Age of LeBlond lathe?

[jarhead jim]

Helping a friend out. Don't have a picture yet but he has one with the quick change gearbox, not change gears, with a serial number of 923. Said LeBlond told him it was too old to trace vintage. Might have called the wrong number but does anyone out there have a way of finding this out? Thanks,

Jim

 

[johnoder]

The correct location

Serial will be stamped into machined cast iron in between two front ways at right end

Fair chance Le Blond used lot numbers early on

Earliest published serials are dated 1920 in the serial book, and these are all versions of the heavy duty - which was being built as early as 1911 for certain

Basically, 923 is too early for both the serial book and Le Blond

Here is a 12" from 1911 - "Regular" lathe (meaning NOT Heavy Duty)

 

[jarhead jim]

The correct location

Serial will be stamped into machined cast iron in between two front ways at right end

Fair chance Le Blond used lot numbers early on

Earliest published serials are dated 1920 in the serial book, and these are all versions of the heavy duty - which was being built as early as 1911 for certain

Basically, 923 is too early for both the serial book and Le Blond

Here is a 12" from 1911 - "Regular" lathe (meaning NOT Heavy Duty)

View attachment 333324

That's where it was stamped but I'm afraid it's too old to look up to find the age.....

Jim

 

[johnoder]

An old old thread about an old old Le Blond. Too bad about the photos no longer being available

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/...ry/14-leblond-lathe-115151/?highlight=LeBlond

have fun

 

[garyphansen]

My 14" LeBlond was made in 1909. Post some photos and we will likely be able to tell if your friend's is older or newer.