What is the purpose of an "armature lathe"?

[Odie]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRUCUT-ARMATURE-LATHE-by-Frank-N-Wood-Co-mini-metal-lathe-/321182474130

I've been looking at this lathe on eBay. Not sure what the original purpose is here......but, it looks like this lathe might be ideal for wood threading. Looks like the motor spins a cutting bit and the objective piece of wood moves along screw threads......but, not sure.

Any knowledge about this lathe?

ooc

 

[Dale Miner]

That lathe was made to true up the commutator on small armatures, typically those from starters and generators of automobiles. The lathe also had provisions to undercut the mica used as an insulator between the segements of the commutor. Armature lathes were not designed to cut a spiral or thread like groove on the surface of the commutator.

 

[Odie]

That lathe was made to true up the commutator on small armatures, typically those from starters and generators of automobiles. The lathe also had provisions to undercut the mica used as an insulator between the segements of the commutor. Armature lathes were not designed to cut a spiral or thread like groove on the surface of the commutator.

Thanks, Dale........

Makes sense now........that lathe was a complete mystery to me, until you shed some light!

ooc

 

[Bill Boehme]

Odie, I think that you will find this interesting

http://www.wswells.com/data/catalog/1933_proof_Bltn_No.2/1933_proof_Bltn_No.2.pdf

It is a manual discussing the use of a South Bend Armature Lathe for machining armatures for generators and starters. It also gives some prices. You could get a quarter horse motor for $11.50, a pulley for fifty cents, and a complete set of chucks and cutters for less than fifty dollars. Wall outlets weren't very common, so you could just unscrew a light bulb and screw the connector into the light socket to power the lathe.

 

[Odie]

Odie, I think that you will find this interesting

http://www.wswells.com/data/catalog/1933_proof_Bltn_No.2/1933_proof_Bltn_No.2.pdf

It is a manual discussing the use of a South Bend Armature Lathe for machining armatures for generators and starters. It also gives some prices. You could get a quarter horse motor for $11.50, a pulley for fifty cents, and a complete set of chucks and cutters for less than fifty dollars. Wall outlets weren't very common, so you could just unscrew a light bulb and screw the connector into the light socket to power the lathe.

Hello Bill........and, thanks!

Actually, I have no further interest in the armature lathe. My initial thought was to adapt it to woodturning, or more specifically, thread turning. At the time I first posted, I was unaware of just how it worked, or what it's purpose was.

Rebuilding electrical motors just ain't my thing!

ooc