Anyone have a clue

[Bruce Page]

What kind of lathe this is?

[Jim Becker]

I'm guessing that's some form of metal working lathe, Bruce, based on the tool holder and how it moves.

[Bill Dufour]

I would guess a valve or brake lathe but, seems long between centers for that.
Bill D

[David Walser]

It's a red lathe. Definitely red.

That's all I got.

[Bruce Page]

I think you're right Jim, but I've never seen one like it. What ever it was built for, it was built stout.

[Jim Barkelew]

I don't think it's a lathe. Looks like a specialty machine that trims the left end of a "something". There are two cutters, one to turn a shaft diameter, and a small wheel cutter to trim the diameter of a thin flange. The power comes from a motor mounted on the grey rectangular frame in the front using a friction drive wheel. The head and tail stock look like they hold a tube workpiece.

I guess that it's automotive related because its well built and specialized so likely high volume work.

It's also definitely red, maybe Ford tractor red, 2N, 8N, 9N . How's that for a guess.

Jim

[Dan Hunkele]

It is a Trucut armature lathe.

[Jim Becker]

I think you're right Jim, but I've never seen one like it. What ever it was built for, it was built stout.

Yea, actually "stout" was the word that came to my mind right away, but I forgot to mention it in my original reply.

[John Suhreptz]

It is I believe a Tru-Cut armature lathe. Used for starter and generator armatures in days gone by. First clean up the commutator surfaces where the brushes have worn and then use the small cutter at 90 degrees to the lathe axis to undercut the mica between the commutator sections.

[Bruce Page]

It is a Trucut armature lathe.

Thanks!

Someone is selling it on our local CL as a “AWESOME LITTLE WOOD LATHE”. I was just curious to what the heck it really was.

I found this pic on the web:

[Jim Becker]

I suppose someone could convert it to a wood lathe with a little creativity, but it will require a bit of work for sure. Nice, heavy bones, though!

[Thomas Wilson80]

Technically, if it is a "Frank Wood" lathe then it is a wood lathe.....maybe a bit of a stretch!
Tom