Purchased my first lathe....what did I get?

A

Apsterbobed

Plastic

Joined

Dec 1, 2020

• Jan 3, 2021

• #1

So I have purchased my first lathe, I have never had a lathe before so this is all new to me. I'm trying to identify it, I think its a Monarch model A but that is as far as I have gotten. It needs a knob that is missing and the motor setup is a little janky but the price was right.

 

A

Apsterbobed

Plastic

Joined

Dec 1, 2020

• Jan 3, 2021

• #2

Few more pictures

Here are a few more pictures, one is of the only numbers I could find stamped on the bed. I would like to install a quick change tool post so any recommendations of the size I should be looking for would be great.

 

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johnoder

Diamond

Joined

Jul 16, 2004

Location

Houston, TX USA

• Jan 3, 2021

• #3

Handy stuff from way back - thanks to members John Legge and Greg Menke

http://pounceatron.dreamhosters.com/docs/monarch/monarch-lathe-brochure.pdf

If 14" actual swing I'd suggest Aloris CXA - which was perfect on my 14 1/2 actual swing P&W

The right angle drive gear box above suggests nice and slow which is what it was originally

I have never had a lathe before so this is all new to me

Click to expand...

This will help, even though not Monarch

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/1617/5795.pdf

have fun

 

A

Apsterbobed

Plastic

Joined

Dec 1, 2020

• Jan 3, 2021

• #4

Thanks for the information! I'm already half way through the South Bend book (different edition hopefully that is ok). I actually picked the lathe up early November but have been right out straight with the holidays and getting ready for snow around the house that I haven't had time to do much with it.

 

J

jmm03

Hot Rolled

Joined

Aug 8, 2004

Location

ventura,ca.usa

• Jan 3, 2021

• #5

Welcome to the forum Apster. Interesting old machine, what's the backstory? Oil everything you can religiously and you will probably get another 100 years out of her. Jim

 

J

JK in PA

Plastic

Joined

Jan 19, 2019

• Jan 3, 2021

• #6

Welcome to the forum, Really nice piece of iron you have there ! Just love the early lathes. Good luck with it.

 

A

Apsterbobed

Plastic

Joined

Dec 1, 2020

• Jan 3, 2021

• #7

I wish I had a better back story, purchased if from a local guy who was selling his deceased father's stuff. He didn't know much about it other than his father had had it for a long time.

 

thermite

Diamond

Joined

Sep 21, 2011

Location

Sterling, Virginia, USA, Terra, Sol, Sagittarius

• Jan 3, 2021

• #8

Apsterbobed said:

I wish I had a better back story, purchased if from a local guy who was selling his deceased father's stuff. He didn't know much about it other than his father had had it for a long time.

Click to expand...

Ermmm.. It was born into a slower-paced time. HCS tooling, actually.

First lathe.. not even "making turns" yet, let alone chips

... and you want to put a QCTP on it? Check your RPM and SFM ranges first.

Bit of a nuisance to run HSS hand-grounds in a QCTP optimized for repeatable-size insertable Carbides.

All the hopeful amateurs do that ... expecting it to change Old Iron into a supersonic butterfly and make their bathrooms smell nice and their genitalia grow larger as a side effect .. and all with no further effort.

Just for a change, how about you go for "amphibious" and do snow shoes with folding water skis on the legs instead?

More useful, y'see.

 

JST

Diamond

Joined

Jun 16, 2001

Location

St Louis

• Jan 4, 2021

• #9

It's not like I hate to agree with thermite..... but I do agree.

A QCTP is definitely for later. Use what it has. "It's good for yah".

Seriously, that TP is a bit of a pain, but it will work. just use it, most of the old shop texts will explain in detail how to do it.

Later, do what you feel like, WHEN you know what, why, and how you want it.

 

S

stoneaxe

Stainless

Joined

Mar 2, 2010

Location

pacific northwest

• Jan 4, 2021

• #10

Looks like that machine has quite a speed reduction from the motor pulleys, though a gearbox, to the flat belt. It would be interesting to run the numbers and see if they are anywhere near the name plate speeds.

Absolute first thing I would do is get some oil in those oil cups- I don't know anything about old machines, but it can't be good to have dry sleeve bearings.

 

H

Homebrewblob

Stainless

Joined

Apr 5, 2020

Location

Cincinnati

• Jan 4, 2021

• #11

Welcome to the dark side friend. She looks pretty kool. Definitely heed most all advice on here if possible, old iron likes to sleep and can be hard to wake up.

Keep us updated! And pics we love pics.