Wadkin rs questions

I have just acquired a 1953 RS lathe. Was difficult to move but managed and it it is place.
I have swapped out the 1ph motor to a 3ph motor with variable speed control.
Should have been running today but was supplied the wrong inverter so have to wait until next week to get the replacement.

Questions:
Is there a source for a 1 3/8 x 6 tap to suit the headstock spindle ?

Is the only difference between the 6", 8" and 10" the length of the leg ?
If so is it possible to shorten the leg on a 6" to make it a 8" ?

Thanks
Phil

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Originally Posted by Phil Hansen

I have just acquired a 1953 RS lathe.

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Photos please (including one of the Wadkin tag).

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Originally Posted by Phil Hansen

...Is the only difference between the 6", 8" and 10" the length of the leg ?
If so is it possible to shorten the leg on a 6" to make it a 8" ?

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I don't own an RS (I have the little RT) but from information on another thread (by Camo) I believe the beds are interchangeable, as are the legs (obviously if you fit a shorter leg you'll need a taller tailstock). However, the standard - as supplied by Wadkin - was the 6" RS came with a bed that allows 3' 6" between centres; the RS 8 - 5' 6" between centres; and the RS 10 - 7' 6" between centres.

Of course Wadkin machines were hand fitted - so if you put a bed off another RS onto your headstock, the locating pins won't align. You'll need to drill new pin holes - or rely solely on the bolts.

But that's not quite what you are asking. I believe most RS legs are cast, but some are fabricated. Shortening a fabricated one should be easy enough. Shortening a cast one... I think it would be easier to make a new one out of angle iron. My 6" RT has cast legs (plural).

As for the 1 3/8" x 6 tap - I haven't looked for one. A good turner would be able to cut an internal thread if you get desperate.

HTH.

Cheers, Vann.

Thanks Vann,
Will give the conversion a miss.
Have already submitted the tag picture but here are a few more.
I swapped out the 1ph motor for a 3ph and fitted an inverter. Remote start and speed control box can be put anywhere. It has a magnetic back.
The panel on the front had a digital tacho and switches for lights as well as an emergency stop.
Haven't run it yet as the supplier gave me the wrong inverter. Should get the correct one on Tuesday.

Cheers

Hi Phill so have you done away with the stepped pulley and just rely on the inverter for differing speeds. I suppose you could increase the capacity by putting something in between the tailstock and the bed. I've got the 10" and its just a casting.
Looking at your tag it states 3 phase I wonder where the single phase motor was done because it is a proper RS motor.
Do you know of any good machinists who could make an adapter, I got mine from peter child but like you said he is no more.
Vann, I got told off the old dealer guy that I visit that the RT was an apprentice lathe to prepare youngsters for the RS and RU

Hi Wallace,
I got the lathe with a huge 1ph motor - must have been a replacement to suit the previous owner . I had a 3ph motor and inverter which I bought for a project that never got going.
So I cut off a bit of the long original shaft and made an adapter with key ways and locks to bring it back to original length.
So the original stepped pulley is still in place. Went that way as trying to replace the headstock pulley would be a mission.
Another consideration would be how to replace a belt if you did not have a spliced belt.
Have done drawings (my sketches) of what I need for adapters and will talk to them this week.
Cheers

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Originally Posted by wallace1973

I suppose you could increase the capacity by putting something in between the tailstock and the bed.

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Reading Vanns answer to my previous question I have had a rethink on that mod. Too many potential problems.
Cheers

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Originally Posted by Phil Hansen

I have just acquired a 1953 RS lathe. Was difficult to move but managed and it it is place.

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So that's where it went :)

Enjoy it.

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Originally Posted by Colin62

So that's where it went :)
Enjoy it.

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Thank Colin. Will do when I get the bearing noise sorted.
Would like some of the other stuff he has. Have you seen the Wilson bandsaw?
Phil

No, I haven’t seen any of it. I chatted to him at one of the guild meetings, so I knew he was planning to sell the lathe, but he couldn’t remember the make at that stage. I was away in the Cape when the email saying what was for sale, and by the time I’d got home and done a little research on the lathe, you’d already taken it.

To be honest, I was a little relieved when I found out it had been sold, because I’ve spent my toy allowance for the entire year, but would have found the money somewhere for something like that - I’m not likely to see another one for sale in a long time.

Just out of curiosity, what size is the Wilson bandsaw?

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Originally Posted by Colin62

Just out of curiosity, what size is the Wilson bandsaw?

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Not certain but about 30" with at least 15" resaw capacity. Very heavy. Similar to this pic.
Phil