Vintage Lathe - What is it??

[JReimer]

Hi,
I am returning / new to metal work and recently found a good deal on a vintage metal lathe that I want to restore and start using. It was working for the guy who sold it to me but he had taken it all apart for transport. I want to restore the lathe and do some much needed maintenance. The lathe doesn't have any makers mark and wondering if anyone can help me identify what lathe this is and if there are any schematics, manuals out there for missing parts or optional extras.

It's a really cool old lathe and excited to get it back into prime condition.

Thanks

 

[terry_g]

Have a look at the Barnes 11" #5 lathe.

Barnes Lathes

 

[deleted_user]

Hi,
I am returning / new to metal work and recently found a good deal on a vintage metal lathe that I want to restore and start using. It was working for the guy who sold it to me but he had taken it all apart for transport. I want to restore the lathe and do some much needed maintenance. The lathe doesn't have any makers mark and wondering if anyone can help me identify what lathe this is and if there are any schematics, manuals out there for missing parts or optional extras.

It's a really cool old lathe and excited to get it back into prime condition.

Thanks

I concur with @terry_g it sure looks to be a barnes lathe, and I say that as the former owner of one complete with the a countershaft. I look forward to your restoration.

It is a shame that the original cast iron legs at least are not with the lathe. Mine was in very good condition with the legs but without the treadle wheel

 

[whydontu]

Some more info on the Barnes #5, my guess is terry-g and John are right on the money

The twin lead screw is certainly a distinguishing factor

Photo Index - W. F. & John Barnes Co. - No. 5 Twin Lead Screw | VintageMachinery.org

 

[JReimer]

thank you all. that is really cool to see what it was originally. It came with motor mounted on a separate stand off the back and it always felt a little weird. I might try to replicate how they have it on the VintageMachinery restoration. I didn't have a great picture of the gears so that will save me some problem solving. Any advice on motor size? he had a 1 1/2 hp treadmill motor with a VFD, not sure how appropriate that will be.

 

[deleted_user]

thank you all. that is really cool to see what it was originally. It came with motor mounted on a separate stand off the back and it always felt a little weird. I might try to replicate how they have it on the VintageMachinery restoration. I didn't have a great picture of the gears so that will save me some problem solving. Any advice on motor size? he had a 1 1/2 hp treadmill motor with a VFD, not sure how appropriate that will be.

You may like this:

Since you have a countershaft, you may want to use an older motor that you restore along with the lathe. A century model from the 1920s... or an old baldor.

I dont see the benefit of a VFD because there are so many other limitations to such lathes already

 

[6.5 Fan]

Looks a lot like the Barnes i started out with. I had to adapt mine to use an electric motor as it was run from an overhead line shaft.

 

[Susquatch]

More and more often, I become nostalgic about machines like this. Maybe it's my own age affecting my thinking. My old FEReed is being badly abused right now. It's basically only being used for sanding and polishing. I really should clean it up, repair the gear system, and make the change gears that it is missing.

It too was once run from an overhead belt shaft and is now running on a small electric motor. But it still has the flat leather belt drive.

I first learned to use a lathe on this old machine. She was an awesome teacher because any minor mistake was rubbed in your nose like doggy pee. Good parts required skill and practice - no shortcuts allowed. A very far cry from the custom metric threaded tool post stud I made yesterday in just a few minutes on my good lathe with my hands tied behind my back......

Ya, my old Reed deserves some repairs and some lovin.

 

[deleted_user]

Looks a lot like the Barnes i started out with. I had to adapt mine to use an electric motor as it was run from an overhead line shaft.

So many of us had a barnes lathe, how cool

 

[JReimer]

sounds like I got a good lathe to start out with (or at least I am in with good company). It will be a bit before I am done with all the cleaning and maintenance aka getting it running again, but I am excited to start making chips.

 

[kevin.decelles]

I have an old Sebastian treadle lathe that some monster cut the legs in half to make a bench model...... If you need flat drive belts I purchased some from http://www.leatherdrivebelts.com/ that were perfect. I went with synthetic vs. leather and for lacing I use Nylon weed-eater cord from Canadian tire (never broke one yet). The belts can be made to any length and he does the install of the clips etc.

tap tap tap tap tap tap tap (I could listen to that racket all night).