I just purchased a Sirco PA-20 lathe - picking up tomorrow and will be setting up in my shop over the next couple of weeks. There doesn't appear to be a lot of info on Sirco lathes on line but it looks identical to a Summit 17-3 an 19. The newer Summit 19-4 also looks the same externally but has a 4.125 spindle bore - mine is 3 inch, the same as the Summit 17-3 and the 19. I think both the Summit and Sirco lathes are probably made by a company called Potisje in Eastern Europe.
The Summit literature says the lathe has automatic lubrication to headstock, carriage and bedways - it also says the gears are in an oil bath. There appears to be two separate gear boxes - the spindle box gear box is a separate casting and has its own oil level sight glass - there is also a sight glass on the lower feed gear box.
I bought it from the son of the previous owner of the lathe who bought it used about 10 years ago - the owner has passed away and the son is not familiar with it. I was able to run it before I purchased and it seems to run very smooth and function properly with no unusual noise or vibration. This is my first lathe so I have a lot to learn but have a friend who is a tool and die maker and can help me out.
I don't have a manual for the lathe and am looking for any info related to general maintenance for this lathe such as
- if I change oil what type of oil should I use
- is there an oil lubrication pump and if so is there an oil filter to change
- what other routine maintenance or adjustments are required
Pictures below are from the internet of an identical lathe to mine
Any info and advice from someone who has experience with these lathes and/or has a copy of the maintenance and or operating manual for the Sirco PA-20 lathe or the Summit 17 or 19 will be a great help.
If you know where I can get a copy of the manual at a reasonable price that would also be great
thanks
Gary
The Summit literature says the lathe has automatic lubrication to headstock, carriage and bedways - it also says the gears are in an oil bath. There appears to be two separate gear boxes - the spindle box gear box is a separate casting and has its own oil level sight glass - there is also a sight glass on the lower feed gear box.
I bought it from the son of the previous owner of the lathe who bought it used about 10 years ago - the owner has passed away and the son is not familiar with it. I was able to run it before I purchased and it seems to run very smooth and function properly with no unusual noise or vibration. This is my first lathe so I have a lot to learn but have a friend who is a tool and die maker and can help me out.
I don't have a manual for the lathe and am looking for any info related to general maintenance for this lathe such as
- if I change oil what type of oil should I use
- is there an oil lubrication pump and if so is there an oil filter to change
- what other routine maintenance or adjustments are required
Pictures below are from the internet of an identical lathe to mine
Any info and advice from someone who has experience with these lathes and/or has a copy of the maintenance and or operating manual for the Sirco PA-20 lathe or the Summit 17 or 19 will be a great help.
If you know where I can get a copy of the manual at a reasonable price that would also be great
thanks
Gary