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Antique 18-inch x 10-foot Hendey engine lathe (19 of 28).jpg

This large and ancient metal lathe is located in Lookout, California, in Lassen County, Big Valley.

This is in the boonies of Northern CA.

 

The label reads:

 

The Hendey Machine Co. Torrington Conn. U.S.A.

 

The size is as follows:

Swing over bed: 18"

Swing over carriage: unknown

Chuck diameter: unknown

Bed length: 10 feet

 

It may have been built in the 1905-1920 era, from what I've learned so far.

 

It has a full feed/threading gearbox.

 

It is equipped with at least parts of a taper attachment.

The original drive, which may have been a lineshaft or an electric motor is long gone. In its place, a modern 1HP motor with an unknown number of poles drives the conehead through a three-speed automotive transmission and a flat belt to the spindle cone. The owner says the motor will start the spindle in anything but highest gear.

 

It is owned by a fine older gentleman named Willie. He owns a LARGE property full of old tractors, cars, trucks, bulldozers and vehicles of varied and sundry description.

 

This lathe was still in occasional use. I expect that it could be restored to its former glory by a man willing and able to put a LOT of time and/or money into it. I plan to buy it some day, assuming Willie gets tired of it at some point.

 

More info on Hendey lathes:

www.lathes.co.uk/hendey/page18.html

 

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Uploaded on June 30, 2014
Taken in June 2014