Niles lathe

Big? I saw one locally and took pics; 16 ft swing, 100 ft between centers ---
 
Did a bunch of clean up on the lathe. This thing was sitting underneath a lean too for god only knows how long, in the high desert area in Oregon.

Filled the carriage with new oil and started testing the functions. Power feed on the carriage and cross slide work in both directions. Took me a bit to figure out how to switch the power feed from carriage to cross slide. Also this lathe has a threading dial. I still have to figure out how to engage it.

This lathe also has rapid traverse capability. However it’s missing the mounts on the back of the carriage.

If anyone has any info on Niles Tookworks machines please pass it along. I can’t find much of anything online.
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There’s several other issues with this machine that need addressed before I can start using it.

First the feed handle was snapped off at one point. Unfortunately it’s been lost so I will have to fabricate something.

I pulled the top off the gear box and everything looks to be in great shape. Next I need to remove the guard that surrounds the gear set on the side of the machine.

I removed all the fasteners and went to remove the guard, but it wouldn’t come off. I realized that there’s one screw behind the gear housing assembly...unbelievable. I don’t want to remove the gearset or cut the guard. But somethings gotta be done.

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I was able to pry the sheet metal over the top of the screw behind the gear assembly and remove the guard. I will trim the guard just a bit and reinstall when ready.

I moved on to removing the broken handle. With a little help with my port-a-power the shaft was removed. I was originally going to remake the entire bracket out of a billet of A36 steel I have laying around, but now I’m not so sure after removing the assembly.

I may get a piece of cast iron and recreate the missing piece to the best of my ability and braze the pieces together. Anyone have any suggestions?

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That's a nice looking machine. I just got a 100 year old 36 inch L&S home. Like your's it need a good cleaning after sitting for years.

What are your impressions on the AD 40. I'm looking at getting one as well and am curious.
 
That's a nice looking machine. I just got a 100 year old 36 inch L&S home. Like your's it need a good cleaning after sitting for years.

What are your impressions on the AD 40. I'm looking at getting one as well and am curious.

The largest motor I’ve put on it has been 20 hp 480v. It’s preformed flawlessly and is relatively quite. I have the rotary phase converter is set up with a 70 amp breaker.

I haven’t made any cuts with the machine yet so we will see how it holds up under load.

Got any pics of the L&S?
 
The quick change gear box handle has been addressed and is now functional. Also started to level the machine with the Bullard 24” machinists level.

Hoping to make some chips soon.
 

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