South Bend 9a Restoration (pic Heavy)

[Bob Korves]

Discovery is much of the fun of learning any new endeavor. In any case, you are in the correct (and best, IMHO) forum for asking questions. No question is too silly here...

First, learn those safety precautions that are distinct to the lathe, then proceed slowly, with the approach "what can go wrong here?". One "OH SH**" cancels out a thousand atta' boys.

 

[bob135]

Hi First post here on this forum! Im in the UK. But have to say very nice "restoration" ( i wont get into the terminology like often get pointed out on a certain other forum).
I love the Matt /satin look to the paint and the colour. Ive done one 1963 9A and have a 1942 one 3/4 finished. I used a Boxford lathe colour (not quite as blue in real life) but if i did it again i would have used something more like yours.
The colour you used is very like Rustoleum mouse grey that i did a Walker Turner bandsaw with and the lathe cabinet in the photo.
Bob

 

[Bill Gruby]

Beautiful restoration.

"Billy G"

 

[bob135]

Thanks Bill, i think you learn alot about how the machine works in the progress of rebuilding them ,which i found out being a relative novice to machining. I think i learned alot i didnt know .

 

[Mr. Byte]

Indeed! Yet *so much* to learn still. I think about this often- I've made stuff my whole life; I have a garage full of tools and a brain full of knowledge on how to use them. If I want to make a bench, for example, I know where to go to buy the material. I know how to choose one material over another. I know what tools will be needed. I know what order of operations I want to perform. I know how I would go about finishing it. I know how to do it...

But I don't know any of this for machining! I don't know where to buy material. I don't know the differences in materials. I don't know how to grind a tool bit. I don't know how to adjust my feeds/speeds. I don't know how to improve my finishes. I don't know the order of operations... Know what I mean?

I guess the good thing is that in knowing what I don't know- I have a clear and obvious path forward. Sure it might all be new to me, but fabricating something- anything- still has the same design process regardless of the material and tool. I just need to do lots more research on my questions and start making some chips! All in time, all in time.

First, that lathe is gorgeous. Very well done. Second, the Brothers O'Brien wrote the bible in learning how to run a lathe, called 'How to run a Lathe." The older editions are in the public domain, you can download a PDF. Personally
I want a not too worn (but still clearly used) one for my shelf over my 9A.

I just purchased a 9A, Sn# 141164, under-slung motor type. I believe it's a '43. And while it seems to be in good shape, you've inspired me to restore it. (ok, you and BasementShopGuy)
Thank you for sharing the journey.

 

[external power]

I'm quickly seeing the caliber of folks that hangout here and love to see projects like this.
Thanks for the education..Doug

 

[woodchucker]

What a fantastic job!!!! Every part of it looks great, but I too am amazed at how well the chip pan came out - NEVER would have thought of doing it that way.

I never would have shortened it. I would have put it under the other support. That way the oil from the gear box can leak into it.
Not sure why that wasn't done.

 

[RandyM]

What a fantastic job!!!! Every part of it looks great, but I too am amazed at how well the chip pan came out - NEVER would have thought of doing it that way.

I never would have shortened it. I would have put it under the other support. That way the oil from the gear box can leak into it.
Not sure why that wasn't done.

The OP explains it all very well in his very first post.

 

[woodchucker]

The OP explains it all very well in his very first post.

Don't know that he tried to put it under the other foot. I think he just mounted it like it was and it stuck out further. Clearly it would have if it had 8 more inches out past the ways.

 

[RandyM]

Now, to jump back in time for a moment- when I was talking to the previous owner, I was told that the lathe was a 36" model. Therefore I went out and bought a 36" chip pan. Well it turns out that the lathe is actually a 42" model which is great! However, the chip pan would not fit under both feet at the same time. My solution was to simply offset it like this:

Don't know that he tried to put it under the other foot. I think he just mounted it like it was and it stuck out further. Clearly it would have if it had 8 more inches out past the ways.

I am sorry, but

I think he did.