Home grown lathe!!!!

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cozee

cozee

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Joined
Oct 4, 2005
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Sadorus, IL.
Granted, it is over kill for a pen, but this one ol' Tool Time Tim would be proud of! Arr Arr Arrrrrr!

The picture is of one found in an article found in the September issue of Woodturning (UK). Marion Randolf is the turner. The lathe will turn up to 38" diameter bowls. 2hp 220v. 2 speed ranges, low= 53-155rpm and high= 220-645rpm. He used a 3 speed transmission from a lawn mower to have 3 speeds in each range plus reverse. 2 1/4" shaft mounted in pillow blocks. 8" face plate. 700lbs of lead ballast (obtained from indoor shooting galleries) and can handle over 300lb pieces without difficulty. He says in the article that he does have an older 12" Powermatic (cropped out of pic) for turning, uh, smaller bowls!!!

2008-10-18_200803_DSCN9708.jpg
 
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How do you know you have a big lathe?

When you need a hoist to move your wood into place.

Neat lathe and photo. Thanks.
 
It needs it's own room or in my shop I would have to be in the driveway in order to turn. It is neat that he put it all together and it works. I might be able to put it together, but I am not sure it would work.
 
Our friend and wood provider Kalai has a monster homegrown lathe. He uses a jeep transmission for changing speeds. His shop was really amazing!

GK
 
Now there's something to do with an old motorcycle! a 650cc, 30some HP, 5 speed range lathe.... that doesn't sound dangerous at all!

As to how you know you've got a big lathe: "when you need a clutch to change speeds"

I would think it'd be pretty simple to put together, hard part would be if you needed a tailstock and ways that align properly. If I had my own garage I'd be tempted to try it.
 
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