Southend 9" Model A .... Questions

cincinnati JA · Apr 21, 2013

Hello all, I have a Southend 9" model A lathe with the quick gear change. I have not been on one of these old lathes since I was in the AF so I'm a bit rusty but my main question is this:

I cannot figure out how to lock down the compound rest. It just moves around freely. I will take a photo and post soon of the rest but I can't figure out how to lock it down. I'm hoping nothing is broken but if it is I need to fix it. I will also keep the thread open for any other questions I have on this lathe.

I built a stand for this already but I haven't set up anything yet.

084B7ED8-E01F-42AB-BD62-92AA200B398B-8406-0000038BF06A30F8.jpg

Josh

AR1911 · Apr 21, 2013

You mean it swivels freely? There are two "set screws" on either side of the slide. You tighten those with the compound at the angle you desire - 29.5 degrees for treading, for example.

GK1918 · Apr 21, 2013

AR1911 said:
You mean it swivels freely? There are two "set screws" on either side of the slide. You tighten those with the compound at the angle you desire - 29.5 degrees for treading, for example.

As AR said (two set screws) dont forget there are two "shoes" in there the set screws or bolts push
on. By chance they could either be stiff or there not there. These shoes are a bear to get out, because
if set screws are overtightned they tend to mushroom the shoes. So tighten them just enough. It took
me one day to remove these with magnets, tapping, you name it. Thats the only lock on the compound.
Oh try this, remove the screw or bolts (mine are square head bolts) now stick a small screwdriver in
there (feeling) revolve the compound > if you feel nothing the shoes are there, if you feel scratching
with the screwdriver theres no shoes in there. Next push a little harder on screwdriver while moving
compound is it starting to drag a little? If not its stuck. Lots of PB blaster lots of luck to remove. Last
if you get the shoes out make sure you champher the end v/s bolt-- when installing, shoes go in one
way only take note, the end rides in a dovetail. By the way Josh I just watched the model T thing.
read my comment. Good block to practice on sam

cincinnati JA · Apr 21, 2013

AR1911 said:
You mean it swivels freely? There are two "set screws" on either side of the slide. You tighten those with the compound at the angle you desire - 29.5 degrees for treading, for example.

Wow I feel like a dummy! Thank you very much ! That was it.

I have other questions to follow as well.

cbtrek · Apr 21, 2013

Not asking questions is the only thing that is dumb. I have not been able to run a Lathe for 15 years and I know I have forgot things. Just picked up a small lathe and am looking for a Model A, like I had used for years.

cincinnati JA · Apr 21, 2013

Re: Southend 9" Model A .... Questions

cbtrek said:
Not asking questions is the only thing that is dumb. I have not been able to run a Lathe for 15 years and I know I have forgot things. Just picked up a small lathe and am looking for a Model A, like I had used for years.

Very true! This really is the friendly machinist forum!

Right now my good friend is off in another state and I've told him I want to buy this lathe . He left it with me to use because he won't need it for a long time if he even does. He hasn't decided to sell it yet but I really hope he does . But until then I'm still going to fix it all up.

This has the quick change tail stock which I haven't figured out yet but I also have been so involved with my mill and giant grinder that I haven't spen much time on the mill.

What is supposed to go on the threaded rods coming out of this quick change?

71799320-A085-4E97-964C-5E7341EB93A2-11518-000007D2F2D8DC27.jpg

This lathe is in pretty darn good condition .

A2F9976C-478F-431C-93B2-6C4542087DA3-11518-000007D30FB8AC4C.jpg

02BBE351-29E1-49FA-8BA5-E4CCC94D84D4-11518-000007D3080326D2.jpg

The motor that he gave me is a 115v 3/4 HP craftsman . Do you think this is enough to power the lathe properly?

F3BFD9FF-75D3-44E0-81C1-05CE3BAB4099-11518-000007D865ACA5EF.jpg

I also have a 240v single phase 1/2 HP as well which would draw less amps. I may try to find another 3 phase motor or a bigger motor if y'all think I should up the HP for this lathe.

4B3CF9FE-A2BF-4954-98C3-81A4C88A7E2B-11518-000007D3172BBE31.jpg

I still have some of my cutting tools I made in the AF I used to use this same lathe at times in the AF .

I do want to buy a larger lathe as well though. I have my eye on a few . This will prove useful in keepin my tractors running properly.

- - - Updated - - -

GK1918 said:
AR1911 said:

You mean it swivels freely? There are two "set screws" on either side of the slide. You tighten those with the compound at the angle you desire - 29.5 degrees for treading, for example.

