Thread: SB9 underdrive drive unit oiler stuff?

Took a SB9 underdrive drive unit apart for cleaning. My question to all is: what is the stuff that is packed in the oilers that oil the shaft with the 3 step pulley? It looks like some kind of cotton waste or other wool product. I gave this thing a once over on cleaning and painting and didn't think there was so much of this stuff packed in there. Once removed it is about the size of a golf ball. It is not felt. Although the rebuild kit had 2 fibre washers for the shaft no material came for this. Anyone out there every ventured this deep into the oil pockets? I cannot put the removed stuff back in as it is filthy black. Any suggestions?

yes I think it was cotton waste, I have used thick felt in oilers on old gas engines and steam
engine oil cups....

Tommy1010, try this link:

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=41291&highlight=stephen+brooks
It concerns a man named Stephen Brooks who wrote a book on rebuilding South Bend lathes. It includes lots of pictures and good explanations. You can also buy felt and oiler kits. I have a lathe just like yours. I got it about three months ago and it’s filthy. It’s covered with black gooey swarf and sulphurous cutting oil. My stand is just like yours, three drawers and a cabinet door on the left, even has a key for the drawers. Someone in the past got rid of that interlock that your other posting concerned. How did you get the door off? How did you get it clean enough to paint? Take a look. I hope you won’t be disappointed. Bob in the Mojave Desert

Bob, thanks for the link. I did not take any before pictures because people would think I was nuts for restoring a cabinet in such bad shape. It wasn't dented but had 4 coats of brush paint on it. The brass emblems were painted over. Off to a local sandblaster and all surfaces on the outside of the cabinet and drawers were done. The original sound proofing stuff on the inside was touched up with automotive undercoating. The chip pan was pitted in a few spots and some bondo took care of that. That is why the top is painted. The door comes off by removing the pins just like on a house door. They are welded to the hinge on one end. A little grinder (dremel) took care of that. I will post a few more pictures as soon as I get the lathe mounted on the top. I replaced the 3 phase motor with a 115 volt single phase one that will be controlled with the original drum switch. Just a few more goodies to finish off and this will be a complete package. I even got an Aloris AX tool post for it. The drawer locks are at the locksmith for keys. Since I have 2 SB9's this one may be put up for sale when finished. I don't mind doing the lathes over but these old cabinets are a lot of work. No wonder you see so many mounted on wooden tables! After talking to an older mechanic at work today I believe I will use cotton waste in the oilers on the drive.

Moving along with putting this machine back together. Drive unit back in. Lathe on top. No drive belt. I measure 60 inches for a belt. Does that seem right? Anyone with a good measurement on an under drive belt length? Here are more pics of the project.

Here are 2 more pics.

Originally Posted by tommy1010

I measure 60 inches for a belt. Does that seem right? ]

I think it should be 61" or 61 1/2".( my specs are in the shop)
Ted

Tommy, When I bought my under drive Southbend it was in the PO's house and I had to take it apart to get it out. I cut the belt among other things. I saved it so I could measure it later. The belt was OLD and very dry and stretched out. It measures 62 1/4 inches. I think SBlatheman is right on as to size. By the way, I bought a missing left hand screw from him. He's great to deal with. Reasonable prices and quick shipping. Can you tell me the HP and the frame size of your motor? Thanks, Bob

The size of belt I bought was 61.5 inches. It works just fine. The motor I used is a 3/4 HP 1750 RPM. It is an E56 frame. The motor is a craftsman that came off a band saw. Wired for 120 volts through the reversing switch it works like a champ. A thanks to SBlatheman for the belt size. A little slow on forward progress with getting this machine completed but as soon as I can will post more pictures.