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Boxford rebuild

Paint colour

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Mike White29/06/2010 00:06:26
6 forum posts
4 photos
Hi, I'm rebuilding an old Boxford lathe and want to paint it in it's original colour (blue) but so far having trouble locating the right paint. I've attached photo of lathe showing what I think is the right colour, and would appreciate any help with this. Thanks.
 
Mike White

Terryd29/06/2010 04:42:12
avatar
1946 forum posts
179 photos
Hi Mike,
 
I simply asked Boxford and got the answer for my lathe of 1950's vintage as
 
British standard 381C - 692 'Smoke Grey' (see here)
 
This is rather a bluey grey that looks more blue than grey in certain lights and in Photographs.  I think that your original colour is the same from looking at the base but couldn't swear to it.
 
I spoke to the guys at Boxford and they tell me that the paint they used was a cellulose one after filling the castings with body filler.  I have had the lathe for quite a while now and am hoping to refurbish it sometime in the future but need to get some paint mixed at a local dealer but it could be expensive depending on their minimum order.
 
Here is a picture of my lathe (and it really is the original colour!):  Mail me if you need more information.
 
Regards
 
Terry
 

Edited By Terryd on 29/06/2010 04:53:06

Edited By Terryd on 29/06/2010 04:56:28

Terryd29/06/2010 05:36:36
avatar
1946 forum posts
179 photos
This is just a test of Flickr to see if it works, please bear with me.
 
Boxford lathe (from Flickr)
 

Adrian Mack07/01/2012 16:46:49
3 forum posts
2 photos
I have just acquired a Boxford similar to yours, not sure of exact age or model, will have to research a bit. Before I locate it in my workshop I would like to clean it up and refurbish a bit. I came across your post by a Google search for Boxford paint colour and have obviously now subscribed to this forum. I have just ordered 500 ml of enamel machine paint using the colout code suggested, will see what it turns out like. Was an eBay purchase so I think the price was quite reasonable, I am hoping the paint type will be compatible with the original, time will tell
 
In terms of refurbishment of head bearings, gear train and slides etc, I wondered if you could guide me to some relevant information that you may have already referenced in this or other forums.
 
Thanks.
Barry Q07/01/2012 18:07:12
avatar
41 forum posts
Hi,
 
Terryd is spot on. Your first contact ought to be Boxford. I've found them very helpful. Just give them the lathe type and importantly its serial number as they did change their colour scheme over the years. Their contact details can be found at: http://www.boxford.co.uk/boxford/docs/about/about.htm
 
I hope that works for you - don't do this very often. I did find out my colour number from Boxford but since lost it as l didn't think a colour refurbish would make it turn any better so have left it looking a bit rough! In other words I was keen to just get turning. When I bought it the headstock sounded like a bag of old nails so more important then cosmetic work was a total strip down and clean.
 
Adrian, somewhere I have the details on the headstock bearings so if you need to go down that road I could dig out the info. Just let me know if you need it, it'll take a bit of digging out - I'm not the world's best at filing information. prefer the other type of filing! The work on the headstock was worth every expletive and bruised fingers. The lathe runs very quietly now - a job well worth doing.
 
BarryQ
 
 
,07/01/2012 20:46:49
41 forum posts
1 photos
Join the Boxford lathe users group on Yahoo. A mine of free information with manuals, parts lists, test certificates and LOADS more.
Phil
Terryd07/01/2012 22:11:21
avatar
1946 forum posts
179 photos
Posted by Adrian Mack on 07/01/2012 16:46:49:
I have just acquired a Boxford similar to yours, not sure of exact age or model, will have to research a bit. Before I locate it in my workshop I would like to clean it up and refurbish a bit. I came across your post by a Google search for Boxford paint colour and have obviously now subscribed to this forum. I have just ordered 500 ml of enamel machine paint using the colout code suggested, will see what it turns out like. Was an eBay purchase so I think the price was quite reasonable, I am hoping the paint type will be compatible with the original, time will tell
 
In terms of refurbishment of head bearings, gear train and slides etc, I wondered if you could guide me to some relevant information that you may have already referenced in this or other forums.
 
Thanks.
 
 
Hi Adrian,
 
You should join the Boxford users group on Yahoo, there is lots of advice there. However I have a lot of information that might help so just send a private message.
 
Early Boxfords were painted Smoke Grey BS 381 692. Companies such as Johnstone's Paints (normal caveat) can make it up for you at little relative cost. You need to look up the serial number stamped on the RH end of the bed to confirm the manufacture date, Look up here
 
Best Regards,
 
Terry
Adrian Mack07/01/2012 22:14:20
3 forum posts
2 photos
Thank you both!
 
