Please help me get started with basic tooling

[RRT]

Greetings all,

My last lathe experience was 25+ years ago in college. As with most young skulls full of mush, I didn't pay close attention.

I have a 1932 8" Junior South Bend, 3 and 4 Jaw chucks, steady rest, face plate and three dogs, small #2 drill chuck, and the two 1/4"tool bars pictured below. Plus a hand full of 1/4 and 5/16 bits of various types.

The lathe has #2 and #1 Morse taper in the head and tail respectively. 3/4" spindle bore. I don't have any dead or live centers.

Primary use is to legally build firearm suppressors for personal use. Operations include internal threading of 1" - 1 1/2" tubes of alum and SS.

Secondary use is repair /maintenance on farm/ranch/tractor/dozer.

Questions What is the most economical way to get started. Anybody sell starter tooling kits? Should I stick with 1/4" or go larger. Thoughts on quick change tool post? Recommendations for on-line sources?

Any and all comments appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[RRT]

knudsen brings up a good point- what is the distance from the top of the compound to the centerline of the lathe? that will be your deciding factor if you choose to get a new tool post. i believe?? that about 1" is the minimum for the AXA size.

Top of compound to centerline of the chuck is 1.0"

 

[RRT]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. The AXA QCTP looks like what I need. A little more homework on cutting speeds and bit types and I'll place an order.

Thanks.
Mark

 

[RRT]

One thing I remember about the Junior, the spindle bearings are total loss oiled.
That is, there is an oil port on the tops of the front and rear spindle bearings, the oil just runs out.
When using for long periods, it was best to install the old time drip lubricators.
Also, right where the bearing caps split, there is a slot on each side for a little block of felt.
Sometimes the felt is missing, or its waxed up. Its important for that felt to be there, and in good shape, it maintains an oil film on the spindle.

Thanks Mumbles. All the felts are in place except for one on the counter-shaft that I pulled out wiping away globs of dirt and oil. (you should containerize small important objects before whipping out the air blower!) I've temporarily made due with a cotton cord about the same size until I find a source for proper ones.

My first inclination was to install grease zerts on the spindle bearings but the little voice in my head said "patience grasshopper".

 

[Giovanni]

I am buying a 1932 Junior this weekend. How do you like yours?
My lathe needs work on the spindle shaft bearing surfaces and bearing caps. I'm thinking about having the bearing caps line-bored and installing bronze bearings. Supposedly these surfaces never wear out, according to Tony's website but these have faired miserably. Here is the link to Tony's website.

http://www.lathes.co.uk/southbend/page3.html

 

[george wilson]

They were probably not oiled in use is why they wore out. I have read that cast iron bearings will last 30 years,BUT,they do have to be oiled properly. Personally,I'd prefer to have inserted bearings,though. Once the cast iron bearings DO wear,they require work to get them going again.

 

[Giovanni]

I think it is well worth the expense to repair the lathe.

 

[Rbeckett]

I get a lot of my tooling from LMS, Enco and MSC. Mcmaster also has a good bit of tooling too. Shars and CDCO seem to be the same people, but look carefully because the prices differ for the same stuff on each different site. So welcome to the gang and you have a great start on your machine and your tooling. We are also a picture lovin bunch so post what ya got and snap some more as you go. Kick off yer shoes and take an extended tour when you have a little spare time too. There are a ton of great tips and tricks stashed all over the site. Feel free to jump in anywhere and anytime on any subjest that you find interests you. If you dont find anything, then feel free to just start a new thread and get busy. There are no stupid questions and no flaming for inexperience, so just ask if you have a question. This site is totally dedicated to helping all newcomers get a start and learn in an environment of dignity and respect for all members. Welcome and hope to see you around often.
Bob

 

[Giovanni]

Thanks Bob.
I'm excited to get started on the restoration.

Thanks,
Giovanni

 

[Rbeckett]

Restoration is a great hobby too. You never get what you put into the project back dollar wise, but the satisfaction goes a long long way. I used to buy old cars and restore them to original. I never even broke even if you counted my time, but I sure did have a lot of fun and learned a ton of stuff along the way while I was doing it. I think just about any vintage Iron is worth rebuilding unless it is so worn that it will never be accurate when done. I have only seen one machine that worn. I loaded it in Jax Fl, and ran non-stop to Joplin Mo. They lifted the machine off the deck of my trailer and dropped it to the ground. It broke into a bunch of peices, I was freaked till they told me they did it on purpose to get a gear that was no longer made and would take too long to have made by a machine shop. You can imagine my horror when the machine slipped/tipped off the tines and came crashing to the ground. Then the little mechainc digging through the pile for the little gear was hysterical. But it got the plant back up and running and I bet they had a spare after that. Dont forget to take pics of the restoration as you go too Giovanni.
Bob