Replies

1. 
   mike4244 | Mar 13, 2009 11:46pm | #1

   I understand that Leblond is a great piece of American machinery.Go to Practical Machinist, Home Machinest or google any number of machinery forums.On the Practical Machinist site I believe there also is a separate forum for Leblond that caters to Leblond owners.There are a number of brand specific forums on this site.

   mike

2. 
   SawdustSteve | Mar 14, 2009 12:01am | #2

   Hi Quickstep LeBlond makes a wide range of lathes. At one time, they made some monster lathes. What YOU need to know is:

   Motor Is it 110, 220 or a three phase motor (220/440V)

   Headstock... What is the size of the threaded INBOARD side of the headstock?? Is it a standard size and can you get chucks and faceplates that fit it at a REASONABLE cost

   Headstock #2 What size Morse taper is in the headsatock? Does it take an easily obtainable #1, #2, or #3? And VERIFY it. There are several odd-size tapers on older machines and the cost of getting something to fit it is out of sight.

   Are all the parts there? INCLUDING the tail stock?? Does it use a flat drive-belt or a standard 'V' belt?

   Does the carriage (saddle) move smoothly or is it a fight to get it to move

   Are all the pieces for the tool post / compound rest there?
   Tool holders... are they included, and does it take a 1/4" square tool bit or other sizes?

   And finally... Check the bed for any cracks or strange dings that would show it was dropped at one time or another.

   And finally, if you know someone who is familiar with metal lathes, take them along to help you check it out.

   There's a good start.... SawdustSteve

3. 
   roc | Mar 14, 2009 09:03am | #3

   I have cut threads into ebony using my metal lathe. That is fun. Try to keep all the wood dust out of the gibs and slides. Put a vinyl tarp over the bed ect.

   There is an old article about a young woman that turns every thing wood on a metal lathe. I think the magazine was Woodwork magazine several years ago.

   PS: just spent a bunch of time looking through my magazines for it. Didn't find it. Drives me crazy. I found this on line though so maybe someday can look it up on line

   The target date for the new Woodwork website has been set at May 1 (knock on wood). We're very excited because it will provide a place to share Woodwork content with a wider audience and serve as a meeting place for Woodwork readers to exchange thoughts and ideas about the magazine and their own woodworking. Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, tell us what you'd most like to see on the new site?
   Randy Johnson
   Editorial Director

   roc

   Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

   Edited 3/14/2009 3:18 am by roc

   
   

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   Edited 3/14/2009 3:21 am by roc