Noob question alert

[macardoso]

Actually Wikipedia had a better description than I could give:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_lathe#Center_lathe_/_engine_lathe_/_bench_lathe

 

[Dave Paine]

How on earth is yours so clean?! I spent weeks cleaning mine and it still doesn't shine like that

The cover on the headstock does a good job on the Grizzly to keep out debris. There was some grime when I got the lathe in 2014, looked like particles from the belts and oil. I did clean the area before I took this picture. The picture was after replacing the motor belt which required removing the motor driven pulley/shaft assembly. A good time to clean. In this case it was quick.

My Southbend Heavy 10 was a different story. This was the view inside the apron. I spent weeks cleaning the SB.

 

[jdedmon91]

I haven't started metal working yet but I would like to get into it.
My question is: What's an engine lathe and how is it different than other lathes?





Thank You
oldepole

Simple answer there are the same. When I started in the shop in 1974 that is what the lathes was called. I’d always wondered who coined the term and why?




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[macardoso]

The cover on the headstock does a good job on the Grizzly to keep out debris. There was some grime when I got the lathe in 2014, looked like particles from the belts and oil. I did clean the area before I took this picture. The picture was after replacing the motor belt which required removing the motor driven pulley/shaft assembly. A good time to clean. In this case it was quick.

Whenever I grease my headstock, it flings the grease all over the inside giving it nice black bands.

 

[benmychree]

I use the term "engine lathe" when I am talking about one; the definitions posted in the Wikepedia reference above are excellent.

 

[Dave Paine]

Whenever I grease my headstock, it flings the grease all over the inside giving it nice black bands.

My earlier picture was taken in early Oct 2014 after replacing the motor pulley belt. I just took an updated picture. A little of the grime from belt particles and some grease but may not be as bad as your lathe.



This is what it looked like with the motor pulley removed to change the belt. I had to drift out a shaft to get the lower pulley mount removed so I could replace the belt.



While looking for the older pictures I came across this one. My lathe is manually operated, but even a simple lathe like mine can need debugging at times.

This was the day after replacing the motor pulley belt. I have no idea where this critter came from, but it was escorted outside.

 

[oldepole]

Someone will likely correct me but I think that an engine lathe is larger than most hobby, vocational lathes. I had a South Bend 14 inch (referring to the size of material that can be turned) engine lathe. It was enormous. I now have an Atlas 10”, fully restored and it is what I would call “screw cutting” or a light duty/hobby lathe. Back gears are simply like having 1st and 2nd in your cars transmission. If you want to go super slow, or have lots of power, use them. Typically you would just use the other speeds; always starting in 3rd or 4th“ so to speak. I hope this hasn’t confused you further. Good luck. Great hobby. Avoid buying cheap if you can; you’ll either end up buying twice, or frustrated. Cheers.


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OK now I understand. Thanks!!