Hercus 260 (south Bend Gs26-075)

[Boris Ludwig]

Thanks Mike. I'm looking forward to having it all up and running as well so can be and learning to use it properly.

 

[Jordan]

Although very similar to the one made for the Australian market, your Hercus 260 does indeed look like a USA spec model.
The rear pulley shaft has a feature that supposedly makes it easier to change the belt, although it is still a bit of a pain. There is a bolt that can be undone on the right hand side, which allows the shaft to split and provide a small gap for the belt to go through. It's explained in the Hercus 260 manual, which can still be bought. See ebay item 201708758076
You still need to dismantle the main spindle though. The puller is described in this other maintenance booklet attached here, along with a 260 brochure.

I like your lathe so much, I'll request that if/when you are inclined to sell it at any time, please let me know!
jprincic<AT>gmail<DOT>com

Jordan

 

[Localele]

Hope it is not too late Boris but the easiest way to replace the belts is using Link Belts.This way you don't have to dis-assemble the headstock.I have been using them on my Hercus 260 for years with no trouble at all.
here is a link to the product https://www.blackwoods.com.au/part/09857911/belt-link-powertwist-a-section-red

 

[Boris Ludwig]

Although very similar to the one made for the Australian market, your Hercus 260 does indeed look like a USA spec model.
The rear pulley shaft has a feature that supposedly makes it easier to change the belt, although it is still a bit of a pain. There is a bolt that can be undone on the right hand side, which allows the shaft to split and provide a small gap for the belt to go through. It's explained in the Hercus 260 manual, which can still be bought. See ebay item 201708758076
You still need to dismantle the main spindle though. The puller is described in this other maintenance booklet attached here, along with a 260 brochure.

I like your lathe so much, I'll request that if/when you are inclined to sell it at any time, please let me know!
jprincic<AT>gmail<DOT>com

Jordan

Hi Jordan,

Thanks for your post and those attachments I really appreciate them.

Mal form AHM said the same thing when he came over to have a look. He also said he'd buy it if I ever want to sell it. But I'll let you know if it ever comes to selling.

As far as getting the belt on I've started the process and got it around the countershaft and the back gear but until make a puller that can be used with this spindle, as the spindle has a bigger diameter and the nose cone is a D1-4 as you know, its waiting.

See the photo to where I'm up to.

 

[Boris Ludwig]

Hi Localele,

That's a great suggestion thanks. I've already got the new belts but I appreciate the info.

 

[Boris Ludwig]

Just wondering if any of you blokes know what spindle taper this lathe has?

I've looked around but can't find the answer. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Localele]

The normal Hercus 260 is a No.4 Morse Taper in the headstock and a No.2 MT in the tailstock.

 

[Boris Ludwig]

Thanks Localele. Would the difference in the bore size influence that taper? The bore through the spindle on the GS26 is 1 3/8" and a 260 has a 1 1/16" wondering if that makes a difference.

 

[Localele]

Here are a few taper dimensions for you to check.It is obviously bigger than a No 4MT.

 

[Boris Ludwig]

Cheers Mike.