South Bend 13" mechanical restoration

Sugarkryptonite

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Jan 22, 2021
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Hi guys,

I'm a beginner to the machining world. Grew up watching my dad working on his SB13, mills, welders, etc. My dad had this lathe sitting around as a spare for his SB13 in the corner of our shop. I asked one day if I could restore it and he said sure. This will be a slow process, and definitely not a full restoration as some of the other people on here have done, maybe more of a "functional" restoration.

Started by doing some vacuuming and quick degreasing of some parts, as well as removing the old motor and installing a new old stock Baldor:


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Removed the old GE DC motor

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New Baldor motor with pulley adapter mounted and ready to go

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Mounted in the lathe:

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And first quick test cut with the machine after sitting for many many many years:

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And finally here's a video of the first time it spun in years:


Pulled the tail stock off the machine. Tried to also loosen the 4 bolts that hold the apron on, and wow...couldn't get them off. I'm guessing someone lock tited them in there. Might have to try some heat...Anyone have any tricks for that? I tried an impact screw driver but no luck...

Also picked up a new VFD, an amazing deal locally. Brand new old stock from 2010. Still in the original box with the manual and original sales receipt. :)

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Very nice lathe!

The original motor was DC? Did it have a controller/speed control?

I bet the Baldor lasts a very long time.

Congratulations!
-brino
 
Very nice lathe!

The original motor was DC? Did it have a controller/speed control?

I bet the Baldor lasts a very long time.

Congratulations!
-brino

Hi brino

Thanks! Yes it was DC. It did have a controller at one time, but is long gone now, thus the reason why I switched to another motor. I had looked up getting the DC motor running but it just seemed like a headache needing field windings and everything powered at different voltages. Plus we had this Baldor motor sitting around BNIB...My dad has also had the same Baldor motor in his running SB13 for many many years with no issues, as well as a Pullmax.
 
Started the long cleaning process. Any recommendations for paint that you guys have used before with success? Some parts will be bare but most of them will have the original paint still on and just painted over (touch-up).

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I only use a brush. I don't try to get them to look brand new. They are just going to get dirty again anyways. ;) Some guys take them down to bare metal, Bondo them were needed and spray paint, etc.. They do look really nice that way, but I'm more of a function over form type of guy and a brush job makes them look good enough for me!

The paint is usually dry for me in 24 hours. Depends on the weather/humidity. No hardeners. Straight out of the can.

Ted
 
I only use a brush. I don't try to get them to look brand new. They are just going to get dirty again anyways. ;) Some guys take them down to bare metal, Bondo them were needed and spray paint, etc.. They do look really nice that way, but I'm more of a function over form type of guy and a brush job makes them look good enough for me!

The paint is usually dry for me in 24 hours. Depends on the weather/humidity. No hardeners. Straight out of the can.

Ted
Thanks. I'm the same way as you. It's not a Ferrari....well not to me, anyway.

Also, do you apply any primer before painting with the Rustoleum, Ted? @Technical Ted
 
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