I purchased an antique lathe. Now what?

Apsterbobed

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I have purchased my first lathe, Its old and I could use some help identifying it, I think its a Monarch model A. Its also missing a knob that I need to replace. Everything seems to work. I would like to get a quick change tool post, so any recommendations on the size post I should be looking for would be appreciated.
20201129_180400.jpg 20201129_180409.jpg 20201129_180415.jpg 20201129_180421.jpg 20201129_180429.jpg 20201129_180435.jpg 20201129_180511.jpg 20201129_180545.jpg 20201129_180549.jpg
 

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brino

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That is a very sturdy looking lathe.
Does that say Jan 23, 1906 on the plate?

Here's some company info and history:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/monarch/index.html

Very interesting since that web page says:
Monarch lathes were first made in 1909

...and it also says:
Because they were so well made these lathes have an extraordinary long life

Some Monarch documents are here:
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=2103&tab=3

However the oldest documents appear to be 1920 & 1921.

Welcome to the group!

-brino
 

brino

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Is that top pulley really as out of round as it appears:

1609687157113.png


1609687213761.png

Initially I thought the photos just got squished, but i) it's like that from multiply angles, and ii) other parts don't seem so oval......

-brino
 

Braeden P

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Ooh an original motor mount back then that cost almost as much as the lathe looks really nice!
 

Apsterbobed

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Is that top pulley really as out of round as it appears:

View attachment 349767


View attachment 349768

Initially I thought the photos just got squished, but i) it's like that from multiply angles, and ii) other parts don't seem so oval......

-brino

Wow that does look very bad! I don't think that its that bad but now I need to go look in person! I think that its just the angel of the picture because it spins just fine.
 

Apsterbobed

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That is a very sturdy looking lathe.
Does that say Jan 23, 1906 on the plate?

Here's some company info and history:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/monarch/index.html

Very interesting since that web page says:


...and it also says:


Some Monarch documents are here:
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=2103&tab=3

However the oldest documents appear to be 1920 & 1921.

Welcome to the group!

-brino
I'm not sure but I think it is (*106*) on one side and (1A Lot No 404 Machine No 8) on the other side. 20201129_180609.jpg
 

Andrew R Stewart

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Do I see a weld repair on the motor/flat belt drive vertical bracket? There's a something just above the cross ribbing, about even with the top of the headstock. Andy
 

FOMOGO

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Cool old lathe. Looks like you need a bolt on the motor support. Lot of weight hanging on that puppy. Mike
 

benmychree

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The missing knob on the apron is likely the same part as the one next to it, you should be able to make one.
 

john.oliver35

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Cool old lathe. Looks like you need a bolt on the motor support. Lot of weight hanging on that puppy. Mike
Does that motor support lean to the rear of the lathe when fully bolted on? It seems that with the lean forward the operator's hair and arm are in danger of getting pulled into the flat belt!
 
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