These lathes turn up today in places like Cardon Tools, outside of Perth, Ontario. Below, photos taken by Mister G on his inaugural trip to this local tool mecca:
From what I've read online, these weren't bad little lathes, although not in the South Bend league. Cast parts on some were made of Zamak alloy, which is not as strong as cast iron. Perhaps that's why the headstock cover plate has been replaced with engine turned sheet metal, which is sort of like lipstick on a pig. Nice enough job, but it looks goofy to me.
I think that engine turned sheet metal headstock cover may be original. I know of a 1946 vintage Sears Craftsman wood lathe, the model 103.23180, that has a similar-looking headstock. I'm almost certain that the headstock cover on that wood lathe was engine turned sheet metal.
ReplyDelete