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  1. #1
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    May 2014
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    Default Specifications for an A.E Herbert wood Lathe

    Hello,
    I am going to attempt to get an old lathe going.
    It is missing a drive shaft, pulleys, motor, and drive centre.
    (Pictures attached).
    I have done some research and think that:
    • It has plain bearings
    • has a 5/8" shaft
    • has a 3/4" housing


    I can source the bearings and pulleys but will probably need the shaft custom made.
    I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some details as to what I should specify in terms of:
    • the total length
    • threads for either end
    • seals
    • anything else I should know.


    I live in Brisbane so if anyone could suggest a business who could do this work I would be most indebted.
    Any comments would be gratefully accepted.
    Here are some pictures:
    P6153359.JPGP6153358.jpgP6153360.JPG

    Regards,
    Michael

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
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    Townsville. Tropical Nth Qld.
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    Default

    Hi Michael,
    Unless you are wanting to restore this lathe for a particular reason, i think it would cost you more than a new lathe from SE Qld Wood Working Supplies or Gary Pye and even after the restoration it would be still rather primitive.
    But thats just my view.
    Rgds,
    Crocy.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Leopold, Victoria
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    4,677

    Default

    Is this one of the sites you looked at? Looks like an early version of a Shopsmith on that site. Is that what yours originally was?
    If it is, there is a lot of info required to get the correct specs for the shaft.
    Here is a couple of links that may be of use if you haven't already seen them.
    https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/lathe-combo-pics-76052
    https://www.woodworkforums.com/f163/herbert-home-workshop-168085
    Some better pictures of it as a lathe.
    Good luck with your search, and I hope we get to see the finished item.
    Dallas

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Horsham Victoria
    Posts
    5,713

    Default

    I have two of these lathes I think, I can take some pics for you tomorrow if you like and probably get some dimensions.
    If you ask nicely someone on the metal work forum might be willing to turn a spindle for you


    Dave the turning cowboy

    turning wood into art

  6. #5
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    Mobyturns is offline In An Instant Your Life Can Change Forever
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  7. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    North Carolina, USA
    Posts
    2,327

    Default

    Luxos,

    I echo what Old Croc wrote above. If the Herbert has sentimental value to you, clean it up and mount it on a nice piece of timber and put it on a shelf.

    If you had all the accessories to make it work it would still be a very light duty lathe, subject to vibration and the tool rest and tail stock slipping out of position while being used.

    The cheapest Chinese cast iron bed mini lathe is many times better than what you would have if you fixed yours.

    If you know a turner, ask to look at the lathe he or she uses. You might go to a shop that sells lathes and look and feel how they work.
    So much timber, so little time.

    Paul

  8. #7
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    Aug 2010
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    Horsham Victoria
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    Luxos,

    I'm with you if you want to fix and restore. My personal feeling is if you are going to fix something it might as well be a user.

    Like others have said, there are other 'cheap' lathes that will outperform this one. I have 12 lathes and only 3 have cast beds. Most of mine are over 50 years old and one has a timber bed. In time I want all of mine to be set up and 'users' though I would eventually like to get a big lathe as my main user.



    Dave the turning cowboy

    turning wood into art

  9. #8
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Brisbane
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    6

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Old Croc View Post
    Hi Michael,
    Unless you are wanting to restore this lathe for a particular reason, i think it would cost you more than a new lathe from SE Qld Wood Working Supplies or Gary Pye and even after the restoration it would be still rather primitive.
    But thats just my view.
    Rgds,
    Crocy.
    Thanks Crocy,
    Logic does not play a large part in this.
    Yes I realise I could get something better for less money, but I just love old stuff.

    thanks for the input just the same.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DaveTTC View Post
    I have two of these lathes I think, I can take some pics for you tomorrow if you like and probably get some dimensions.
    If you ask nicely someone on the metal work forum might be willing to turn a spindle for you


    Dave the turning cowboy

    turning wood into art
    That would be wonderful Dave.
    Some close ups of either end of the spindle would be good.
    Much appreciated.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    May 2014
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DaveTTC View Post
    Luxos,

    I'm with you if you want to fix and restore. My personal feeling is if you are going to fix something it might as well be a user.

    Like others have said, there are other 'cheap' lathes that will outperform this one. I have 12 lathes and only 3 have cast beds. Most of mine are over 50 years old and one has a timber bed. In time I want all of mine to be set up and 'users' though I would eventually like to get a big lathe as my main user.



    Dave the turning cowboy

    turning wood into art
    Thanks Dave.
    I just want to see if I can get it going.
    i just love old stuff...

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Horsham Victoria
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    Default

    I love the old stuff too, I am hoping to have a working museum at some point.

    I got totally carried away with things today and did not get any fresh pics ... will try and get some for you tomorrow.

    Hope to be having a woodworking get together next Australia Day weekend ... only a short drive to Jerilerie if you are interested.
    Bring a project and some tools or just come down to be social.


    Dave the turning cowboy

    turning wood into art

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    North Carolina, USA
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Luxos View Post
    Thanks Dave.
    I just want to see if I can get it going.
    i just love old stuff...

    Ah, yes. I understand. Below is a $50 purchase of a lathe made for turning down motor and generator armature commutators, for which I have no use.

    It does have a couple hundred dollars worth of American made Jacobs chucks and a spare tool carriage that can be used on a wood lathe to do limited metal turning.

    Some months later I found the motor for undercutting the insulation between the copper segments.

    Now I have a complete set up. For which I have no use.

    The lathe does have #2 Morse taper head and tail stocks, so can be used for small things.

    But I have 7, 10, and 11 inch swing metal lathes, and several 12 inch, and 350mm, 20 inch, 28 inch swing wood lathes along with a few others whose only redeeming virtue is being cute.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    So much timber, so little time.

    Paul

  14. #13
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    Jun 2005
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    Townsville. Tropical Nth Qld.
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Luxos View Post
    Thanks Crocy,
    Logic does not play a large part in this.
    Yes I realise I could get something better for less money, but I just love old stuff.

    thanks for the input just the same.
    Hi again Michael,
    Not disagreeing with you there, as I do the same. Still using a 1961 Nuttall Metal lathe, a 1898 Robinson bandsaw, a 1946 Parkanson Powerhacksaw, all fully restored and on and on. Old machinery is great.
    rgds,
    Crocy.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Horsham Victoria
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    Default

    Luxos,

    My appologies, did not get to the lathe today. I have just inherited my brothers twins while he undergoes chemo therapy. I have a busy day tomorrow but hope to fit it in. It is just a matter of remembering to take a few clicks at the right time.


    Dave the turning cowboy

    turning wood into art

  16. #15
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DaveTTC View Post
    Luxos,

    My appologies, did not get to the lathe today. I have just inherited my brothers twins while he undergoes chemo therapy. I have a busy day tomorrow but hope to fit it in. It is just a matter of remembering to take a few clicks at the right time.


    Dave the turning cowboy

    turning wood into art
    No hurry Dave.
    It has been in my shed for 15 years...

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