Julian Tracy
03-22-2011, 12:32 AM
Just picked up this lathe a couple weeks ago off CL for about $150. Came with a fairly nice older set of Craftsman Professional lathe tools as well.
These were a variable speed Reeves drive system. I'd heard they were somewhat problematic, but as it turns out the previous owner had converted it to a simple step-pulley drive system. Came with a Baldor motor.
As it was, it had 4 steps - 800rpm - 3400rpm. I added a 1.5" pulley to the motor's 4step pulley creating a lower 5th speed of about 400rpm. The original owner had also put new spindle bearings is as well.
The vintage-appropriate paint color is puke green, but I decided to go gold. Almost wimped out after painting the door, but went ahead anyways.
It's a bit more metallic than I'd prefer, but it's still pretty cool in person.
This is one solid chunk o-lathe. Runs smooth and quiet, next project is to built an angled lathe tool rack that will cover the entire back wall of the lathe base just above the shelf.
Julian
These were a variable speed Reeves drive system. I'd heard they were somewhat problematic, but as it turns out the previous owner had converted it to a simple step-pulley drive system. Came with a Baldor motor.
As it was, it had 4 steps - 800rpm - 3400rpm. I added a 1.5" pulley to the motor's 4step pulley creating a lower 5th speed of about 400rpm. The original owner had also put new spindle bearings is as well.
The vintage-appropriate paint color is puke green, but I decided to go gold. Almost wimped out after painting the door, but went ahead anyways.
It's a bit more metallic than I'd prefer, but it's still pretty cool in person.
This is one solid chunk o-lathe. Runs smooth and quiet, next project is to built an angled lathe tool rack that will cover the entire back wall of the lathe base just above the shelf.
Julian