Well after watching vectorwarbirds and 86turbodsl (GJ and practicalmachinist) get their war lathes (and wanting one for a long time), I just couldn't take it anymore and dad and I picked up this 1943 Sidney 16x54.
It's the 16 speed model with the headstock full of herringbone gears. Gorgeous inside if you've never seen one. Theoretically very quiet too. While I was there poking around, I noticed the seller had the original steady. He was thinking about adapting it to his new lathe and didn't mention it in the add. He tossed it in for free, which really sweetened the deal.
I inspected it under power, though I didn't do a hugely wonderful job inspecting it, I forgot to look at a lot of things. It's got busted up handles, the feed clutches don't hold, the cross slide leadscrew bracket is busted and there is quite a nocking from the QCGB at higher speeds. It's got a decent amount of wear and damage, but I'm confident we will be making good parts before spring.
I know you guys aren't as interested in videos as I am from my last restoration so I'll try post more photos.

Edit 9/14/20: This lathe has been put back together and is running again. See post 299 for final pictures.
It's the 16 speed model with the headstock full of herringbone gears. Gorgeous inside if you've never seen one. Theoretically very quiet too. While I was there poking around, I noticed the seller had the original steady. He was thinking about adapting it to his new lathe and didn't mention it in the add. He tossed it in for free, which really sweetened the deal.
I inspected it under power, though I didn't do a hugely wonderful job inspecting it, I forgot to look at a lot of things. It's got busted up handles, the feed clutches don't hold, the cross slide leadscrew bracket is busted and there is quite a nocking from the QCGB at higher speeds. It's got a decent amount of wear and damage, but I'm confident we will be making good parts before spring.
I know you guys aren't as interested in videos as I am from my last restoration so I'll try post more photos.
Edit 9/14/20: This lathe has been put back together and is running again. See post 299 for final pictures.
Comment