1914. ? Model E South Bend lathe Questions

[Ben A Gonna]

Hello All
Several questions from you more experienced than me. As the title says I am cleaning up and preparing to repaint
what I believe to be is a greatly abused 15 in South Bend lathe around the 1914 era. Learned to operate this lathe before high school. Have all the pieces, nothing locked up, lathe bed ways scarred up, , definitely not much loving care. Still holds good tolerance.

Have removed the spindle bearing caps, & removed the spindle assembly, and chuck. Anyone have a suggestion or idea as to what the bronze bushing clearence should be, and is there a torque value for the bearing caps. Brass shim stock under the bushings.The bushings and the bearing surface are not the best, but will have to do. I figure the scratches and gouges will just hold that much more lubricant

Where can I purchase the old time brass oil cups with the flip cap. With all the new technology on lubricants what would be the best friction reducing lubricant for the old machine.

Thanks in advance for thoughts, and or suggestions.

 

[SLK001]

I haven't heard of a Model E -where did you get that model? How did you get the year? Post pictures or it didn't happen! Also, post the serial number.

 

[Ben A Gonna]

I haven't heard of a Model E -where did you get that model? How did you get the year? Post pictures or it didn't happen! Also, post the serial numbers .

Just because YOU haven't heard of something, or seen something does not mean it didn't, or doesn't exist. For your information there are no casting numbers on the inside of the on the right hand end frame rails. The serial numbers that were stamped in the flat area of the ways have been all but obliterated.
Model 37 E . From Mr Wells approximately 1914.

So for your information YES it did happen.

 

[OTmachine]

Nice Lathe. In the right hands, they are pretty capable. Looks a lot like my 16” Hamilton. When I was in the service, our Warrant Officer and the machinest made new bearings for a SB10. I would think that you would want a running fit of about .0015“ clearance. They adjusted the shims by running the lathe continuous and checking temperature by touch of the bearing caps. Worked out good. The oil cups have to be sought out at antique stores or flea markets. My .02

Look for some like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325090375461?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr=1&amdata=enc:1iQ_voTzeQOyS4L__5wdVeQ52&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=325090375461&targetid=4580702891777578&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=418640321&mkgroupid=1233652283797640&rlsatarget=pla-4580702891777578&abcId=9300602&merchantid=51291&msclkid=e0c1e177872b11db43a682fb31f6f3de
Easy enough to adapt.

 

[Ben A Gonna]

Nice Lathe. In the right hands, they are pretty capable. Looks a lot like my 16” Hamilton. When I was in the service, our Warrant Officer and the machinest made new bearings for a SB10. I would think that you would want a running fit of about .0015“ clearance. They adjusted the shims by running the lathe continuous and checking temperature by touch of the bearing caps. Worked out good. The oil cups have to be sought out at antique stores or flea markets. My .02

Thank you Sir.
When it goes back together I will measure the bearings, and the shaft. Also figured on using plasti gage, to confirm, my measurements.

 

[Ben A Gonna]

Nice Lathe. In the right hands, they are pretty capable. Looks a lot like my 16” Hamilton. When I was in the service, our Warrant Officer and the machinest made new bearings for a SB10. I would think that you would want a running fit of about .0015“ clearance. They adjusted the shims by running the lathe continuous and checking temperature by touch of the bearing caps. Worked out good. The oil cups have to be sought out at antique stores or flea markets. My .02

Look for some like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325090375461?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr=1&amdata=enc:1iQ_voTzeQOyS4L__5wdVeQ52&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=325090375461&targetid=4580702891777578&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=418640321&mkgroupid=1233652283797640&rlsatarget=pla-4580702891777578&abcId=9300602&merchantid=51291&msclkid=e0c1e177872b11db43a682fb31f6f3de
Easy enough to adapt.

Thank you.!

 

[Ben A Gonna]

Nice Lathe. In the right hands, they are pretty capable. Looks a lot like my 16” Hamilton. When I was in the service, our Warrant Officer and the machinest made new bearings for a SB10. I would think that you would want a running fit of about .0015“ clearance. They adjusted the shims by running the lathe continuous and checking temperature by touch of the bearing caps. Worked out good. The oil cups have to be sought out at antique stores or flea markets. My .02

Look for some like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325090375461?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr=1&amdata=enc:1iQ_voTzeQOyS4L__5wdVeQ52&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=325090375461&targetid=4580702891777578&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=418640321&mkgroupid=1233652283797640&rlsatarget=pla-4580702891777578&abcId=9300602&merchantid=51291&msclkid=e0c1e177872b11db43a682fb31f6f3de
Easy enough to adapt.

Thank you.!

 

[SLK001]

Just because YOU haven't heard of something, or seen something does not mean it didn't, or doesn't exist.
Model 37 E . From Mr Wells approximately 1914.

So, it's not a Model E, but a Model 37E, from the Series O line of lathes, so I guess that I still haven't seen a Model E SB lathe.

As for oil cups, modern versions are available from McMaster-Carr. The manufacturers left brass behind decades ago. Now, all you'll get is zinc plated steel. Originally, the clearances for the bearings was probably around 0.0007 to 0.001" (as measured with a 50 pound lift test). For a lathe this old, 0.001" to 0.0015" (or more) may be appropriate. The final decision will rest on how well the spindle turns with the given clearance. If it spins freely with a 0.001" lift, then I would leave it there. Check the bearing blocks during operation for high temps, which would indicate a too tight clearance. If too hot, back the clearances off a bit.

 

[Herk]

As others have said, its an "O Series" machine. I suspect it's 1915 or later as it has gear covers. The bearing caps have been modified, perhaps to fit drip oilers (a worthwhile modification). Originally they just had bronze nipples that only held a few drops.

As for bearing cap tightness and clearance, it depends. You'll want them looser for high speed operations, and tighter for finish cuts or if chatter develops. Download an early copy of HTRAL. This is addressed.

 

[Ben A Gonna]

Hello to all.
As I stated when I made the first post I came here asking respectfully about this old south bend. I had researched the year and model about 3 yrs back.. So for you POLITICALLY CORRECT, yes it is Model 37 E . ( unless someone can identify it as something else). 1915 or there about. Now if you would enlighten me what is the " O Series Machine). I ask because I have not heard of that.
As of today it is a sand blasted elderly lady, looking for a fresh coat of Make up, or war paint, whichever you prefer. While cleaning ,on the tailstock, there is a #15 in the casting, does that possibly indicate the year, or maybe to indicate the swing above the ways as this is specified to be a 15 in swing. Dont know. Reason for asking.

For all that have replied and provided information I say Thank You, I do appreciate the received information.

Again Thank You.