.
https://metalworkforums.com/f65/t173...ght=mars+lathe
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10th Jul 2020, 02:37 PM #7Novice
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Hi pipeclay,
Thanks for your reply, but as stated in my reply to caskwarrior I had hoped ( perhaps optimistically) that out there among forum members someone might have details of the quantity and specifications for the complete set of gears originally supplied with these lathes - and could even be holding some spares. As an aside, it is rather sobering to reflect on what good quality machinery this country could manufacture all those years ago - and look at us now!
robjean
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10th Jul 2020, 02:40 PM #8Novice
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10th Jul 2020, 03:25 PM #9Gear expert in training
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What's the OD and bore of the broken gears? We should have a hob and arbor at work that suits; if we do I can probably replace those 2 no problem, if you want a full set made up I'd need to run it past the boss first.
We still can manufacture stuff like that, but would you be willing to pay 5 times as much as an import?
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10th Jul 2020, 06:49 PM #10Novice
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11th Jul 2020, 02:19 AM #11Diamond Member
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Given the age of the machine, pre 1960 and that it was made in Australia the change gears are odds on to be imperial and 14.5° pressure angle. But like anything to do with machine tools that will need to be confirmed.
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11th Jul 2020, 12:07 PM #12Senior Member
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Hi Rob,
I have been in a similar dilemma needing a gear for a small mill, I broke a few weeks ago.
Being a tight ass Ive spent days exploring different ways I might achieve this.
I found a lovely man who hobbs gears in south brisbane, and while he was keen to do the job, it would have cost about $100 if I made up the blank .
That was one option.
Another was, buying it from overseas from the land that must not be named.
That would cost under $20 but with a 2-3 months wait.
The third option is a company in NSW
RS Components Pty Ltd ABN 73 009 403 356, 25 Pavesi St, Smithfield. NSW. 2164 (PO Box 6864, Wetherill Park. NSW. 1851)
If you 'google' them and type in "spur gears" you may be able to find something with the right pitch and mod and tooth etc.
You may need to machine off an overlong boss, or drill out or resleeve the ID, but thats doable with a lathe--Hey?
You just need to have patience and time.
Hope that helps
regards
Brian
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11th Jul 2020, 04:05 PM #13Novice
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11th Jul 2020, 05:54 PM #14Novice
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13th Jul 2020, 04:33 PM #15Novice
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Hi elanjacobs,
Not sure I posted my reply correctly, so here goes again! Have attached a scan of marked up photos of two gears for you to have a look at and see if you can make them. I believe pressure angle is 14.5 degrees. If so, please let me know costs so I can reimburse you. Many thanks,
Rob (logon name robjean)
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