Thread: Hercus Model A

Paul, my version of Heaven is full of lathes more substantial than Hercus model A's. Likewise my version of Hell is populated with lathes far less substantial - or perhaps the lathes that were in Heaven that have been badly maintained and covered with rust etc etc.

Michael

Thanks for the reply. I am a novice and the choice seems to be between an old quality lathe or a chineese one with all the bells and whistles. I haven't brought it yet but I am seriously considering one on ebay.

pjg

Paul,
Have you a link to the machine your looking at? I think the most important thing for a first lathe is that you can take it home, plug it in and start playing with it, not fixing bearings, working out what is missing etc.

Ewan

The bells and whistles matter, if by that you mean accessories. A bare lathe should cost much less one that is kitted out with lots of useful add-ons.
A good thing about Hercus lathes, despite being no longer made, is that there's lots of stuff around for them, both used and new. Also, many things made for South Bend and Boxford lathes can fit. I have a nice after-market slotted cross slide made for a Boxford for example, now fitted to my Hercus 260 and before that on the Hercus 9 inch. I also have a Chinese copy of a South Bend saddle stop that bolts straight on to the Hercuses. I can't think of another make of lathe that has as good cover for parts as the Hercus. I think it's a good lathe for turning parts up to about 50mm diameter easily, or up to about 100mm diameter at a stretch, with accuracy up to one thousandth of an inch.

Jordan

Thanks Ewan.

It is 3 phase but I have had it running. It runs smoothly. It seems to be in good condition. The ways seen to be in good order despite its age. The gearbox seemed to operate smoothly. One tooth on the big gear behind the chuck seems to have been professionally repaired some time in the past. It certainly didn't feel worn out or tired.

PJG

Paul,
I think i found the machine on ebay. I was worried it was another one in sydney that has a worn out bearing and no thread cutting. Looks like a clean machine but looks can be deceiving. I have no experience with Hercus machines so i will leave it to anyone else with some. One piece of advice though, you will probably spend as much as you did on the lathe in tooling.....or more, so keep that in mind.
Good luck, and be patient. If this machine isn't "the one" there will be another come along next week, or the week after etc.
Ewan

Thanks Jordan.

That seems to be the dilemma. I do like the idea of a known brand so at least if, or more probable when, I put an eye out it wont be hard to move on.

PJG

PS. I haven't worked out the etequate yet so I well reply to them all until I.m told to shut up.

Thanks Michael,

My version of heaven involves more women and less clothing but until I get there I have to do something to keep myself occupied.

PJG

Originally Posted by nadroj

The bells and whistles matter, if by that you mean accessories. A bare lathe should cost much less one that is kitted out with lots of useful add-ons.
A good thing about Hercus lathes, despite being no longer made, is that there's lots of stuff around for them, both used and new. Also, many things made for South Bend and Boxford lathes can fit. I have a nice after-market slotted cross slide made for a Boxford for example, now fitted to my Hercus 260 and before that on the Hercus 9 inch. I also have a Chinese copy of a South Bend saddle stop that bolts straight on to the Hercuses. I can't think of another make of lathe that has as good cover for parts as the Hercus. I think it's a good lathe for turning parts up to about 50mm diameter easily, or up to about 100mm diameter at a stretch, with accuracy up to one thousandth of an inch.

Jordan

I think you have summarised it well.
Hercus lathes are very good lathes with a lot of attachments that increase their versatility.
Lets face it, most of the work most of us do are small diameter work, & the Hercus does it well & very accurately.
regards
Bruce