DavidB
|
Not your average restorationSo I want to build a locomotive, with advice from a friend/machinist I went looking for the essential tool...when they were built to last, and found it languishing and neglected. I got it for a song.
A Southbend 9" swing engine lathe with quick change gearbox
It was unstuck, so that was a good sign, although there was play in the headstock. I tore it down and dipped it all in "Evaporust"...what a magic solution that is, then rinsed with water...then tore it down further
I got most parts from Ebay and online to rebuild it, with the headstock being set up for .0001". The bed was in surprisingly good shape, after cleaning all the precision scraping was evident, and a dial guage showed no noticeable deviation. So with everything sorted, painted, it went back together resplendent in its new glory...all for $200 ~ £170
So now to start on my 1st locomotive!
Cheers
David
|
trainguy68
|
Looks superb, what a great restoration job! I bought a little tiny lathe a couple of years ago with the intention of building a loco but due to lack of spare time I still haven't made a start. In fact I've still got to teach myself how to use the thing! I've only ever done some very basic turning with it. But lathe work seems like a fascinating hobby and I'd love to get started one day. But good luck with your own project, looks like you have a first rate lathe to work with.
Glen
|
IndianaRog
|
David, you certainly turned a sad looking setup into a show piece...wow, hard to believe they are the same unit.
|
Jack
|
Hello David,
That is what I call a job well done I am impressed and good luck with your first loco if it turnes out anthing like the job you have done on your lathe then we are in for a treat when you show us the first machine.
|
Sandman
|
Jeez. That lathe is now pristine.
What a great job. I wish I had that in my workshop. 
|
redryder
|
Nice work..... the lathe looks great.
Gil
|
Les
|
It seems a shame to use it and get it dirty again. 
Great job of cleaning it up, I look forward to seing everything that you make on it. 
|
tmuir
|
Great job, and a great price you paid for it too.
Now we expect photos of your progress on your loco.
|
John R
|
Lathe HandbookDavid I had a "Hercus 9" x 20 Lathe" for many years, A 1940
Model C, Worked great!.
The Hercus was/is an exact Australian copy of the Southbend 9"x20, so if your interested I have a complete Owners Manual in "PDF" I can send to you as an attachment free of course!.
P.M. me!.
Up to you,
John R.
|
Bugsy
|
It cost you half of what I paid for a second-hand chinese lathe. 
|
erikl
|
superb job! looks great!
|
Dr. Rog
|
Fabulous job!
I like to see a craftsman look after his tools.
I have a Southbend from WWII, They are certainly built to last.
|
metalhead100
|
David ,
Great job!!
I learned on one of those exact brand machines in school....
I was shocked to see the pic....as ours were gray also!!!!!
I have not seen one since High School....but knew it instantly!
Jim
|
