I came across this fascinating video, produced by the COLCHESTER LATHE COMPANY. To any of us that are fascinated by high precision in the manufacture of such machines, this particular vintage video, really shows what high precision was back in the day. I would think that @Moriarity , a retired tool and die maker, would really find this interesting.
That was very interesting. I have an English lathe in my shop at work. It's a Harrison tool room lathe . I like it a lot, except the drive belt is very noisy. It has the same threading attachment that's mentioned in the film. I'm the same age as Moriority, and will be retiring soon. I make scientific equipment.
That was a really cool video. I have been machining since 18. Manual machinist,I have never ran a cnc.
Here are the two old lathes in my shop. The watchmaker's lathe is set up with a small tool post grinder.
And three old ones in the main shop I use when I need to make larger pieces. First a clausing, then a gap-bed LeBlond. The aluminum plate mounted on the faceplate is 4 feet in diameter.I've only used this one once or twice. Last is another LeBlond. This one has a 9.5 inch bore through the spindle, and can mount a second chuck on the left side of the head to hold long pieces.The last time I put the 4-jaw chuck on this lathe I put a scale on the hook of the crane to see how much it weighs-587 pounds.
Hey @Lepus Those are all magnificent machines! On YouTube, look up the series of videos about George Daniel's. This man is legendary in the realm of hand made mechanical watches. I think you will really appreciate all of his accomplishments and his skill's to make all of the pieces of his time pieces. Thanks from Dennis.
Heres one I get to play with every so often. 27" swing x 120" between centers. A little dirty now, but gets wiped down when I use it. Newest casting date is 1947. Most are 1941. Pretty sure it is ex Navy WW2. You really have to eat your Wheaties the day your going to use it. Especially if your turning a 10' roller.
The Jalopy Journal
