Leblond 19", will be installing

[Cannonmn]

We've run this where we got it to check functions and all seems to work. We'll get it in place and level, check for adjustments etc. Have been reading manuals online etc. Have used much smaller lathes but not this size before. Have begun search for spindle nut spanner and a few other accessories. We plan to ensure it is all tweaked as far as backlash etc. then will do occasional jobs. Other than getting rust off the installed chuck, we have no reason to make it prettier. The method of tie-down in the trailer is not a good example of workmanship I know, was done by tired people in a hurry. I think this is about a 1960s product, without having even checked nameplates, what u think?

 

[John in OH]

Looks nice and you are probably in the ballpark regarding age .... possibly a little newer. Will this be for production work, maintenance work, or one-off project work?

You should add a location to your profile.

 

[LXCam]

Oh look, a life size picture of a lathe. Most awesome!, good luck and congrats on scoring that beast.

 

[APEowner]

Those are nice machines. I've had the pleasure of operating one on occasion.

 

[Maui]

What is the overall weight? Any idea?

 

[dr_clyde]

Congratulations on your new machine!

I have a very similar lathe. Mine is the servo-shift version and has a different gearbox, but otherwise is the same basic lathe. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310581

They are excellent machines. What's the spindle bore on yours?

If you want to find out the age, there is a serial number stamping on the very end of the lathe, on the close tailstock way. You can google what the numbers mean, I can't remember off the top of my head. If I had to guess, I would say the early 60's is a good guess.

Did it come with any other tooling? 4 jaw, faceplate, taper attachment, toolpost?

If you need a spindle spanner, I have a CAD file I drew up for mine. If you have access to a laser, waterjet or cnc flame cutter, I could send you the file and you can make your own.

Otherwise, there is a member on Practical Machinist that makes and sells spanners for the L spindle nose for a reasonable cost. This lathe is an L2, if you didn't know already.

Again, congratulations, looks like a nice lathe.

 

[dr_clyde]

What is the overall weight? Any idea?

Mine is roughly 4500 lbs, so I would imagine it is very close.

 

[dr_clyde]

Oh, and I have an original owner's manual for these lathes, if you ever need a copy, let me know and I'll see if I can get you scans or something.

 

[Cannonmn]

We followed Leblond's recommended lift method using a stout plank under bed near CG then a chain to keep the light end level; worked fine. It came with some large drills, a few cutters, large square tool post, Jacobs speedchuck and a bunch of the rubber collets for it, and some dogs. I haven't removed the 3-jaw chuck yet to check the type spindle nose, but I'm interested to learn here that it is L2, because the Jacobs Chuck is an L1 and obviously won't fit. I measured the threads which seem to be 6" x 6tpi, or L1 on my chart.

 

[dr_clyde]

It's possible that it's not an L2, I just was correlating off my 19" lathe having an L2. If you have a smaller spindle bore, I suppose it's possible it's an L1.

 

[Cannonmn]

Thanks. I'll get dia of spindle nut and subtract double est. wall thickness and should be able to tell which it is. I called one of the parts suppliers looking for a spindle nut spanner, one suggested MSC would have a general-purpose spanner that should work. Is that true or is the lathe spindle nut specially-shaped enough to need an unique spanner?

 

[DocsMachine]

This gentleman over on Practical Machinist makes CNC torch-cut spanners for L-series spindles, for a surprisingly reasonable cost.

Doc.

 

[Strouty]

I had to scroll over into the next room to finish reading your post. Nice looking machine.

 

[dr_clyde]

Thanks. I'll get dia of spindle nut and subtract double est. wall thickness and should be able to tell which it is. I called one of the parts suppliers looking for a spindle nut spanner, one suggested MSC would have a general-purpose spanner that should work. Is that true or is the lathe spindle nut specially-shaped enough to need an unique spanner?

You can probably get away with a different style spanner, but for how cheap the right one is, I'd just get the L wrench.

 

[Cannonmn]

Agree, an L1 for $ 45.00 is excellent, I will email him as soon as I confirm what-the-L size I have. Sry about the monster photos, will try harder at smaller ones unless huge serves some important purpose in the thread.

 

[Cannonmn]

Question: The Leblond Regal manual for 15" and 19" that's on the web, think no. 3538, requires lubrication fill and daily with SAE 20w20 api sc oil. However my lathe has a metal tag on headstock, looks like put there by maker, specifying fill for the headstock as "30W" oil. What's better? I'd tend to follow the maker's tag since I'm not sure whether the manual applies to my lathe's s/n or not. Recommendations?