Monarch 10EE Repairs

[Full Metal Ratchet]

Hi guys and girls,

I decided to buy a lathe a while back and I've been working on it ever since. I thought some people might find it interesting, so I've been making videos of the process. This particular lathe is a Monarch 10EE from 1965. It has the original 5hp DC motor and control system (module drive) that uses thyratron tubes for DC rectification. I'm a bit over halfway through the repairs - the machine is usable now - but still have a few things left to make sure it is reliable.

I have tried to keep each video to a single repair or related groups. Some are longer than others. I don't really force a time limit such as the popular 5-7 minute "YouTuber" style because these are mainly for people who are interested in these lathes and all their peculiarities. I'm getting more comfortable with the camera and editing, but hopefully it won't be too painful to watch.

I have other equipment on deck for repair as well including: a Bridgeport Mill, an Airco 250amp AC/DC/HF welder (Miller built), an older Craftsman drill press and bandsaw, a Kalamazoo horizontal bandsaw, and a very dilapidated yet fairly large Delta disc and belt sander.

The lathe repair videos can be found by following the YouTube link in my signature.

Thanks for looking!

 

[jlenander]

Nice lathe FMR!
It looks to be in fantastic condition mechanically.
I just watched all of your 10ee videos.....and am anxiously waiting to find out what went wrong at the end of the last video!
Great work on the electrical troubleshooting.
You realize what extreme ends of the lathe spectrum that a 10ee and South Bend live on? You clearly chose an amazing machine for your first lathe.
I look forward to seeing it make chips.
Best,
Jon

 

[Full Metal Ratchet]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad you liked the videos.

Yes, the 10EE is a bit stiffer than a Southbend to say the least. I am very lucky to have it as a first lathe. I feel like I haven't earned the right to run such a smooth and forgiving machine because I haven't learned all the hard lessons from an Atlas or Southbend. I try to be careful with it because it is deceptively powerful and I like having all my appendages intact. I'm still a newbie machinist after all.

I'm trying to get caught up on editing footage. I'll say that it's 80% done and working well now. I have made a few parts with it such as these for a ceramic 3d printer I designed and made at work.

 

[RogueFab]

Nice looking lathe. I still have to go back and watch your videos. Looks like you are better at running one than I am

 

[Full Metal Ratchet]

Nice looking lathe. I still have to go back and watch your videos. Looks like you are better at running one than I am

Thanks! I made a few test parts with scrap first to make sure I could do it right. I have learned a lot watching guys like mrpete222, abom79, and oxtool. I know the basics but still have much to learn.

 

[Verg]

Very cool projects

 

[Monkey Milk]

I would like to get a 10EE but after your electrical troubles I"m going to have to rethink it. cool vids

 

[Full Metal Ratchet]

The rumor is that once you fix all the problems from years of neglect, that they will last another 20 or 30 years with minimal maintenance.

Most people replace the DC motor with an AC induction motor and a VFD. You lose back gear and a good bit of low rpm torque, but it's not really a deal breaker. You can also make an adapter for the back gear to bolt to an AC motor, but it requires a fair amount of machining. A few people who thought it worth the effort have done it successfully. Monarch no longer supplies the 5hp DC drive, instead opting to use a 10hp AC motor directly driven via a VFD.

So far I have enjoyed working on it, and luckily I don't give up easily. It's a learning experience for sure. I understand why people gut them, and don't have a problem with that approach, but this one was mostly intact and worth fixing up. Kind of like the way some people fix up old tube amplifiers.

 

[jlenander]

FMR,
Your 10EE is looking great! I've been keeping up with you on youtube. Using the laser cutter to make felt wipers was very cool.
I'm looking forward to watching you get into the apron. Good luck...it's hard to tear into an operational machine!
Jon