About a month ago I brought home a 12 speed gear head 12x30 and I’m deep into restoration on it. Bed and stands have been stripped and repainted. Working on headstock reversing mechanism now as the shaft had some scoring but still usable. I knew I was missing some minor items like the lower stand motor door cover and the quick change gearbox cover. I had also found a crack in the apron casting just below the half nuts. I think this can be repaired. Well, long story short I ran a-crossed a 12-30 18 speed for $400 and just bought it for parts. Don’t have it home yet. I figured it could give me some insurance against not being able to repair the apron or anything else major like a gear damaged. Now I know there are differences but can anyone tell me if the aprons are the same and can be swapped? How about upgrading to the better QC gearbox. My 12 speed has the BB spindle bearings with dual speed motor for Top speed of 1195. I don’t kneed two lathes but if I don’t need to rob any major parts that could happen. I do not have the serial.
12x30 18 speed - Album on Imgur
12x30 18 speed - Album on Imgur