Thread: Boxford Lathe - Back Gear

yes

Now an even sillier question.

Is'nt the backgears function to slow down the spindle speed?

Yes usually around 7 to 1 .

From your question, I'm assuming you haven't had a lot of experience with lathes yet. (If thats the case, thats ok, you have to start somewhere) I'f I'm wrong I apologise.
Anyway, when you engage the back gear, don't forget to pull the pin that connects the spindle pulley to the spindle. Otherwise you definately will not be able to turn the chuck by hand. Or with the motor either.
Also don't forget to lube the spindle when the pulley is running in back gear mode. There should be a lube point somewhere. probably on the pulley. It might be a hole with a grub screw that you have to remove to squirt a bit of oil in then replace the grubscrew.

best of luck with it.

regards
bollie7

Well, to be honest, I have never worked with a lathe before. I managed to run it with the backgear engaged last night.

Thanx everyone for the helpful advice,

I get the impression that you expected it to be EASIER to turn the chuck with backgear engaged, don;t forget that to gear DOWN the chuck from the drive (motor), means that turning the chuck is geared UP, as you are trying to turn the motor over 7 times faster than "normal"

Bill