Pattern Lathe

[pitstop815]

I am considering purchasing an old pattern lathe from the 40s it is a gorgeous machine and comes with alot of goodies. What I am looking for is information on proper usage of this machine. I Imagine you can use it as a regular lathe but how do you turn oblong material like gun stocks on it?

Thanks Pitstop

[aametalmaster]

You would have to add a router some how. It prob was used with metal patterns for making newel posts and stair handrail spindles. A pointer prob ran along the pattern which was a flat piece of metal with the shape cut out and the tool followed it. Got any pics???...Bob

[pitstop815]

You would have to add a router some how. It prob was used with metal patterns for making newel posts and stair handrail spindles. A pointer prob ran along the pattern which was a flat piece of metal with the shape cut out and the tool followed it. Got any pics???...Bob

here is a pic if it works

[aametalmaster]

It looks like an old metal lathe converted to a wood lathe. All of the tracer parts are missing if there ever was any. So you would pretty much have to start over designing parts to make it work for what you want it to. Because all its going to cut is round bowls and straight rails...Bob
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67307569@N00/5364516798/
http://www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/icons_of_invention/technology/1820-1880/IC.066/

[pitstop815]

Thanks for the response Bob. I am most interested in using it as a regular lathe. Looking at the pic what do you think something like that is worth?

There are about 20 hand tools and several different tool rest that com with the machine and a 3 more mounting plates.

Thanks Chris

[aametalmaster]

Thats a tough question i would say $1,000 bucks for starters. It has some metal in in for sure and that motor is huge...Bob

[pitstop815]

Hello Bob Thank you for all your input

The asking price on this lathe is 2k with all the other parts here is a little more discription..

36 inch over the bed, 30 inch over the compound, 8 ft on the back side of the spindle (outside tool rest included). Quick change compound with tooling. Tool rest for compound (extra compound also included) with lots of turning tools, mostly Buck Brothers with some custom made tools. Belt driven with 4 pulley positions and a 2 speed motor.

and anoherpic

[pitstop815]

The motor is a 2 speed double wound 3 phase motor this thing is massive LOL I like the fact that i can turn very large bowls on it. The whole machine is stout I will not have to worryaabout the machine moving at all.

I also have to purchase a phase converter to run the machine which is about 800 dollars. I may be paying to much with total cost.

In a quandry about it.

I have not turned anything since high school which is 35 yrs ago but i am really looking forward to it.

[aametalmaster]

Great have fun with it. I don't do any wood turning but i have a buddy that makes some nice bowls. But i have lots of wood...Bob

[pitstop815]

But i have lots of wood...Bob

Nice I read another post where you stated your family had a sawmill, Its surprising you do not turn wood. I have a buddy who does a lot of machining and its cool. I wish I had more knowledge in both areas.

Hope you have a great day

Thanks
Chris

[aametalmaster]

Nice I read another post where you stated your family had a sawmill, Its surprising you do not turn wood. I have a buddy who does a lot of machining and its cool. I wish I had more knowledge in both areas.

Hope you have a great day

Thanks
Chris

Yes we do http://www.bairdbrothers.com/ And i am the only cousin not there. They have a nice big pattern lathe. I have a woodshop but no place to work. I can't stand dust on my metalworking machines so all of that stuff sits. I also have chainsaws, lots of them and want to build a sawmill but i had no place for it until now. So maybe soon. Then what will i do with all the wood i saw. Hmm maybe make something from it...Bob