As AR said (two set screws) dont forget there are two "shoes" in there the set screws or bolts push
on. By chance they could either be stiff or there not there. These shoes are a bear to get out, because
if set screws are overtightned they tend to mushroom the shoes. So tighten them just enough. It took
me one day to remove these with magnets, tapping, you name it. Thats the only lock on the compound.
Oh try this, remove the screw or bolts (mine are square head bolts) now stick a small screwdriver in
there (feeling) revolve the compound > if you feel nothing the shoes are there, if you feel scratching
with the screwdriver theres no shoes in there. Next push a little harder on screwdriver while moving
compound is it starting to drag a little? If not its stuck. Lots of PB blaster lots of luck to remove. Last
if you get the shoes out make sure you champher the end v/s bolt-- when installing, shoes go in one
way only take note, the end rides in a dovetail. By the way Josh I just watched the model T thing.
read my comment. Good block to practice on sam

Click to expand...

Thanks Sam! Sounds like you had one heck of a time fixing that lathe! I did see your comment and I replied. The block would Definatly be good practice! I plan on making a lot of parts with this lathe and my mill for my tractors and vehicles.

ScrapMetal · Apr 21, 2013

Re: Southend 9" Model A .... Questions

cincinnati JA said:
Right now my good friend is off in another state and I've told him I want to buy this lathe . He left it with me to use because he won't need it for a long time if he even does. He hasn't decided to sell it yet but I really hope he does . But until then I'm still going to fix it all up.

What is supposed to go on the threaded rods coming out of this quick change?

The motor that he gave me is a 115v 3/4 HP craftsman . Do you think this is enough to power the lathe properly?

I also have a 240v single phase 1/2 HP as well which would draw less amps. I may try to find another 3 phase motor or a bigger motor if y'all think I should up the HP for this lathe.

Don't "fix it up" too much! He might be offered more money for it and decide to sell it to the highest bidder.

FYI - That "quick change tailstock" is commonly referred to as a "turret tailstock" and used for "production". Those threaded rods coming out the backside of it don't get anything attached to them. You screw them in and out to adjust length and lock in their lengths with the lock nuts. These then act as "stops" so the tailstock can me moved back to a repeatable position (Not sure what they stop against.

)

The Craftsman 3/4hp won't work real well as it's rated at 3450rpm whereas the Leeson at 1725rpm is "just right". I think (I'm not and expert on the 9", or much else for that matter.) that the 9" came stock with a 1/2 hp motor but was a little under-powered. Either a 3/4 hp (just not the one you have) or the 1/2 hp should be fine.

Hope this helps,

-Ron

Ulma Doctor · Apr 21, 2013

i'm gonna echo Scrappy's comment in pertinence to the motor...
you want to use a 17XX rpm motor,(some are 1725,1740,1760,etc...) 1/2 hp should power it just fine.
just don't expect to take 3/8" cuts and not have the motor slow a little:LOL:!!!

a 3450 motor is waaaay to fast the hp is right, wrong RPM!

My SB11" has a 1/2 hp delco motor

good luck
were happy to help out!

jocat54 · Apr 21, 2013

Re: Southend 9" Model A .... Questions

ScrapMetal said:
Don't "fix it up" too much! He might be offered more money for it and decide to sell it to the highest bidder.

FYI - That "quick change tailstock" is commonly referred to as a "turret tailstock" and used for "production". Those threaded rods coming out the backside of it don't get anything attached to them. You screw them in and out to adjust length and lock in their lengths with the lock nuts. These then act as "stops" so the tailstock can me moved back to a repeatable position (Not sure what they stop against. )

The Craftsman 3/4hp won't work real well as it's rated at 3450rpm whereas the Leeson at 1725rpm is "just right". I think (I'm not and expert on the 9", or much else for that matter.) that the 9" came stock with a 1/2 hp motor but was a little under-powered. Either a 3/4 hp (just not the one you have) or the 1/2 hp should be fine.

Hope this helps,

-Ron

Mine has a GE 1/4HP and works well.........almost believe it is the original motor.

cbtrek · Apr 22, 2013

HANDLEVER BED TURRET
Looks like the handle is missing but what a great accessories to have.

Each tool face has a independently adjustable feed stop screw which accurately regulates the length of the cut.

A real time saver!

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Southend 9" Model A .... Questions

cincinnati JA

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AR1911

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GK1918

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cincinnati JA

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cbtrek

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cincinnati JA

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ScrapMetal

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Ulma Doctor

Infinitely Curious

jocat54

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cbtrek

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