Boxford model c?

Hi, new here so please bear with me. I have just acquired a Boxford lathe, rear drive, powered cross slide. Model c?. Everything seems to work. I am in the process of cleaning, lubricating and setting it up square level etc. I have purchased , know your lathe, however I can't find any information on the rear pulley set up. The double pulley and the 4 pulley are not fixed as I thought they would be and have play of about 20 degrees (guessing) between them. I have not looked to see if it's a key or screw fixing but wondered if anyone knows, should both pulleys be securely fixed with no rotation between the two. Many thanks Rob

Hi Robin,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations with your Boxford. If your Boxford has a powered cross-feed but no screwcutting gearbox I would guess a model B, have a look at lathes.co.uk.
A photo of the pulleys in question would probably be helpful (how to post pictures here).

Thor

Hi Robin, below is a scan of two types of countershafts, I guess diagram G is the one you need,

The list of part number descriptions can be seen List 1 List 2.

Part 149 is the Countershaft Drive Pulley, which is in a different list that I have not shown.

This however, maybe what you have Diagram HA and List 3.

Regards Nick.

Edited By Nicholas Farr on 30/09/2021 08:56:20

Hi Robin,

Based on my Boxford the large double pulley has a grub screw and a keyway. The 4-step pulley has only a grub screw.

Both grub-screws tend to loosen and when this happens on the 4-step pulley you could well see the movement you describe. I haven't stripped mine down in years but IIRC this grub-screw bears on a flat on the shaft, hence a small amount of loosening gives quite a lot of angular movement.

Incidentally, there are 2 types of rear drive countershaft, basically as diagram G above. They're similar to one another but the later one is more compact but gives an overall higher speed range.

Edited By Clive Brown 1 on 30/09/2021 09:01:25

Edited By Clive Brown 1 on 30/09/2021 09:05:54

Thank you all for the replies and advice, attachments etc. The lathe is apparently a model A, it has an imperial screw cutting gearbox on it. The diagram is a great help Nick, I can see its just a screw adjustment as you predicted. That's this weekends challenge. Many thanks Rob. Ps. Great site.

Hi folks, back again. My model A Boxford ( imperial screwcutting gearbox) lathe is in the process of behind stripped and lubricated etc. My lathe is rear driven and the tensioner for the rear pulley is under the gearbox. I have removed the motor / rear pulley cradle but I am struggling to remove the tensioner shaft. I cannot see any screws holding the shaft in place nor can I see how the knurled nut with the the round c spanner type holes and fixing screw is held in place . Is there a screw under the headstock in the casting?. If anyone knows I would appreciate the advice. Cheers Rob.

Hi Rob, I'm puzzled by your description. The primary belt tensioner should pull down on the hinged motor mounting plate behind the lathe bed and completely clear of the gearbox. It's shown as parts 489 and 499 in diagram G in an earlier post above. Turning the knurled nut tightens the belt.

The only fasteners under the headstock are 2 screws clamping it to the bed.

The plate 581 is completely separate from the lathe itself and should be bolted down to the bench behind the lathe.

Edited By Clive Brown 1 on 24/10/2021 19:26:33

Edited By Clive Brown 1 on 24/10/2021 19:27:01

Edited By Clive Brown 1 on 24/10/2021 19:27:42

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Edited By Paul Lousick on 24/10/2021 22:54:20

Hi Robin, perhaps these scans are what you need.

Regards Nick.

That's the very thing. Appreciate that Nick, I can see the fixing screw is located from the bottom, nothing like making it easy!

Clive, mine is obviously an earlier one than the one you had details for, but thanks for your advice.

Regards Rob

Hi chaps, the Boxford is coming along nice, just enquiring as to whether anyone has the same problem. I have a very early model c with a motor and counter shaft on the same platform tensioned by a lever and shaft running under the headstock. ( see dia GA above). I have had it all apart and cleaned, lubricated etc. The problem is that when the mc runs the tensioner lever has a tenancy to undo and slacken the belt. I cannot see any means of stopping it, anyone else come across the same thing or any ideas for a quick fix., cheers Rob.

Can't comment on model 'C', but my old BUD used to have an over centre lever for tensioning the belt - I wonder if you have a similar lever which has been put in back to front.

I haven't noticed this problem on mine but what you could do is drill and tap a radial hole in the front tension bush 257 and fit a screw/spring/brass pad system a bit like a leadscrew dial lock. Come to think of it i have the lever right over having got the tension just right and by luck or design there might be a small flat in the cam operation that holds it. Also the operating handle is down when set as it overhangs my table so gravity is helping. You could enhance gravity with a lead ball handle.

Robin,

I have a Boxford Model C with the rear sliding countershaft as shown in the drawings posted by Nick. I extended the sliding rails to accommodate a modern motor and made a new countershaft spindle (the old one was worn) but it still looks original and works well. Let me know if you need detailed photos of any part and I'll see what I can find.

I presume your countershaft pulleys are fixed with small grub screws, possibly with a small flat or indentation to set their position on the shaft. If I recall correctly, mine were fitted with two grub screws (double decker fashion) on each pulley and I believe this is quite common on these lathes. I re-made the shaft due to excessive wear from the pulleys / grub screws. If you do the same, you will most likely fix the 20 degree problem.

Hi chaps, thanks for all the idea's and suggestions. Good video.

Got plenty of ideas to get on with, thanks for your time

Cheers Rob.

Great video Ajax, thanks for posting it.

The info about your VFD is really useful but can you let me know what motor you are using please?

I’m interested in replicating your set-up!

Many thanks,

David

Does anyone know the best place to get belts for my model c rear drive Boxford lathe. Ajax,'s video of his is the sort I'm after. Also size and profile would be of help. Thanks Rob.

If you take your existing belt(s ) to your.local bearing / engineering supplier they will soon fix you up with replacements. make a not of the sizes, for when, if ever, you again need replacements.

At a guess they will be A section (12 mm wide at the top of the wedge )

HTH

Howard

The belts are "A section" profile. Belt length will obviously depend on pulley spacing and size. If you go for the power twist / linked belt as I used in the video, you can make an approximate measurement (using some string) and then adjust to fit. I bought mine via eBay at about £11 / metre.