OOOLD Leblond Lathe

[duude]

Sometimes I do dumb things...like buy machinery sight unseen. Anyway when my helper showed up with this I ****.
It is cool but old old. Complete and original except modern motor.
I found only 1 that looks to be the same or very similar and is in a museum.
http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=11497

Don't know what to do with it and can't bring myself to scrap it.
Maybe I'll clean it up and use it?

 

[blueflame6]

Looks similar to the old conehead Hendey I used to use in the old days. An old machine can always be tweeked and/or adjusted to make it serviceable.

 

[Outlawmws]

If the ways and lead screws are in decent shape, its a perfectly usable lathe. Be sure to oil the thing, and the (I'm sure) Babbitt bearings in particular every use. DON'T scrap it. lots of guys restore these things, and even if it os beyond repair the parts are probably worth quite a bit to someone fixing one up.

 

[rsanter]

Don't scrap it
Either set it up to use so you can use it or sell to someone that will or donate to a museum and take the write off

Bob

 

[Slowboat]

That, and if you have to, part it out on Ebay. I have an 1890 Seneca Falls Lathe, and being able to get parts on Ebay has been very helpful. That said, be realistic on prices for those bits...

 

[darkk]

I'd rock that in my garage!

 

[duude]

Well...I went out there and started cleaning it. Man it has been stored pretty good. plastic brush, WD40, rag(s). I have scotchbrite but not sure if it is cool to hit the ways and other non painted surfaces with it?
Is it ok to use like, CLR or Naval Jelly on the bare stuff?
Has an awesome lamp, all brass needing a cord.
Any no no's I should know before it's too late?
Didn't mean to create a project but..could be worse.

 

[Outlawmws]

Well...I went out there and started cleaning it. Man it has been stored pretty good. plastic brush, WD40, rag(s). I have scotchbrite but not sure if it is cool to hit the ways and other non painted surfaces with it?
Is it ok to use like, CLR or Naval Jelly on the bare stuff?
Has an awesome lamp, all brass needing a cord.
Any no no's I should know before it's too late?
Didn't mean to create a project but..could be worse.

Keep Scotchbrite away from any mating machined surface. it's abrasive. For rust, naval jelly, Jasco metal etch (Phosphoric acid), Evaporust, there are lots of options. (Not sure about CLR, if it will attack the base metal...)

It's a GREAT project

 

[duude]

Well, I ended up just disassembling it and painting the entire machine. Maybe that was the wrong thing to do? Anyhoo, I have it mostly reassembled. Just have a few gears and all of the handles left to go over.
As far as the front plate/ gearbox, any thoughts on how to make the metal shine? There are a few handles w/ drive pins holding them on I was afraid to remove so I'll have to work around them. Haven't taken pics since reassembled.

 

[duude]

Meant to add that I spoke w someone at LeBlond and looks like this was built approximately between 1905-1910. Not sure exactly because I have not yet located a serial number. Not too shabby considering it's over 100 years old.

 

[american3.14guy]

That lathe is awesome! Even for its age, it would work great for a hobbyist/"small-time" lathe. Seeing an old machine work like it should is a testament to the quality of workmanship put into them.!

 

[duude]

Located a number.
Lot 29 No 1

??????