Thread: Greaves-Klusman Geared Head Lathe

I recently discovered an interesting thread by John Oder on his Greaves-Klusman Heavy lathe restoration, it is quite a story and well worth following. For those like me who have never visited the 'USA Heavies' part of the forum:

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/cincinnati-milacron-kearney-trecker-vn-usa-heavy-iron/20-heavy-greaves-klusman-183407/

Here is a Greaves-Klusman I saw a couple of years ago at a museum workshop in Whangarei, NZ. I think they wanted to sell it, so not sure if it is still there.

John, how do you think it compares to yours re. age and size? I see a couple of differences.











BTW, old lathes, especially large, ones, don't interest me much, I figure they are slow, probably worn out and not very mechanically interesting - but I am having to change my mind about the latter anyway. Sounds like a slippery slope.....

Use a good quality way oil and you'll get to the bottom faster than you can imagine. I started with a few new machines in '84 and only buy old now....

Thanks Peter - I guess its smaller - the operating lever looks huge and the tailstock looks small.

This lever not only selects the ten speeds but also operates both forward and reverse clutches. Actually, it selects five ranges, and you have to play with the back gear lever on top to get the high and low.

I'd say it is just the right home shop size.