I purchased an antique lathe. Now what?

[Apsterbobed]

I have purchased my first lathe, Its old and I could use some help identifying it, I think its a Monarch model A. Its also missing a knob that I need to replace. Everything seems to work. I would like to get a quick change tool post, so any recommendations on the size post I should be looking for would be appreciated.

 

[brino]

That is a very sturdy looking lathe.
Does that say Jan 23, 1906 on the plate?

Here's some company info and history:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/monarch/index.html

Very interesting since that web page says:

Monarch lathes were first made in 1909

...and it also says:

Because they were so well made these lathes have an extraordinary long life

Some Monarch documents are here:
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=2103&tab=3

However the oldest documents appear to be 1920 & 1921.

Welcome to the group!

-brino

 

[brino]

Is that top pulley really as out of round as it appears:






Initially I thought the photos just got squished, but i) it's like that from multiply angles, and ii) other parts don't seem so oval......

-brino

 

[Braeden P]

Ooh an original motor mount back then that cost almost as much as the lathe looks really nice!

 

[Apsterbobed]

Is that top pulley really as out of round as it appears:

View attachment 349767


View attachment 349768

Initially I thought the photos just got squished, but i) it's like that from multiply angles, and ii) other parts don't seem so oval......

-brino

Wow that does look very bad! I don't think that its that bad but now I need to go look in person! I think that its just the angel of the picture because it spins just fine.

 

[Apsterbobed]

That is a very sturdy looking lathe.
Does that say Jan 23, 1906 on the plate?

Here's some company info and history:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/monarch/index.html

Very interesting since that web page says:


...and it also says:


Some Monarch documents are here:
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=2103&tab=3

However the oldest documents appear to be 1920 & 1921.

Welcome to the group!

-brino

I'm not sure but I think it is (*106*) on one side and (1A Lot No 404 Machine No 8) on the other side.

 

[Andrew R Stewart]

Do I see a weld repair on the motor/flat belt drive vertical bracket? There's a something just above the cross ribbing, about even with the top of the headstock. Andy

 

[FOMOGO]

Cool old lathe. Looks like you need a bolt on the motor support. Lot of weight hanging on that puppy. Mike

 

[benmychree]

The missing knob on the apron is likely the same part as the one next to it, you should be able to make one.

 

[john.oliver35]

Cool old lathe. Looks like you need a bolt on the motor support. Lot of weight hanging on that puppy. Mike

Does that motor support lean to the rear of the lathe when fully bolted on? It seems that with the lean forward the operator's hair and arm are in danger of getting pulled into the flat belt!