Drummond lathes

Can anyone tell me the difference between a model M and a B, which is best, and what to look for when buying them.

Hi Richard, Tony Griffiths wrote an artical in Model Engineer Vol 201 issue 4337 pages 509-511 and issue 4339 pages 629-631 under the heading of Machine Tools and titled Eary Drummond Flat-bed Lathes, which are in the online achive if you have access to them (tab 7 at the top). He mentions both "B" and "M" types. His web site **LINK** may still be the best place to research the pros and cons of them.

There are also some downloads of Drummond lathe booklets on this website in the "Latest Artical for Website" under the heading Machine Tool Manuals - A Library.

Regards Nick.

Edited By Nicholas Farr on 06/08/2013 02:32:12

The B type is easily recognisable as it has a reinforcing bar over the top of the headstock, bracing the two bearings.

I dont have an M but i believe it is the better lathe, as it includes a traversing rack driving the crossslide and standard half-nuts, whereas the B uses the leadscrew for traverse.

The M also has beefier bearings i understand.

But as Nick says, hit lathes.co.uk.

The real answer would probably depend on the specific lathes available - an unworn B is probably a better tool than a worn or abused M.

-russ

thanks, if any one can get me a copy of those articles i would be very gratefull.