[Spridgets] No LBC.... Antique tools we love on eBay....and I now have a free lathe : )

[Linda Grunthaner]

OK Derf I'll get some photos tomorrow. Good idea about variable speed setup.
As for using this in our shop we can't because of the exposed belts. But I
may be able to make a lexan guard which I would for home.

Picts to follow I'll have to wait to see the video I am on an old computer
now.
Thanks Linda

On Tue, Dec 21, 2010 at 11:52 AM, derf <derf247 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Send pics of the free lathe.  Older lathes used belt and counter
> pulley systems to control speed.  Nowadays you can get a variable DC
> or AC freq drive setup to vary the speed so all that pulley/belt
> contraption stuff is no longer necessary.
> You can turn wood on a metal lathe.  The speeds required for turning
> wood are much faster than metal but you can put a wood turning rest on
> just about any metal lathe and do woodwork.
> In all honesty the belt/pulley/counter pulley systems are not any more
> dangerous than the lathe itself.  You need proper attire and safety
> equipment for all of them.
>
> You can keep a lookout for people giving away or trashing old
> treadmills.  You can usually get a decent DC variable speed motor and
> sometimes a usable controller from the treadmill and fit it to a
> medium sized lathe with good results.
>
> If you get in touch with local metalworking guys and/or clubs I'll bet
> donuts that some old, retired machinist or toolmaker would be happy to
> help you get set up and show you the ropes.  If you're a teacher, look
> up old shop teachers.  For now, the we still have some good old time
> manual machine operators with us.
>
> Also, you will look at things differently.  What used to look like
> scrap will be valuable stock, especially round things.
>
> MIT has some good videos.  Here is a link to one:
> http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-to/videos/172-machine-shop-10
>
> Cheers,
> Derf