Found in historic barn

[Woodbutcher]

I just won the biggest lottery in the world :cool2: While out looking at a job
in an old barn which I landed , I scored the deal of the century !!!! I found several pieces os very old machinery, and hand tools . I imediatly negoteated
them into the cost of the job, and now own two more lathes. One is just a small 36" between center , 6 1/4" center to bed , made by Kings Way for
Craftsman circa @ 1930's . The other is the real find , made for a timber bed
with pat. dates of 1882, a center to bed mesure of 12 1/2" , 6 speed flat belt drive on the head stock . The spindle has acme threads with what I
beleve to be a #3 taper. Both have most of the basic goodies , My only concern is trying to find Someone to rebuild "babbit" bearings . The only resource I had in this area passed away two years ago . Maybe I can covert it to roller bearings . Any Suggestions would be appreciatted . I am 😎
so happy to think that I may not have to turn porch post in sections and join them together anymore 😱

Matt Woodbutcher

 

[Mr. Don]

Bearings

You might try bringing the bearings to your local NAPA auto parts store. Years ago the older car engines had babbit bearings, and you could send them in to have them repoured (recast). Do not know if they still do this, but they may be able to refer you. Just an idea.....good find....try to keep it as original as possible.

 

[Andy Coates]

lathes

You could try an email to a UK company who rebuild all types of old lathes, they have a lead...

http://www.lathes.co.uk/

Failing that you might try Stuart King, a UK pole Lathe and historic lathe specialist...he could have leads also...

http://www.stuartking.co.uk/

Or Robin Wood, another UK turner, at http://www.robin-wood.co.uk/

Good luck and lucky you!

 

[MichaelMouse]

My only concern is trying to find Someone to rebuild "babbit" bearings . The only resource I had in this area passed away two years ago .

IIRC, FWW had at least one article years back on renewing the Babbitt bearings, using the cups and shaft as molds. I'm not a "member" with searching privileges over there, but if you are, you might want to look it up. http://www.taunton.com/ or check your CD if you have one.

From what I recall, it wasn't a complicated process, the idea behind the bearing being easy field maintenance.

 

[Gary]

Try Ernie Conover. In his younger days, he made lathes.
His father was in the business.


Link to his contact web page

 

[underdog]

Steam engine enthusiasts could tell you all about this. I don't believe it's all that complicated.

 

[John Nicholas]

Babbit Bearings and Info on Old WW Machines

If you have an old lathe, you must check out the guys at
Old Wood Working Machines

www.owwm.com

They have a how to on pouring your own babbit bearings and several of the active members do that type of thing routinely. They are a treasure trove of info on older machines, with pictures and other info.

There is a good chance that they may know of your lathe and would like a picture.

They have an email dissucsion list for those members interested.

John 🙂

 

[Hugh]

Just for fun - do a search through "Fine Woodworking" magazine. For some reason, in the back of my mind they had an article on how to pour babbit bearings. I could be wrong - but I have seen an article somewhere. If I remember right it was not that difficult. Hugh