Stupid Newbie Lathe Questions
 

OK guys, I have owned a lathe for eight years now and due to my work situation and moving have never set it up. I have now retired, have my own shop, have built a bench for the lathe and am about ready to belt it, bolt it down, level it and start making chips. But I have some questions.

The lathe is a 1947 vintage Logan (Model 400) 9 X 18. Here are my questions.

1. Belts - I can't figure out how to put the belt on without removing the spindle. Is there a way to do this?

2. Belts #2 - I seem to remember this is a make of belt that have links and can be installed without having to pull a machine apart. Yes, I know they are costly. I cannot remember the name or where to find them. What is the name?

3. Shims - In leveling the machine, what is a good shim material.

4. Level - There is no way, I am going to pay the cost of one of those high dollar level used to level the lathe. Is there a place I can rent one?

5. Oil - What is a good way oil and a good general lathe lubricating oil?

Thank you for any help and advise you can give me. It has been 40 years since I ran a lathe, but it will come back. I also have the little old Southbend book I got in machine shop class.

Here is a good link to http://www.lathe.com which is your Logan lathe page...Bob