Thread: A Hercus owners register??

i think you may get more replies in the metalwork forum and not the hercus sub forum.

Originally Posted by welder

i think you may get more replies in the metalwork forum and not the hercus sub forum.

Thanks,

I have another go it this!

Hi there chaps.

Just bought a 1970 lathe that originated (I believe) from a tech college at Smithfield, SA.

AR 13261 is the serial number of the beast. The tail stock sadly is not the original for the machine so I am on the hunt for other people that bought a lathe when they got sold from Smithfield recently. I have already managed to get AR 13264 re-united with it's correct tail stock (a friend owns that one) so I am hopeful.

Anyway... my first job is to give it a bit of a fluff and buff then work out how to run the 3 phase motor on 240V single phase. It's in pretty good condition and I am pleased with the purchase.

regards- Aaron.

Welcome Aaron,

I'm sure you'll find your new acquisition to be a handy bit of gear. There are a few of us here that own similar machines and should be in a position to help with any queries you may have.

Bob.

Aaron,

I can see no advantage in running your new Hercus (unless it has ball races on the main shaft) using a converter as motors are like grapes easily found anywhere.

One real advantage of three phase at higher speeds is the steadiness, lack of vibration that has been my experience.

In the meantime I will look up your model and see if my thoughts are wasted.

Have success Peter.

Hercus, 3 phase or one motor,

When I retired as an Electricion I changed my home and workshop from single to three phase. Reason I had purchased at one time a Woodfast Wood Lathe that ran on single phase, it was mounted on a Woodfast metal Cabinet, you could hear the rattles from a long way. Result smooth as no noise.

At the conversion time 15 years ago I fitted the three phase motor, result quiet, tons of grunt, peace in my time. Also I found machinery with three phase motors sold more cheaply so now most everything I use is three phase. I have converted two units to single phase to three phase to give complete variable speed. Indeed my three phase motors were retained.

Around twenty years ago I purchased a neat 1969 A Hercus that had been used seldom for wood complete with a host of extras that I have enjoyed ever since and have added to the collection many additional chucks etc, regard it as a good friend,
pic attached on a clean day.

All electric motors can be interchanged with another having the same base pattern that is included in the stamped plate on the motor, the essentials as I see it is totally enclosed, continuous operation, there is adjustable variation on the hinged base plate.

Have pleasure with your lathe as I do with mine.
Kind regards Peter.

Hi there again. I managed to track down my matching number tail stock after numerous phone calls- great result!

Considering getting 3 phase to the house as well. Sounds like the best option if the power company can come to the party.

So keen to get the old Hercus up and running.

regards- Aaron.

So Derek, I've just bought ATM260 Serial number 17861, and true to form, the tailstock doesn't match the bed. Can you add this to your register - hopefully I can get it back up and running as I've completely stripped it down with the intention of a refurb including a new paint job (green). It appears to have come from a school in SA as I bought it from Hercus - it has yellow guards and looks like it's had a hard life. Most gears appear to be in good condition and the bed looks to be ok - I guess I'll find out how badly matched - or not - the tailstock is when I machine the first few test pieces. When I stripped it down, I couldn't believe how much gunk was there. Some Neanderthal had used a cold chisel to undo the takeup nut on the spindle instead of taking the time to make a proper "C" spanner and I was knee deep in swarf from the cleanup. Looks like they'd also done a bit of wood turning on it as well. Anyway, hopefully I can do it justice with the refurb. Do you or allterrain50 know what year this would have been manufactured ?. Would like to know out of curiosity.

17861 was made in 1982. Good luck with the resto. Make sure you take some before and after photos as inspiration for the rest of us.

The current procedure for adding machines to the register is to contact Derek aka bitza500, and either PM him or email him (see sticky for email address) the details.

Derek maintains the register and he is supposed to send me the latest version every now and then which the Mods allow me to update in the sticky.

I have tried to contact Derek several times to obtain the latest version but to no avail.

According to his profile Derek is active (last active Sept 24 2011) but according to the WWWF search engine he has not posted for about a year.

Does anyone know what might be going on?

If Derek can no longer maintain the register then I am happy to do so and will change the Sticky to reflect this.

Cheer
BobL

BobL,

I don't think Derek is enjoying the best of health at the moment. Allterrain50 might be able to throw some light on your query.

Ken

Bob,
I spoke to Derek and he asked if you would take over the register, at least until his health improves.
Mal

Hi all
I have my late uncles hercus
Well worn but much loved
I use it frequently
It's a 9"
Model AH
Machine number 4527
Any info would be great

4527 was built in 1953.

cheers