1901 W.F Barnes Lathe question

[Windsblow]

I recently got this vintage lathe. Its in great condition and not reconditioned. I am trying to decide if I want to go ahead and set this up to learn on or find someone who would appreciate this machine and put the money towards a more modern machine.

Also, is anyone familiar with this 1902 draw saw?

 

[middle.road]

Nice stuff.
Get the saw up and running and shoot a video. I enjoy watching them run and that one looks interesting.

 

[brino]

Nice!
I have a Barnes lathe (that is currently on temporary loan to my brothers collection.....mostly because I just couldn't give it up completely......)

Some interesting things about these lathes:
1) early ones were sold with pedals or a treadle and a seat that attached to the bottom of the frame, but could be slid left/right
2) they have TWO lead screws that turn in opposite directions, the half-nuts lock the carriage to one or the other to move different directions

It was said that using a pedal-powered lathe really made one appreciate sharp tools.
Mine was missing its' legs before I got it.......

-brino

 

[Windsblow]

its a belt drive saw and I have jack shaft/drum celing and a 5 hp 3ph motor to run both machine on belts if I decide to do it the hard way. If I do get it running this summer ill definitely post a video

 

[Windsblow]

Ive read just about everything I can about these things. I TOTALLY DIG IT. But Haven't decided if it's a machine I want to learn on. Ive got all the original feed gears too (if that's what they are called).

 

[Nogoingback]

Some folks just like old machines. If you're one of them, by all means keep the Barnes. If you want to learn how to use a lathe and make parts a newer machine is probably a better choice.

Nice power hacksaw. If it works it's worth keeping.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

Ive read just about everything I can about these things. I TOTALLY DIG IT. But Haven't decided if it's a machine I want to learn on. Ive got all the original feed gears too (if that's what they are called).

i think you are missing an opportunity to learn on what is a piece of history.
don't pass up the opportunity IMHO
there is nothing you will learn from a shiny new import lathe, that couldn't be learned on a Barnes.
you will learn finesse, patience and care of a machine that is a gift from antiquity .
if you don't love it, try to find someone who does