mydadslathe
Plastic
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2019
Hi. When I was 5 years old we had to relocate from my grandparents basement when my father got a job at the pepsi plant in London Ontario Canada. I can still remember his "office". A smallish maintenance room shared by his co workers desk and every tool needed to keep the plant running. Stunk of grease and sweat and was filthy. I thought it was the most amazing place on the planet. Of particular interest to a young me was a well worn lathe that occupied the bench beside his desk. I wasnt allowed to touch it, but would often turn the handles when I thought no one was looking. Good memories. Anyways, my father worked their until I was 20 ish. We slowly grew apart as his health failed and he turned to drink as a way of coping. I understand now, but sure as hell didnt at the time. Long story short, he worked their about 15 yrs lost his job and died from drink shortly after. Life went to hell but we adapted and moved on. I know.... boo hoo. LOL As I aged I learned to focus more on the good memories than the bad, and OFTEN would think of that grubby office and how important he looked at his desk.
Long ago now. But this is where it gets cool!
About two weeks ago I get a message from my sister asking if I had a metal lathe. Blah blah blah. My brother in law was doing some work for a gentleman who used to work with my dad and had his old work lathe for sale. Freaking amazing!! I couldn't believe it. I dont type very well so I'll cut this short, but the lathe is now MINE! It is a total piece of crap but I am NEVER getting rid of it... EVER. lol This has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me but now that I'm simmered down a bit I have to make a decision on what to do with her. Restore or repair mechanically? I dont have huge funds at my disposal but I do want her running precisely again, but every time a chip falls out of her I cant help but wonder if my dad made it. See my problem?
What would you do??
South Bend Workshop 9" from maybe mid 30's. Manual change gears and no power feed on the cross slide. Spindle bearings get lubed from the top so she's old. Ugly and beat up.... just like me.
Long ago now. But this is where it gets cool!
About two weeks ago I get a message from my sister asking if I had a metal lathe. Blah blah blah. My brother in law was doing some work for a gentleman who used to work with my dad and had his old work lathe for sale. Freaking amazing!! I couldn't believe it. I dont type very well so I'll cut this short, but the lathe is now MINE! It is a total piece of crap but I am NEVER getting rid of it... EVER. lol This has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me but now that I'm simmered down a bit I have to make a decision on what to do with her. Restore or repair mechanically? I dont have huge funds at my disposal but I do want her running precisely again, but every time a chip falls out of her I cant help but wonder if my dad made it. See my problem?
What would you do??
South Bend Workshop 9" from maybe mid 30's. Manual change gears and no power feed on the cross slide. Spindle bearings get lubed from the top so she's old. Ugly and beat up.... just like me.