What is this beast?

The Japanese made a lathe back in the day that looks very similar to that.

image.jpeg
 
Judging by the concrete blocks on the background, it appears to be an "x" X 48" with around 80" OAL.
 
Glenn has it close on age. I would say mid to late 1920's. Look at the half nut lever on the apron, that's almost a dead giveaway along with the QCGB. Doesn't look that bad. It don't look molested, yet.
 
chiroone said:
the owner and he knows virtually nothing about it.
Click to expand...

He may not know about the box of Aloris type tool holders hidden in the tool chest to the left. Make sure you get them, too. Look for the rest of the taper attachment, too.
 
Cgantnor5150,

Nice looking lathe. The original legs are a rarity these days.

SB’s from the 20’s all had black colored ‘Japonning’ as a finish - a mineral called Gilsonite, AKA asphaultum melted, mixed and thinned with linseed oil, turpinitine and lamp black. Then baked on to form a very durable and impervious finish. Yours looks like Japanning. Very nice indeed. The one for sale on Craigslist is blue, maybe grey, which indicates it has been refinished sometime in the past - likely as a result of long term usage and eventuall refurbishment. Not necessarily a bad thing, just something to keep in mind when looking to see if there are any hidden signs of excessive wear.

Glenn
 
  • Like
Reactions: jsh
When I got it, it was red. I stripped the red and found that black, thick coating. It seemed to have a metal flake to it and I thought it was just decades of gunk and chips. Did a little research and found out about the Japponing. I painted over it with Rustoleum Industrial Black and White between the ways (supposedly that was the stock color scheme at the time). Got the original rocker tool post and large back plate and possibly original 3 and 4 jaw chucks. It was quite a rebuild - took it could completely apart and went through everything.
 
I had not yet seen a SB lathe without any gear guards; is there evidence of there ever being such? There would be bolt holes below the gears in front and back of the headstock; the end train guard was mounted on a bracket that clamped to the rear vee way behind the headstock.
 
There are holes in front below the gears for sure. I’d have to look and see if the rear holes are there (I’m sure they are). Didn’t have guards when I purchased it.
I do have the end cover but the bracket where it attaches to the bed is broken. Haven’t fabbed one yet (or spent money for a used one).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top