watchmakers lathe plans

Hi people I'm new here and already need help....

I was contemplating building a watchmakers lathe as I need some non engine projects and while searching for a possible lead I found an article which mentions such a project in Model Engineer August 1965 but cant find the plans (plan WE13) anywhere. Any help would be appreciated.

Pete

Available from MyHobby Store

It did use a few iron castings and I don't think they are available now but you could cut from solid or fabricate

J

Edited By JasonB on 11/02/2014 10:51:13

Pete,

Welcome aboard !!

If you are thinking of a traditional watchmaker's lathe [either Geneva Pattern, or Webster Whitcomb] then you have a tricky job ahead. The "proper" bearings are glass-hard, steel-on-steel, with a double cone shape.

If you just want to build a small lathe; have a look at the excellent book by L.C. Mason.

MichaelG.

.

Edit: added hyperlink.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 11/02/2014 11:32:32

Hi There

WE13 is still available from MyHobbyStore.

Two sheets but I don't know the price.

regards David

Try clicking my link above for the price DC

G'day AussiePete

Good to see ya.........and Welcom aboard.

If you are building a small lathe look out for a small granite or cast iron surface plate also a dial indicator and stand will help to check for parallelism and flatness. You should be able to scrape the bed to within a tenth or two.

Regards
john

Melbourne OZ

Edited By John McNamara on 11/02/2014 12:19:48

Thanks for the quick responses guys. Jason thanks for the link I spread myself thin lol

Thanks John from Sth Oz hope the fires aren't too close to you. Yes I have those bits so looking forward to the project though not in 40+C days we are having for the last month...should drop to mid 30's by the weekend

Pete

Hi AussiePete

Many years ago I was in the same situation thinking of building a small lathe. And at that time I found an article i M.E. Vol.150 No.3704 - Vol. 152 No.3730 (1983-84) - about a building project of: "A 2 5/8 in. Centre Lathe" - "A Design for Home Construction Using Stock Materials" by J. Neave. 2 5/8 in centre height, 1 1/2 in over cross slide, 9 1/2 in between centres 27in overall length, approx. 65 lbs weight.

I eventually ended up buying a Sherline lathe instead, much quicker, life is short and project list tooo long

Lars