Another watchmakers lathe

hi all

i have been looking for a cross slide for my IME watchmakers lathe but it seems they are as rare as rocking horse poo, so I have purchased another watchmakers lathe including cross slide and other parts, some I know what they are for and some I don’t.

so If the knowledgeable people on here could help it would be much appreciated,

firstly I can’t find a makers name on it although most of the collets measure very close to Derbyshire and the very top of the bed measures 1 and 15/32” or 36.5mm.

second the two black and brass poles have two pulley wheels on top of one of them I haven’t a clue what they are for .

also the thing that looks a bit like a top slide but not sure what that is .

land last but not least various other handles and things plus a round knurled ring with two grub screws.

many thanks Dell

Edited By SillyOldDuffer on 13/01/2021 22:01:13

I would suggest the "poles " with pulleys are parts of a milling-spindle, typically for wheel-cutting on a horological lathe, especially as the spindle clearly carries a dividing-plate.

As well as more complete replies here, try looking at other examples of similar machines (e.g. on the lathes.co site), and seeing what fits convincingly together, to help sort actual lathe parts from lathe accessories from odd bits that hitched a lift with it.

A " round knurled ring with grub-screws" could be a simple adjustable stop or a knob for rotating a spindle somewhere.

If the "top slide " isn't that, might it be a vertical slide? You describe the second purchase as a collection of parts, so it could be a top slide but from some third, unknown lathe. Possibly collected by the seller who thought he could adapt it for Something Very Useful

I have found old machine-tools seem to lose important or useful bits, but attract mystery bits to sit there and defy you to identify them!

Hi Nigel thanks for reply I will have a look on site you suggested I have ordered a quick change tool holder set as I can’t be doing with setting tool every tool change, plus I need to find out what fitting for leaver operated tailstock for Jacob chuck.

Dell

The black/brass "poles" are parts of the overhead pulley drive,...but the other parts you mention I can't actually see on my screen as there does not seem to be any pix....might just be my screen 'tho! Could we have a look at the "knurled ring with grub screws" and also the "might be a cross slide but might not"

As regards collets for watchmakers lathes, near enough is not good enough unfortunately,....they have to be the exact fit for a particular lathe....a 6mm fit on a Lorch won't usually actually fit a 6mm lathe from another maker even though they look identical to quick comparison.

Hi Bob

there we’re three different collets that came with the lathe and I have tried them for running true and they all run true as far as I can see with my dial gauge ( well very close 0.0025”  , also picture of knurled ring as requested it measures 45mm o/d 25mm I/d plus some better pictures of possible cross slide.

thanks Dell

Dell Your collets might run true but the thread could vary both in diameter and pitch

Roy

The knurled ring looks like a spindle locking ring....you can see a similar item in the pic of your headstock (with green drive belt) immediately in front of the cone pulley. Alternatively, it might be for holding/locking the tailstock spindle when the sensitive drilling attachment is removed.

The slide item looks to be possibly home adapted from a milling slide....it's not going to be too useful in use and most/many watchmakers lathe compounds have 'T' slots in the top of the slide which aid quick mounting and manipulation of tool holders. Also, slide and mount don't look either parallel or well done to me...if that's a tool holder to far left then you will hae some fun getting sensible use from it in a watchmaking scenario...

Going back to headstock shot;....the placing of the index plate is quite unusual and I can't think of a make of lathe that uses it...perhaps the whole collection is someones 'lash-up' or shed project.

A good source of info about the world of watchmakers lathes is 'The Watchmakers Lathe' by Donald D'Carle...it was first published about 1950 and is still published in about it's 25th edition. it has been steadily updated but even the early copies are a major source of info about these old lathes with most makes listed and drawings of all the bits and pieces.

The slide thingy might be a flipover toolholder for either/both boring or threading. Very useful for taking measurements without disturbing the settings. It sits  on top of the compound slide.

Dave.

Edited By david bennett 8 on 14/01/2021 16:08:36

Hi Dells, have just seen better pics on NAWCC site. I still think its a flipover toolholder, but it sits on a WW lathe bed .I doubt it would fit an IME without some alterations.

Dave.

Hi david

I don’t want it ti fit my IME lathe as I am going to sell that I was just wondering if anyone knew what it was.

Dell

Thanks for all the replies

the lathe is a Derbyshire Magnus 10mm , I found the stamp when I stripped it to get rid of the crap paint job and repaint it .

If anyone has any 10mm Derbyshire Magnus collets surplus to requirements they wish to sell please PM me as there are a few missing.

many thanks Dell

Nice find, Dell

Some history here: **LINK**

http://fwderbyshire.com

MichaelG.

Hi all hope everyone staying safe and well

i have it all cleaned and painted in 2K ready for rebuilding, but I am unsure what oil to use, with my IME the consensus was to use H32 transmission oil, has anyone any suggestions?

Dell