Rockford 14x60

Mad Machinist

Registered
Registered
Joined
Sep 3, 2020
Messages
3
I picked an old Rockford lathe here recently and have a few questions. I was under the impression that all of these lathes used bronze shell bearings in the headstock until they got to the 16" size. However, the 14" i have has Timken tapered rollers in the headstock. The bed is stamped 44GE82. Does anybody have any information on this?
 
When you say "these lathes" do you mean Rockford or strictly size-wise? Because tapered roller bearings are seen on much smaller lathes than 14"
For example the Atlas 6" and import mini lathes of all types.
-Mark
 
Rockfords specifically. Everything I could find on Rockford 14" lathes from the '40's states they used bronze shell bearings. Only the 16" used tapered rollers. In the '50's, the supposedly only made the 16". I don't think this is a conversion either as the bearing journals are different from those with shell bearings.
 
Serial #44GE82 is 1941.
I had a 14" from around that time which was a very fine lathe, just a little slow at the top end for my needs at the time.
Can you post a couple pics of yours and what's your top speed? Bronze or Roller may have a 'bearing' on that... :)
 
Thank you everyone. Top speed is 402 rpm but with the roller bearings I do believe that the motor can be overdriven with a VFD. It did come with the taper attachment and a steady rest. Couple of pics for you all.
 

Attachments

  • 20200728_181850.jpg
    20200728_181850.jpg
    4 MB · Views: 11
  • 20200728_181853.jpg
    20200728_181853.jpg
    4.7 MB · Views: 11
Back
Top