- Joined
- May 27, 2016
- Messages
- 3,452
About the cream-color off-white paint color on the lathe bed casting, between the ways.
I have now encountered it on two South Bends, and I start to suspect it may be intentional.
The 9C shown has had the outer painted green by the previous owner, but the cream-buff off-white between the ways shows all signs of being original.
The 9A has the very same color down there. All the 9A surfaces seem to be in original South Bend paint.
Is it to make things "less dark" down there? Does it maybe have a reflective, or contrast visual purpose. Is it just "traditional"?
I know I can get all shook out about colors - and I know that in the end, I can paint it any color I might like, but this time, the choice may be about more than just aesthetic preference. South Bend wartime lathes makers were not given to frills, so choosing to specially paint the inside of the casting that color might have had a more direct motive.
Even if I am just having a mad speculation, if anyone knows - then do tell.
I have now encountered it on two South Bends, and I start to suspect it may be intentional.
The 9C shown has had the outer painted green by the previous owner, but the cream-buff off-white between the ways shows all signs of being original.
The 9A has the very same color down there. All the 9A surfaces seem to be in original South Bend paint.
Is it to make things "less dark" down there? Does it maybe have a reflective, or contrast visual purpose. Is it just "traditional"?
I know I can get all shook out about colors - and I know that in the end, I can paint it any color I might like, but this time, the choice may be about more than just aesthetic preference. South Bend wartime lathes makers were not given to frills, so choosing to specially paint the inside of the casting that color might have had a more direct motive.
Even if I am just having a mad speculation, if anyone knows - then do tell.