This lathe has been sitting in a garage for 40 years, rather than throw it away I got it. The bed is about 53 inches long. Distance between centers is about 36 inches. The pulley assembly spins easily. No threaded parts are frozen in place. There is surface rust. There is no motor or base.
Can someone give me an idea about what they think of it. Is it worth fixing up?
Replies
Old lathe
Why not fix it up??? I located what I believe is the proper parts list for this lathe. It has standard bearings in the headstock, so even if they are a bit cranky, they are easily replaced. The parts list even has a note about a change in design starting with serial number 128-1312. All you really need is a 1/3 HP or larger motor, a belt and a lower 4 step pulley. It's not as portable as the new lathes, but if you're into longer turnings, it should be great. If you want the parts list, I can send it for you.
SawdustSteve Long Island, NY (E of NYC)
Lathe
Thanks to everyone. I'd be interested in the parts list SawdustSteve. Are there any places that one can get parts like the pulley cover?
Parts list
I'll be happy to send you copies of the pages for the lathe.
My e-mail address is [email protected]
Send me your mailing address and I'll get the pages off to you. I don't know where you're located, but if you have a Delta repair place near you and you have the part number, they can find out if it's still available. As my wife says, 'If you don't ask, they can't say YES"
SawdustSteve
Wondering if you still have access to this parts list/parts diagram? I inherited one of these lathes from my father-in-law and it's in quite good shape.
Thank You!
Curt Willard
[email protected]
fixer upper?
"Is it worth fixing up?"
Sure. Lathes are pretty simple machines, and as long as the bearings aren't too warn, the clean-up should be fairly easy. Even if you need to replace some parts, as mentioned, it's probably worth the effort. You can build a base out of 4x4s and weight it down with sandbags if you don't stumble across a cast-iron base. (More weight equates to less vibration, and thus smoother turnings.) I'd also suggest using a link-style v-belt to reduce vibration.
The only part that isn't readily fixable is the cover for the arbor pully. You might want to fabricate something to keep fingers out of the belt.
Why not overhaul ?
I have an old Atlas that could be a clone of yours and it's just waiting for restoration day too. But my 1947 DeWalt GP 12" radial arm is gettin all my attention now. Old Iron is good Iron.
That is an excellent woodlathe. For that size range it is better than most anything you can buy new.
You should check out the forums at http://www.owwm.com and http://www.owwm.org . You can download free copies of owner's manuals and other documentation, as well as ask advice in their forums. Just don't ask for an appraisal or what it's worth - it's against the rules. You can also find parts and accessories for sale there.
JW
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