Enterprise El-2 Help Needed

@walser - I happened to pick up this same lathe (Enterprise L2) today. The PO couldn't get the motor to run and they didn't want/need the lathe anymore, so they unloaded it for next to nothing. I still almost walked away but ended up taking it in the hopes that it might be an easy fix. It was a trade school lathe. The compound has a good chunk knocked out from a crash but otherwise seems pretty tight - the ways and gears are great.

I wanted to know if you still had this lathe 'cause I might want to fire some questions your way.

As far as the manual: I have an original one (looks the same as the one royesses linked above). The spindle control lever on the apron definitely has Fwd/Rev/Off (wiring diagram and physical switch definitely has 3 positions). But you're right that there is no stop/safety between Up and Down...you can blow right past Off. If you need info from the manual let me know.
 
That is one stout looking machine and the RPM range is really decent. The base looks good and heavy.
@keeena does the manual state what the weight is? And I'm also curious about an MFG date.
 
@walser - actually, there is a safety interlock. When in the middle (off) position, you are supposed to first pull the lever to the left before moving up or down. When looking at it initially, it appeared like you can move right from CCW to CW (w/o power I was just assuming based on position of the lever) But this is not the case - you can physically see the switch plungers on the left. If you don't move the lever left first, the lever will not move completely past the plungers.

@middle.road - 2700lbs. It's stout and one of the reasons why I decided to pick it up. I have a Grizzly G4003G. It does what I need, but figure this Enterprise would be fun for turning heavier stuff due to the much bigger motor. It also can switch from Metric to Imperial threading with a throw of a lever...no change gears.

This is mine; just dropped off in the garage a few hours ago. I need to get a VFD to see if I can get this bad boy spinning up. Then determine how tight it is to see if I'll tidy it up. Funny thing is: might have just been a fuse! One of the 4 transformer fuses had no continuity! Crossing my fingers. :)

IMG_20200118_124814.jpg
 
And hardened bed ways. . .
That's 4x the machine my Birmingham 1440 is.
 
Forgot to answer your other Q: I'm not sure of manufacture date. I believe these were mid-70's and before the 1550 model which @Chipper5783 posted. Its hard to find info...they are fairly uncommon. I did some research on them to see if it was even worth it - some mixed reviews of older ones but the only specific negative comments I could find were that the gears (not sure if endgears, headstock, or feed) were garbage castings. Others seemed to have pretty good feedback. The feel of the tumblers, handwheels, etc...are definitely more solid than the G4003G. I'm really hoping I can get her running.

When I have time I'll grab some more pics - the headstock and end gears seem great as far as I can tell.

[Edit] - While hunting around for info I found an old auction featuring an EL2 machine #804. Its build date is 1974. My machine is #1923, so narrows it down to no earlier than 1974...likely 1974-1978. The build plate is missing on mine but the machine number is stamped in a few different places.
 
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Can some one tell me diffrence between to lead screw locks left one and right one I have been using right one to thread is that correct thank you
 
The lever on the right-most side of the apron is for threading (engages half nuts). The lever in the middle of the apron is for your longitudinal and cross feeds.

Did you recently pick your lathe up? They aren't common; happy to see another one. Post up since pics!
 
@Dball213

You joined a while ago, but this is your first post.
Welcome to the group!

Yes some pictures would be appreciated.

-brino
 
brino said:
@Dball213

You joined a while ago, but this is your first post.
Welcome to the group!

Yes some pictures would be appreciated.

-brino
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I will try to get some pics to day. I you answered my question thank you. I am all so having problems flat belt staying on when change higher speeds any advice
 
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