Well, so far, I haven't actually *needed* a lathe for clocks, but I
could have used one yesterday to turn a new shaft. I repaired the
existing one with the equivalent of spitwads and bailing wire, but if it
does have problems again, it's getting a new shaft turned. Friend of
mine has the HF 7x10, which I would honestly be happy with, but I think
I can build a decently equipped unit for $100 or so.
I had figured on using some aluminum square tube for the base and stand
of the lathe. While Gingery's cross slide looks nice, I have plans for
another hobby lathe (W.R. Bell's) and I like the fact that it's not a
cast design. I haven't yet (read: don't have the other half talked into)
set up a furnace. I'd like to, but I think she's worried about me
either burning down the house, my self, or the yard...
I work on antique winders, mantle, shelf, grandfathers, nothing really
big. I haven't been doing it for a long time, but I enjoy it. I think
the dividing head would be very useful in clock work, allowing me to
make gears. Granted, given the cost of brass stock, I might be better
off buying them, if I can find them...
On 03/31/2011 03:22 PM, David Frantz wrote:
>
> Nice to hear from you. I just wish all my mail rules worked!!!
>
> As to lathe building it is certainly a noble effort but on the other
> hand clock makers lathes are always showing up at auctions and such.
> Just thought I'd point that out!
>
> In any event if you are like many on this list that won't stop you
> from building something yourself. Besides learning to cast metal can
> be very useful in clock construction especially if you are interested
> in larger units. I do have a question in my mind as to the lathes
> design being suitable for clock making. That you will have to judge
> yourself and frankly it doesn't matter as you can modify the design to
> suit your needs. The thing is antique clocks can cover a very wide
> territory of devices from tiny desktop units to big drives for clock
> towers, so not knowing your interest I can't say if the lathe is right
> for you.
>
> In any event there are a huge number of Web sights with info on
> Gingery lathe builds. Google "Gingery Lathe". Many of these sights go
> about documenting how they deal with the weaker points associated wit
> the Gingery Lathe. In this regards I'd suggest that you want to look
> at a stronger bed design.
>
> Along this line of thinking some people consider the Gingery Mill to
> be an improved lathe. While I can't support that 100% it does have
> some features that make it useful for clock making. Specifically
> turning larger diameter parts.
>
> Dave
>
--
Only a mediocre person is always at his best. -- Laurence Peter
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