South Bend Lathe 9"x3' 1938: This lathe is pre war but was used in a mobile shop unit for WW II. It will shortly be undergoing an upgrade from a Model C to a Toolroom Model with the addition of : cross slide clutch apron, taper attachment, quick change gear box and direct reading dials on compound and cross slide (which was drilled and tapped for the milling attachment) and 12 spindle speeds. As shown in the images on page 4, this conversion is now complete.
South Bend Lathe 9"x3.5' 1937: This unit saw much wear and tear. All new taper attachment, upgrade to Toolroom Model specs., spindle buildup-head stock line bore and 12 speed conversion. We can custom build-spec. 9" units to order. Parts inventory on hand for these.
South Bend Lathe 11"x5' 1924: A 5' bed makes this unit ideal for medium shafting work. It came in with no bed wear and in good shape, but many end and apron gear teeth had to be replaced.
Putnam Lathe 14" x 4 1/2' 1860 - 1865: This machine is extrodinarily old and complete. It is currently undergoing a full restoration. The age reflects the fact that the Precision Machine Tool Museum at Winsor, VT. has a near identical unit dated 1854. As well, we have found a catalogue page dated 3-1-1865 from New York Steam Engine Co (the machine pictured had some later features). The tail stock is stamped with this makers name. It appears that there was some collaberation between these makers. Castings or the whole lathe could have been made for N.Y.S.E. Co. buy Putnam. Our machine is stamped Worcester, Mass. (where N.Y.S. E. Co. had a factory before 1869) and 222 Pearl St. N.Y. (where N.Y.S. E. Co. had a wharehouse and showroom). N.Y. S. E. Co. were distributors of "patent chucks at manufactures prices" and perhaps machine tools. Gavin and Manning, Maxwell & Moore had a similar structure. Our lathe has no lead screw or back gears as built. It is a "plain lathe" in that it only has a feed rod. There is no steel on this lathe save a thrust cup washer for the headstock spindle an feed reverse lever handle (both thin sheet stock). The lathe is of all wrought iron and cast iron in it's main parts. The gears are cast, not machined. All tool marks are from a planer or lathe. There is much hand fitting with filing and polishing. This machine predates mass production techniques and standard fasteners. The fasteners are either hand wrought and die threaded or machined on a lathe. As an example he headstock bolts are turned between centers and spec. out at 7/16" x 13 TPI (!).
South Bend Lathe 13"x5" 1929: A well worn unit that needed head stock bearings, tail stock quill, apron clutch rebushing, gear tooth repair, compound crack repair and gear box work. Since this picture, the lathe is now driven by a wall mounted counter shaft assembly.
South Bend Lathe 15"x5' 1913: Coming in to us in great condition, resto was simpler on this lathe. It has served as a benchmark example for the other early South Bend lathes. This works as a new time capsule lathe!
S.W.Putnam Sons Drill 16" 1885: Two views here: right an left of this machine. The drill was in daily use until 1985!!! There was abuse and neglect very evident here, but the integrity was still intact. Very little data is available on this unit (thanks to Frank Morrison for help) and restoration and research is on going. Since photographed, it has countershaft drive and under power.
South Bend Lathe 18"x6" 1911: A very early South Bend Lathe. Totally worn out, stored outside, badly repaired and horrible driveall attached. What haven't we done to this one! This lathe recently machined an 18" O.D.x 9" I.D.x 6.75" long cast iron main bearing ring for a 4' elliptical chuck we engineered in the studio. How's that for a come back!!!
South Bend Lathe 18"x10' 1919: This larger unit is shown in 2 views. On the left is a view of the lathe, and on the right is a view of the 3 hp. drive assembly. This machine has babbit spindle bearings and drip oilers. We restore the old 3 phase induction motors of preferably 1150 and 850 RPM (they're hard to beat and very simple). We have gone away from leather belting as it rots, absorbs oil and stretches.
Stark Mill 1920: Another bench top unit. The left view shows the front an drive setup. The right view shows the right side of the mill. There is very nice construction here rendering this a full blown pro machine tool as opposed to a hobbyist tool. We have cut many gears with this mill. It has a swiveling table making it a universal mill !!
Hendey Lathe 12"x5' 1926: A great lathe, built many times stronger than it has to be! There are many advanced features on this machine. It restored beautifully and will easily hold .0001ths. Another earlier toolroom of the same size is currently being restored. This second lathe (1919) was missing the taper attachment, it was found with other parts (from 1912) on the internet!
Leblond Lathe 16"x12' 1896 - 1906: Quite possibly the earliest Leblond lathe (by serial number) in existence! Very well made for the era. A great shafting lathe as it is built heavy as well. This lathe had a driveall bolted to it that twisted the long bed 3/4"! Upon removing it things went back to true. Since the photo the machine is under power and is a joy to use and watch.
Hendey Lathe 12"x5" 1916/1919: This toolroom lathe was made from two machines. The legs, pan, bed, gearbox and side gearing came from a 1919 machine. The stub legs, headstock, tailstock, apron, saddle, compound and taper attachment were from a 1916 machine. Fitting had to be done and as well as indicating it. Note the horizontal drive unit. The results are very pleasing!