One of the most common questions that is posted regarding Hendey Cone Head lathes is:
"What is the proper spindle speed for a particular size lathe". This information, for some
unknown reason, was not included in the operator's manual. For some years this information
was published in the Hendey general lathe catalogs and then omitted. By the mid 1930s,
even the information concerning the cone sizes and the countershaft speeds, making this
calculation fairly simple, had been removed. If your lathe has a Cullman or Lima drive, then
determining the proper spindle speed can be a bit awkward.

From 1887 to mid 1899, Hendey cone head lathes used straight bearings and either single
or double speed countershafts. Because of the relatively small number of these lathes
known to exist, I will be pleased to supply that information to owners on a case by case
basis.

From mid 1899 until the end of production, the Norton annular taper bearing was used in
these lathes. During this period, cone sizes and countershaft speeds varied, but a few
years after the introduction of the tie bar, these items became more standardize and re-
main so for a number of years. These figures may be used on any Hendey cone head made
during this period with confidence. The numbers will be listed in the following order:
Lathe swing, Countershaft low speed, The four direct speeds (left to right steps on cone)
and The four back gear speeds (left to right steps on cone). This will be repeated for the
Countershaft high speed. The list covers lathes from 12 inches to 24 inches. It does not
include the 26 inch or 32 inch lathes as very few of these lathes are known to exist and
I will furnish this information on request. If you own a Hendey Junior, use the 12 inch
spindle speeds.

Lathe Size Countershaft Speed Direct Drive Back Gear Drive

12 inch 160 rpm 650-344-204-125 63-33-19.6-12
12 inch 210 rpm 860-450-268-165 83-43.5-26-16

14 inch 106 rpm 366-220-144-95 44-26.9-17.1-11
14 inch 135 rpm 465-280-182-121 53.7-32.6-21-14

16 inches 107 rpm 363-210-132-85 39.6-22.8-14.3-9.2
16 inches 136 rpm 462-266-168-107 50-28.5-18.2-11.7

18 inches 114 rpm 416-232-147-91 38.8-21.7-13.4-8.5
18 inches 160 rpm 580-327-201-127 54-30.3-18.7-11.8

20 inches 110 rpm 400-224-138-88 34.3-19-12-7.5
20 inches 147 rpm 530-300-185-117 46-25.8-16-10

24 inches 120 rpm 263-181-127-89 61-41.7-29.4-20.7
17.3-11.9-8.4-5.9
24 inches 152 rpm 332-229-161-113 77-53-37.2-26.2
21.9-15-10.6-7.5
NOTE: The 24 inch lathe has a double back gear


Hendeyman

Thanks Hendeyman.

Good addition for the archives.

Pat Black

Right on cue as usual........I just looked at the Turner drive unit yesterday that came with my 16" and was wondering how I should size the pulleys. Now I have a very good idea. Immediately copied and stored the info.

I also bought (sight unseen) a 3hp 1725 rpm 1 phase GE motor and have yet to pick it up. Hope it doesn't weigh more than the lathe!

I am in search of a relieving attachment for my priceless Hendey if you know where one is or have one please let me know I am also looking for a set of #3 collets and the drawbar

Thank you PM

Jeff
313-510-2083

This is how not to get anything Jeff. You stick this on the tail end of someone else's thread and you give absolutely no particulars at all about the lathe other than it is a "priceless Hendey", as if it was the only one they made.

John Oder