Okuma LS Adventures

Hi Guys,

I bought a Okuma LS a few month ago from a Dutch Auction. I'm working on it to clean, restore and improve it with a DRO and Solid Toolpost with Parat 4 way turret head.

10HP motor, 1800RPM. 880cm between centers and 540mm on the chuck.

First time in the shop


A bit cleaner and with DRO


It is a great machine but there is not a lot of information or video's online about this machine so I decided to make a small series on Youtube. I hope it helps some who are looking for more information about this machine or general manual lathe work.

I'm taking my time with this machine and try to do quality work and learn in the process. I hope it inspires others to do the same. And if you have any suggestions for improving my work/video/skills then I hope you share it so we can learn from each other.


Part 1: First inspection, transport, machine information and making the first chips
https://youtu.be/JuPhsBnx6RM

Part 2: Cleaning the Cross Slide that was very stiff
https://youtu.be/4G-snIfn320

Part 3: Aron and oil system
https://youtu.be/yKbmgX_Uc8A

Part 4: Compound and Toolpost
https://youtu.be/JlokwtmYApI

Part 5: Sony Magnescale DRO on the Cross Slide and measuring / explaining the Abbe Error
https://youtu.be/OQKGwsB9dqU

I spend 3 days of measuring the Abbe Error and see what the difference would be if I mounted the Scale on the Headstock side or tailstock. This was very interesting and I will make a separte video about this. But it became clear for me that the error on this lathe was enough to decide that I want to mount it on the Headstock side. I will of course make a good cover to protect it.

The next step is mounting the DRO on the Z axis and making the Solid Toolpost. I will make the Toolpost easily replaceable with the original compound slide if I need to turn tapers.

Hope it's useful to share it.

Greetings from the Netherlands, Bart Harkema

Its funny you didn't get any response on this. The LS is one of my all time favorite lathes. A really great machine. Hope to find one for myself at some point.. once I have the space. Don

Congratulations on the purchase.
I used to work at a major MTB and they had one of these in their tool room. Funny how they had a competitors machine! LOL!
These are really solid lathes.
I'll check out your youtube channel!

Hi Harkema,

I just got an old Okuma LS lathe and do cleaning. But it got problem with a gear sleeve due to lack of lubrication. This gear cannot rotate smoothly and overheat when run with high speed.
Could you help to share me some manual of spindle assembly? It really helpful for me to fix that problem.
Thank you so much!