I guess I should spend a bit of time now going over my Boxford to determine its specification and real condition, no doubt I will a few more questions along the way then.
It's great to see such a wealth of information on this forum and on the yahoo user group.
 
Thanks again
Adrian
Terryd07/01/2012 22:20:33
avatar
1946 forum posts
179 photos
Hi Adrian,
 
I should have said welcome to our little band of intrepid supporters and please forgive our individual foibles. We are like a family that like to fall out occasionally, but have great respect for every contributing member.
 
The Yahoo Boxford group is here. Enjoy, but come back here for some controversial but well meaning back biting , occasional contradiction, and great advice. Despite the shortcomings of the forum technology we are a real community. It's the best forum I belong to in many ways if a little frustrating at times.  Members just keep returning.
 
Best regards,
 
Terry

Edited By Terryd on 07/01/2012 22:23:10

Adrian Mack07/01/2012 22:49:06
3 forum posts
2 photos
Posted by Terryd on 07/01/2012 22:11:21:
Posted by Adrian Mack on 07/01/2012 16:46:49:
I have just acquired a Boxford similar to yours, not sure of exact age or model, will have to research a bit. Before I locate it in my workshop I would like to clean it up and refurbish a bit. I came across your post by a Google search for Boxford paint colour and have obviously now subscribed to this forum. I have just ordered 500 ml of enamel machine paint using the colout code suggested, will see what it turns out like. Was an eBay purchase so I think the price was quite reasonable, I am hoping the paint type will be compatible with the original, time will tell
 
In terms of refurbishment of head bearings, gear train and slides etc, I wondered if you could guide me to some relevant information that you may have already referenced in this or other forums.
 
Thanks.
 
 
Hi Adrian,
 
You should join the Boxford users group on Yahoo, there is lots of advice there. However I have a lot of information that might help so just send a private message.
 
Early Boxfords were painted Smoke Grey BS 381 692. Companies such as Johnstone's Paints (normal caveat) can make it up for you at little relative cost. You need to look up the serial number stamped on the RH end of the bed to confirm the manufacture date, Look up here
 
Best Regards,
 
Terry
 
 
I just had to got out to the garage and look, here's what I found:
 

And this is what I've got to play with :
 

Happy days
Mark Foster 107/01/2012 23:39:43
34 forum posts
Great Lathes runs rings arround a Myford . its a shame they have not caught on over there . Boxford Hercus Southbend all nearly the same . And a V bed .dont shy away from the work !
Mike White11/01/2012 14:55:31
6 forum posts
4 photos
I would agree with the other comments re the yahoo site. I'm still collecting bits and pieces for the lathe to make life easier. I converted it to thyristor drive, thus giving me variable speeds, and easier than changing belts also fitted an emergency stop. I've attached some pics of the lathe as it is at momement.
 
Regards, Mike



blowlamp11/01/2012 16:06:51
avatar
1885 forum posts
111 photos
Bl**dy hell, Mike!
 
Wooden cabinets? Carpets? Spotlessly clean surfaces?...
So where's the microwave and cooker hood?
I'm only jealous
 
 
Martin.
Terryd11/01/2012 17:15:51
avatar
1946 forum posts
179 photos
Hi Mike,
 
It's looking very good, My csb which was caught up in a fire is awaiting attention and I'm just repainting a late model CUD but adding a powered cross feed so it really is now a BUD. I'll add some pictures when I can but I can't guarantee any wooden doors. Well done so far, I'm jealous too

Best regards

Terry
Mike White11/01/2012 17:25:07
6 forum posts
4 photos
Funny you should mention cooker hood, I re-fitted our kitchen for the "management" and used most of the cabinets and worktops to fit out my workshop, there is a cooker hood with an extract fan in it, I'm sure it will come in handy one day. The reason for the door on the lathe stand is because there is quite a large dent in the front, above the internal shelves of stand (which I could'nt pull out) and the door was a perfect fit. As for a microwave I'm arranging for a meals on wheels delivery service with (you've guessed it) the "management".
 
Mike
Martin W11/01/2012 18:17:58
940 forum posts
30 photos
Hi Mike
 
All that bling puts my little workshop to shame but why not recycle especially when you have the bits to hand. If you are going to expand into silver soldering, welding and/or brazing then I can think of a good use you could put that cooker hood to.
 
When I am in the workshop I usually get tea and a biscuit between 4 and 4:30 if I have earned enough brownie points . Mind a new kitchen should keep you going in comfort for a while!!
 
Looks great and don't get it too dirty.
 
Cheers
 
Martin

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