- Joined
- Nov 21, 2012
- Messages
- 793
Hello ARM, take heart my friend!!! All those issues can be overcome.
The handwheel as others have mentioned has no dial, never has and it actually does not need it.
As Erik has mentioned, the backplate from the chuck can be used for a smaller 4 - 5 inch chuck. The ding seems quite small so it should be no problem to stone out carefully.
The matrix clutch is easy to adjust and there is a plate on the end cover explaining what gap to set it at.
This may be your first lathe so you might not realize what a gem you have. This lathe is VERY capable and since it has a hardened bed will likely have plenty of life left. You also have major rigidity which often can't be had with lathes several times it's weight.
The paint is not an issue at all and is purely cosmetic so leave that until last.
Take the problems one at a time. I would start with the clutch, since it's just a case of re-adjusting. After the clutch, I would add the VFD. This is not a big job and really only requires moving the motor or creating a counter shaft where the variator would be. Again, not a big job if you know a welder and have access to a lathe. Stoning out the any raised edges of the ding on the bed is a 60 minute task, easily accomplished.
Please don't misread this post as condescending. I prayed and waited years for one of these lathes and can attest to their quality. What you have are opportunities to get to know the machine. Any machine you get will require maintenance and repairs over time. I have never been a machinist either (a teacher and firefighter), and if I can chip through a machine re-vamp, anyone can. Don't focus on the whole machine, just one issue at a time.
However... If you choose to part it out, PLEASE let me know as you have a RAPID tool holder and I have searching for tool holders as I have one also and they are hard to find.
Good luck.
Paul.
The handwheel as others have mentioned has no dial, never has and it actually does not need it.
As Erik has mentioned, the backplate from the chuck can be used for a smaller 4 - 5 inch chuck. The ding seems quite small so it should be no problem to stone out carefully.
The matrix clutch is easy to adjust and there is a plate on the end cover explaining what gap to set it at.
This may be your first lathe so you might not realize what a gem you have. This lathe is VERY capable and since it has a hardened bed will likely have plenty of life left. You also have major rigidity which often can't be had with lathes several times it's weight.
The paint is not an issue at all and is purely cosmetic so leave that until last.
Take the problems one at a time. I would start with the clutch, since it's just a case of re-adjusting. After the clutch, I would add the VFD. This is not a big job and really only requires moving the motor or creating a counter shaft where the variator would be. Again, not a big job if you know a welder and have access to a lathe. Stoning out the any raised edges of the ding on the bed is a 60 minute task, easily accomplished.
Please don't misread this post as condescending. I prayed and waited years for one of these lathes and can attest to their quality. What you have are opportunities to get to know the machine. Any machine you get will require maintenance and repairs over time. I have never been a machinist either (a teacher and firefighter), and if I can chip through a machine re-vamp, anyone can. Don't focus on the whole machine, just one issue at a time.
However... If you choose to part it out, PLEASE let me know as you have a RAPID tool holder and I have searching for tool holders as I have one also and they are hard to find.
Good luck.
Paul.