Who made this lathe

[Imbetrnu2]

I am leaning toward getting this lathe next weekend but there are not any nameplates on it anywhere other than on the motor (which says century) Apparently this Lathe came out of an old steel plant in the Chicago area. Any help in identifying this would really be

thanks,

Dave

 

[454ragtop]

Not the best pic in the world, but it kind of looks like a Hendey. Better pics would help. Also think it was cast into the front of the bed.
Good luck, Jim

 

[Imbetrnu2]

Unfortunately that is the only pic I have of it. I am just not wanting to drive 3 hours oneway on Saturday without knowing more about it and the guy who is selling it knows less than me.... Apparently it was his neighbors who recently passed away. I did get a couple other pics texted to me

 

[Fretters]

Even if you know what type of machine it is, (personally, I quite like that machine regardless of make), it still won't answer the important questions regarding wear, damage etc. A trip out there is the only way you're going to know if it's a worthwhile purchase. If he's not wanting silly money for it, I'd be half tempted to get that regardless of make, provided condition is half decent.

 

[454ragtop]

Probably should do a similar post, over at Practical Machinist, in the antique forum. Bet someone there will recognize it.
Jim

 

[Imbetrnu2]

Price is right considering we are trading a go kart for the lathe so I have no complaints there. And yes I would most definitely check it out well before I go any further. I just really want to know who makes it. are there still parts available? Etc

 

[Fretters]

Generally with vintage machines, spares are unlikely to be available other than routes like other owners, Ebay, buying other machines for parts etc. End of the day though, most stuff can be either made/repaired by yourself or repaired/reproduced elsewhere, if necessary. The base machine being intact and in decent nick is your main concern. After that, everything else is sortable.

 

[Steinmetz]

I am leaning toward getting this lathe next weekend but there are not any nameplates on it anywhere other than on the motor (which says century) Apparently this Lathe came out of an old steel plant in the Chicago area. Any help in identifying this would really be

thanks,

Dave

Generally speaking, lathes used in industry tend to be somewhat worn out. This is particularly true if it was used in production. You'll have to look at it and make an assessment.

One thing it has going for it is that it appears to have some mass.

 

[RCStocker]

The lathe is form the 40's or 50's. It might be from the 30's buy the style and legs.
Look under pictures on Google.
Go to the "home Machinist index" or other machinist web site and you will get the answer. I am sure there are parts out there but they could be very rare. With the web if the exist you will find them. Check for play and if the ways have been beat up. You can keep a lot of machines going if you have the talent and machine shop to make parts.
Did you get a good deal depends on the value of the go-kart. There should be a plate or stampings somewhere that will give you a clue as to the manufacture.

 

[rsanter]

For used machines like that generally basic bearings and bushings are available.
All other parts are almost never available anymore unless you luck across them used.

Bob

 

[larry_g]

What do you plan on turning with the machine. It looks to have plain bearings on the spindle indicating a perty low top speed in the 5-750 rpm range. That perty much takes using carbide cutters to there potential. If the machine runs and does not have a bunch of broken gears it would be a good starter machine if you can handle the move. Consider your first lathe a learning tool, like buying a text book. If you learn then this will not be your last lathe and if your under $1000 then you can usually get your money back when you upgrade. Nothing in your pictures says RUN AWAY to me.

As for spare parts, your going to have to find used parts or > You have a lathe, your a machinist, make your own.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Steinmetz]

I am leaning toward getting this lathe next weekend but there are not any nameplates on it anywhere other than on the motor (which says century) Apparently this Lathe came out of an old steel plant in the Chicago area. Any help in identifying this would really be

thanks,

Dave

Don't get hung-up on the brand. It has nothing to do with the condition of the machine.

If you have a dial indicator and a magnetic base, they will help you make an evaluation.

 

[AllenP]

I have a Hendey and I agree the head cover looks familiar, but as far as I know all Hendeys had the same very distinctive decorative cast face of their quick change gear box, which I don't see here.

 

[Shadowdog500]

That might be a Sydney lathe from the 1930s. If it is, it was a very expensive lathe back then. If it needs work, your new hobby may become searching for 90year old non existent lathe parts.

Post 14 of this thread shows photos of what appears to be an identical lathe. https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/antique-machinery-and-history/sidney-lathe-information-230391/

 

[ClappedOutBport]

That might be a Sydney lathe from the 1930s.

Here is a thread with someone with that identical lathe. https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/antique-machinery-and-history/sidney-lathe-information-230391/

I thought for sure you were right but upon closer inspection there are noticeable differences.

• Headstock cover is a different length
• Apron is considerably different
• Apron handwheel has 5 spokes not 4
• Tailstock lines are not classic Sidney and different
• QCGB is different

It may still be a Sidney, but it's different from the rest. I personally don't think it is. Which is kind of shocking, considering how close they are. Somebody was a copy-cat methinks. Good spot though.

Edit: I just spent the last hour searching and I've got nothing. Shadowdog's suggestion is by far the most similar, so that's what I'm going to have to agree with, that's probably some variation of a Sidney.

 

[ClappedOutBport]

That might be a Sydney lathe from the 1930s. If it is, it was a very expensive lathe back then. If it needs work, your new hobby may become searching for 90year old non existent lathe parts.

Post 14 of this thread shows photos of what appears to be an identical lathe. https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/antique-machinery-and-history/sidney-lathe-information-230391/

You're right. It is a Sidney. And rare as ****. I put in more time and found one single other picture matching it. Here is a similar one, with a fancier gearbox, and an apron clutch lever. But the controls are the same, handwheel is the same, tailstock. That's it.

https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/sidney-machine-tool-co-lathe.8528/#post-73701

View media item 108622
Good job shadowdog!