British empire lathe

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

The problem I have is the length of the machine. Mounting the switches in the panel isn't a problem. Problem arises if I am working middle or towards the far end of the machine. I wouldn't be able to hit the panic button if needed. If I mount the box behind the machine in the middle I am away from the chuck and can reach everything. I understand it's what works best for each individual but also must look at all safety concerns to. She is a long lathe.View attachment 193204 View attachment 193205 View attachment 193206

Make a magnetic pendant. Stick it anywhere you like ?

 

[Seadog]

Make a kick bar that activates emergency stop.

 

[Maker]

Make a kick bar that activates emergency stop.

Beat me to it, the inverter might even have DC injection braking so the emergency stop can be set up to stop the spindle as quick as possible, that massive chuck and spindle will want to keep spinning for a while without it.

 

[Seadog]

You'll need a largish resistor too, power wise. There's a lot of kinetic energy to lose.

 

[Pete.]

The problem I have is the length of the machine. Mounting the switches in the panel isn't a problem. Problem arises if I am working middle or towards the far end of the machine. I wouldn't be able to hit the panic button if needed. If I mount the box behind the machine in the middle I am away from the chuck and can reach everything. I understand it's what works best for each individual but also must look at all safety concerns to.

That's why the E-stop on my 10ee is at the tailstock end. Because the main controls are at the headstock.

 

[Pete.]

Make a kick bar that activates emergency stop.

If there's one single feature that I really did like about my Denford it was the emergency stop foot bar. I used that all the time.

 

[Farside]

I would not mount switches up and behind the chuck.
1. They will get splattered in oil and dirt
2. You'll have to reach past flailing swarf if the chuck picks up a bundle
3. You risk catching your clothing on the chuck whilst reaching across.

All of that, in spades, especially 3.
I wince when I see lathe controls mounted above and/ or behind the whirly bits.

Not only that, but a shelf above it with pots of grease, paint, big tools. All stuff just waiting to fall off and be propelled into the face or chest, never mind the inevitable temptation to reach up and grab something off the shelf when the machine is running.

 

[Seadog]

Who'd be stupid enough to do that?

 

[God mode restorations]

Just to clarify. I am not mounting it above or close to the chuck.
I did make a start on the mounting bracket for the lamp.

 

[Dieselman 63]

Just to clarify. I am not mounting it above or close to the chuck.
I did make a start on the mounting bracket for the lamp. View attachment 193253 View attachment 193254 View attachment 193255

I need something like this for my machine. Looks beautiful!

 

[God mode restorations]

I need something like this for my machine. Looks beautiful!

When finished it will bolt to the back of the under tray. Keeps it out the way and doesn't interfere with anything.

 

[Shiny Steve]

That's a realy smart job there Spencer, it's realy coming together.

Dose anyone have an idea on a rough value of a similar lathe in an unrestored condition?

 

[God mode restorations]

That's a realy smart job there Spencer, it's realy coming together.

Dose anyone have an idea on a rough value of a similar lathe in an unrestored condition?

Thanks Steve.
I gave £150 for the empire lathe. Its was covered in crud and everything else you could imagine.
As for valve. They can go for a couple of hundred up to five hundred plus. They are worth what anybody is willing to pay.
I have spent over a grand with all the missing accessories and consumables.

 

[Dieselman 63]

That's a realy smart job there Spencer, it's realy coming together.

Dose anyone have an idea on a rough value of a similar lathe in an unrestored condition?

As above. As low as possible! The restoration phase is going to cost big time

 

[Shiny Steve]

Thanks chaps, it's a nice solid lump of old iron I might have a second look. It all seems complete but has been stood outside unfortunately.

I have already said yes to a nice pillar drill (progress 3) from the same source.

 

[God mode restorations]

Thanks chaps, it's a nice solid lump of old iron I might have a second look. It all seems complete but has been stood outside unfortunately.

I have already said yes to a nice pillar drill (progress 3) from the same source.

Sounds interesting.
Do you know what lathe it is...

 

[Shiny Steve]

No more than it is a British empire and of a reasonable size, definatly bigger than my Harrison l5

 

[Spark plug]

Would it be possible to discreetly, install a 3rd shaft under the feed rod to control the forward and reverse?

Also if the chuck is screed on, care needs to be taken, especially on such a big lathe not to brake the spindle too hard. As with a big workpiece in the chuck this could cause the chuck to unscrew.

 

[God mode restorations]

Would it be possible to discreetly, install a 3rd shaft under the feed rod to control the forward and reverse?

Also if the chuck is screed on, care needs to be taken, especially on such a big lathe not to brake the spindle too hard. As with a big workpiece in the chuck this could cause the chuck to unscrew.

To be honest. I only installed the vdf system after a lot of serious thought.
My aim was to keep it as original as possible even though I have slightly steered the other way with that. The machine will see work.but anything that needs precision I will run through the dsg or one of the other many lathes. The chuck is an interesting thought as I did think about this a few times. I will see what happens when its finally up and running and dialing in has been done...

 

[God mode restorations]

Made a start on the bracket for the controller box. And did make a small mistake mainly due to my two dogs getting in the way...