Old machine tools are cool

[Hodag]

Originally Posted by dagwood

Nice.
Damn; just a bit OCD...

[crazydrummerdude]

Originally Posted by mmitchell57

What could one expect to make with such a device? I've seen them on TV as well, but never really understood the functionally

A lathe? You can make... anything.

[RedRocker]

Originally Posted by Chobro

Nice. What is the linkage for on the fwd./reverse switch?

That just locates the switch down lower for short ass people.

[RedRocker]

Originally Posted by dagwood

Nice.
Damn; just a bit OCD...

What ever do you mean?

[Mr. Vintage]

Originally Posted by mmitchell57

Warning! - The following question may seem ignorant, but it is honestly serious....

I've been seeing these left and right in this thread. What could one expect to make with such a device? I've seen them on TV as well, but never really understood the functionally.

Also, do you have a link to pictures of the Fiat? That thing looks cool!

Crazydrummerdude is right- the sky's the limit. In my ameteur opinion, the lathe lends itself to anything remotely round in profile. I expect I'll use it primarily to make motorcycle and car parts. I also have a milling attachment for the lathe which will allow for some small-scale milling jobs. Since I daydream about making stuff, there seems to be no end to the projects I can dream up - just need the time and the tooling.

As for the Fiat, it is a 600D (D means it's the big-bore 767cc engine!) - there is lots of information on the web if you look. Here's the only other picture I have of it, from when it was mobile (before my brother abandonded it in the shed with no anti-freeze.) It's a fun little car, but down the list a ways.

[r77toy]

The lathe is the only machine tool that can reproduce it's self, with a properly tooled lathe, you can make another lathe.

[paulthefermenter]

+1 and lathes are not limited to round work only. If you chuck an endmill you can use the carraige and cross feed as a quasi horizontal mill. Angle plates, properly tramming the workpiece being the key here.

[theMISSIONARY]

Originally Posted by paulthefermenter

+1 and lathes are not limited to round work only. If you chuck an endmill you can use the carraige and cross feed as a quasi horizontal mill. Angle plates, properly tramming the workpiece being the key here.

I would like to see that......i've only ever seen round things in there

[P B G]

Originally Posted by theMISSIONARY

I would like to see that......i've only ever seen round things in there

Pretty simple concept, you can build them from available parts, some had their own matching milling attachments.



You'll note they paid attention to rigidity. Just becomes a horizontal mill.

[dagwood]

Originally Posted by theMISSIONARY

I would like to see that......i've o nly ever seen round things in there

I've used a mill as a lather many a times.
And its a bridgport that can make itself. Lathes are limited as a mill. Try and mill a good way with a lathe.

[theMISSIONARY]

Originally Posted by P B G

Pretty simple concept, you can build them from available parts, some had their own matching milling attachments.



You'll note they paid attention to rigidity. Just becomes a horizontal mill.

cheers mate

[P B G]

Limited size capabilities as you see. Its a great way for people who are into firearms to get a lathe for barrel related activities, then be able to mill small parts like sight bases/risers. Or fiddle with an action, and have just the one machine on the bench.

[Bake]

Originally Posted by RedRocker

Here's my ball and chain.

Way covers, no chips and suds encrusted on the base, power knee (oww, my back...) cantilever clamps at the ready, dual lights and big ones at that, a vise fit for a Mazak turning center...righteous. Someone knows how to care for their stuff. Linoleum floor though...I hope the routine includes a good degreaser mop each night or you're going to bust your ass
No power draw bar? Man, I'd need a good solid step ladder for that one. But, I'd prefer that anyway. I've seen too many quill rods wrecked by those things.
I'd have to hang a picture or 2 on the wall, right? something like a Brittain or a Ducati.
Enco has a 220 single phase 1.5 hp, DRO, square column, mill drill new for 5K and I can refit to CNC later for 3k. The search continues.
I'd sure rather have this get-up. Thanks for that.
speaking of Enco...they picked my pocket for another $500 tonite,
"but it's stuff I needed"
Truck will drop off a nice black granite surface plate in a week, a couple Mito digital mics, goodies...

[Nixels]

Bake! You're hidin' the good stuff in Shiny Things! I never come to this part of the basement.

Now I know what you're up to all the time.

I've lost most of my pictures from the Penngrove Power & Implement Museum, but I'll go back up there and take pix of the equipment we've got.

Last year we snagged a mill from Bridgeport, CT - a small outfit that was operating before Bridgeport took them over, AFAIK - so it's turn of the century. Some other 60's era stuff in Steve Phillip's shop.

This is a damned cool thread, thanks for starting it.

PS: I am tired. I don't want to slight RedRocker & the rest of you FF's skills and passion. I'm just a little tired so please forgive my not mentioning you by name.

I am in awe of ya'lls skills and abilities. I love seeing these things operate and keep being useful. And the folks that make them work.



Dagwood - keep talkin' "kid" - you have a great gig.

[Wheedle]

Originally Posted by DevilNinjaDog

I envy your power feed on the knee.

Yeah... tell me about it...