Economy Lathe?

[MarshSt]

I have a lead on a Economy? Lathe. Just a quick description from the broker, says about 14" x 36" and 1950's vintage. I couldn't find it on LathesUK's site. I haven't heard the name before, but the picture looks good. Anyone seen/used one of these?
Does this BBS have spell check somewhere? I'm spoiled by Word taking care of my lousy typing.
Took a look at the lathe, but I wasn't sure how to shift it into gear to start it. Looks like it has a lever clutch assembly-gear head. Made by D & M Machine Works, Torrence CA. I have tried to find info on the web, but no luck. It's built like a tank, even a cast base.
Any ideas where to look for info? Gonna try to meet the owner to see what he knows, but it looks like it may be some oddball that i won't be able to get parts for.

Steve



[This message has been edited by MarshSt (edited 11-15-2001).]

[gizmoid_52]

Hi Steve, I haven't heard of this particular
lathe before either. The problem, these days
is parts. If you buy a import lathe in a few
years you will find the same thing no parts.
I guess the problem is what parts do you need? if it's gears out, Boston gear probably
carries them or something modifiable. If it's
bearings Applied Technology, used to be Bearings Inc, will have them. the main thing
that could be a problem is the halfnuts, but
a good machinist should be able to make even
these easy enough.
The things I would look at, is the number of threads the lathe can cut,commonly 4 to around 112 is normal, feeds should be from
.002 per revolution on up.
You say it is built like a tank, how does
the appearance look as far as finish is concerned? I'm not talking paint, I'm talking
the finished appearance in the ways things are fitted up. Does it have hardened bedways?
if it does not say so, I check out the bedways with a small file at the very end of the tailstock end of the bed in a inconspicuous spot, if the file skates, it is probably hardened. Should be around 55 rockwell.
What are the headstock bearings made like
are they Timken bearings or? check for bearing condition by taking the lathe out of gear and turn the chuck by hand, if it feels free, and easy to turn, I am happy, if they
are plain bearings, bronze, babbit etc. test the bearings with a two by four and dial indicator mounted on the top of the chuck, lift up against the chuck, by prying with a
two by four braced against the ways, if a
more than .002, I know I may have work to do
if I buy it.
Notice that if the bearings are timken, they can be tightened, I always open the
gearhead, when tightening headstock bearings
they can have a take up nut on the front bearing and rear bearing as well. check both.
Thats all I can think of, feel free to e-mail me if you need more info.
Jack

[MarshSt]

Thanks for the input on checking out the lathe! AIT is a good source, you must be from the Great NW.
I met the owner to have a look at the lathe. He wasn't able to get the lights on in that area of the shop either (bad sign #2). Flashlight inspection, since I had already made the drive: the ways were badly worn on all axis, the chuck had a spacer washer between it and the spindle nose, the owner couldn't get the chuck off either. His removal method had the lathe stand bouncing off the floor! Conclusion: funky blue color boat anchor still for sale.
I just returned from looking at a nice Rockwell 10 x 24. It was in nice shape and well cared for. It was just a little too small for my needs, otherwise I would own it.
If anyone in the Seattle/Kent area is looking for one, it's worth a look. Let me know and I'll get the guys info to you.
Logan 11 x 36 next on the list.

Steve