Member postings for Paul Doyle 1

@Bob Stevenson, thanks for the reply. I'd be very interested to know more about the unused Mode Ls you have at the Epping Forest Horology Club. Can I send you a message?

@larry phelan 1, I guess I'm a traditionalist or sentimentalist in some ways. I have a few old English cast iron woodworking machines that I have restored myself also.

So not only do I love the quality of build of the older cast iron machines, but I also get tremendous satisfaction out of bringing these machines back to glory and keeping them going. It's not so much about the half the price either.

@not done it yet, maybe not the same quality as a Rolls Royce, but definitely have built a fan base with a significant price tag - and as you mention, lots of parts available. Maybe they are over rated and overpriced.

Hi all,

Thanks again for all your time and help.

I acknowledge myself that it's a little on the expensive side. Especially as David Halford points out, that as I add the motor and tooling, collets, etc - regardless of their scarcity, the price would be sky rocketing for what would still be a basic lathe.

I've been doing some research on the Smart and Brown Model A. What is the likelihood of finding one of those for sale? Preferably complete, with all the tools. I still wouldn't mind restoring a lathe, but, just want something that after investing time and money into, I wouldn't find myself at a dead end unable to source a specific part.

Thanks,

PAUL

Hi everyone!

Thanks for the warm welcome! And the swift responses!

I think I knew what everyone has been suggesting already, but just needed to hear it independently. SOrt of disappointing, but the reality. Thanks everyone. I suppose I really just want to get my hands on a lathe and start making.

With regards affordability, the seller is looking for ~ £340 (converted from €380 - although I would have been hopeful for some negotiation).

I suppose this is a subjective question, but...what would be a good alternative lathe? I won't be doing big work, but would like the option of using power feed and cutting threads, etc. Myfords are seen as the Rolls Royce of lathes, but far outside my budget.

What is the possibility of finding a nice S+B A or 1024? The 1024 tends to be the most desirable? What do they reach money wise?

Thanks again all.

PAUL

Hi all,

I have been reading this wonderful forum for quite some time, the level of information available here, the positive and helpful community, and beautiful work is just so inspiring on so many levels.

I am a total noob (with some high school experience) who wants to get into model engineering.

I have the opportunity to purchase a Smart and Brown Model L lathe. It's a basic model and it does need work - the original owner was restoring it himself, but unfortunately due to ill health, has to forfeit the completion. From my naive POV, it needs sandblasting and painting, and reassembly, (as far as I know, the original owner has replaced bearings in the headstock. It has no motor or motor mount or electric controls.

It has no tooling or collets either, or as far as I know, no live centre in the tail stock. It does come with a 4 jaw chuck.

I would be very happy to have a little lathe like this and would have no problem undertaking the restoration, but I am concerned sourcing parts. Although they may not be genuine Smart and Brown parts, are there parts available from other lathes that may fit? For example, would Myford cutting tools and live centres fit?

Or would I be better to skip this lathe and look for another lathe, which may have screw-cutting capabilities among others?

I would greatly appreciate any and all help you may be able to offer me!
Many thanks,

PAUL