Drummond Round bed lathe

Just sitting back and looking at some future projects, one of which is restoring a round bed Drummond lathe. Someone has fitted what looks like a Myford style 3 groove pulley, so all I need do is make up a motor mount and countershaft.

The lathe is in surprisingly good condition and looks to be a relatively easy restoration project. Even better, as I may be able to get a cast iron period stand.

Now for the nasty bit. It doesn't have any change wheels, except for the gear train that is on it at the moment, usual problem with old lathes!

I have a choice of making the extra change wheels, although I have never done anything like this before, but I do have the gear to do it. The other alternative is to use an existing comprehensive collection of modern change wheels that I have, probably off a Colchester. The bores are larger and I would probably have to make a larger change wheel bracket and spigots.

What would your advice be on these alternatives?

Andrew.

Edited By Andrew Tinsley on 29/01/2017 16:19:53

Hi Andrew - your easiest option is to keep a look out on E-Bay for Drummond change wheels they come up regularly. They are fairy distinctive - the two pin holes being a bit of a give away, OK I know other lathes used a similar system but Drummond wheels out number those. Drummond gears are the same fitting for the early flat-bed lathes, round-bed, type B and the M type so plenty to look out for.

There were 2 different sets designated for the round beds depending on the age of the lathe. Pre 1925 lathes the full set was 20T (2 off), 24T, 28T, 32T, 36T, 40T,44T and 64T, with 25T, 35T, 45T, 50T and 63T as "extras" for metric threads. The post 1925 lathes had a different set of wheels, being 20T (2off), 25T, 26T, 30T 35T, 40T (2 off) 45T, 50T and 66T - this set will do both imperial and metric threads. It doesn't matter which set you build up really as both sets will work happily on round beds of any age.

If you haven't already done so it would be a good idea for you to join the Yahoo Drummond lathe group. Plenty of keen owners there willing to share advice, a host of photos of members lathes and a very useful set of files with information on the various Drummond lathes.

My experience in buying Drummond wheels is that generally they cost no more than those for a Myford or a Boxford - often less as they tend to be less popular and sought after, and you avoid the hassle of having to make them fit. Beware that some sellers seem to think that they are gold plated at least if not solid gold with the prices that they ask, but it's a bit like missing the bus, there'll be another one along soon so you don't have to jump in and pay silly prices if you don't want to.

Andrew,

I have one in what sounds like similar condition, 'though its pulleys are original.

... Lots of other things to do before I get round to restoring it, I'm afraid ... but I always wanted one; they're great little machines.

Personally; I would make new changewheels, or modify something of the correct D.P. rather than upsizing to Colchester wheels.

MichaeG.

Mad gear-train ... as received.

If you have the kit to do it I'd make the missing gears to match the existing ones and the bracket / arms; that would retain authenticity.

I bought a part set of gears off the net that were said to be for the M Type; they were indeed similar but the pin / hole distance was different and the bores were very variable. I think the lesson is to be very careful if you do buy in, and come to some agreement with the seller about returning them if they don't fit.

Eug

Let someone with a Colchester use the Colchester gears. I think there was a thread from someone last week needing them. You can make the larger ones from plastic as a starter and smaller from aluminium both being less hard on the cutters.

Thanks guys,

Seems as if butchering later gears sets isn't the way to go! I won't be starting on this project for a while, so I will keep my eyes open for spare change wheels or get versed in the art of hobbing gears!

The set of modern change wheels may be useful to someone. If only I could identify what lathe they came off.

Regards,

Andrew.