buffalo 12x36 lathe

[Larry B.]

Purchased used. Had a hard time removing three jaw from threaded spindle. Looks to be 2-3\8 x 8 tpi. Is this a common size? Lathe came with a new 4 jaw chuck and I need a backplate. I can't seem to locate one with this thread. Lathe seems to be well made and heavy. It does not say it is made overseas. Only gives three state locations of the company. Previous owner said it was made in america before company moved overseas. Any info would be appreciated. I have no books for it. cheers!!!! Larry

[WhisperFan]

Had a hard time removing three jaw from threaded spindle. Looks to be 2-3\8 x 8 tpi. Is this a common size?

Any chance it is a 2 1/4 x 8 tpi ??? That is a standard thread and that is what my lathe uses - mine is not a Buffalo - but many older lathes use 2 1/4 x 8 tpi

[Larry B.]

Thanks for the response, whisperfan. The spindle measures 3.362 behind the threads. I used a thread gauge to check the pitch and it is 8 tpi or awfully close. Did anyone use metric spindle threads? The diameter is almost exactly 60 MM.

[pug]

Larry you can call Grizzly and ask their techs if their early metric spindles were 60mm as they now use standard cam lock on that size. If so I am sure they probably have a back plate to sell you. There are 2 3/8" back plates but they are 6 tpi not 8. Enco sells plain back plates that you have the machine shop bore, thread and machine to fit your chuck and spindle also. Good luck with your project.

[WhisperFan]

I see KBC sells chucks and back plates in a 2 3/8" x 6 tpi ..... but I have not heard of a 2 3/8" x 8 tpi ..... sorry