11" lathe to 14" lathe conversion done...

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Firefyter-emt

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Putnam, Connecticut, USA.
Well, I know I have bugged you all enough with photos, but I think ya can take just a few more...

Tonight was the final step, I just had to fabricate the new u-bolt. This would of been much eaiser if I had a real set of gas torches and not just Mapp gas!

Here is the original u-bolt and some 5/16" stock to make the new one out of.
I made the rod about .5" longer and tapped extra threads so that I could just trim the threads down to get the exact length.
delta-lift-34.jpg


And as you can see, this was the case but due to prior planning this was not a problem! :D
delta-lift-40.jpg


Now for some glory shots with paint and all the glitz...
I polished a couple parts this time at the tailstock handle and the bearing caps at the headstock. I am awaiting some link belt so I can put that belt back on, but for now I found a spare one that fits, but what a diffrence in vibration! [xx(]

It's hard to tell, but I also repainted the Delta tag too.
delta-lift-45.jpg


delta-lift-43.jpg


delta-lift-44.jpg


All in all, well worth the work to make it into a 14" lathe. I may repaint the lower block for the tailstock. I primed it and sanded it while togather and the seam is filled, but if you look close you can see it. I would rather the seam be seen and not "kinda" hidden. This can be done later easy enough.

I am now rebuilding my tool rests, I am carefully using a spot weld cutter to cut 90% of the weld and then with it held in a vice a pipe wrench pop's off the rest of the weld so I can just change the post and not rebuild the entire tool rest.

Oh, the full details can be seen here: www.yankeetoys.org/lee/lathe-lift.htm
 
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Great job of adding a good deal of life into an older tool. I know the spirit of the tool enjoys being in your talented, dedicated hands and not to have been put out in some exposed pile with the other older rejected tools. There are many years of enjoyment in this one. [:D]

I agree with you in using the link belts. So much so that I have exchanged all my drive belts on my cars and there definitely IS a vast difference all the way around. They may be pricey, but definitely worth it in the end.
 
I always appreciate it when something old is restored to new or better than new condition. I appreciate it even more when it is done in such a way that I envy the results. That lathe is truly a pretty tool, and your work is impressive.

Congratulations!

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett
 
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