The right lathe

[bob46320]

Most things, a BOXFORD or Myford 7, but if you want to skim drums, lighten flywheels, that is a different matter.

[Reckless Rat]

It is possible to do brake drums on the Myford, but it's a bit of a faff. You have to use the faceplate so that the drum can sit in the well of the bed, AND mount the drum on the reverse side of the faceplate to clear the front edge of the bed. Definitely no-go for a flywheel!

[Andy Bennett]

Good point re drums, I had wondered about that, but no plans for flywheels.

[Stumpi]

I have chester tools lathe [chinese origin] When i bought mine i walked into show room with A7 drum in my hand the salesman said thats A7 and it will fit.
It is perfectly ok for my needs top and tailing bushes and very rarely screwcutting.
i did a toolroom apprenticeship many years ago so am quite happy with its accuracy.
The advantage is it fits on top of a cabinet at the side of the garage.
I cover mine with a large towel during the winter to prevent surface rust.

[Charles P]

It is possible to do brake drums on the Myford, but it's a bit of a faff. You have to use the faceplate so that the drum can sit in the well of the bed, AND mount the drum on the reverse side of the faceplate to clear the front edge of the bed. Definitely no-go for a flywheel!

I've done a flywheel on an M Type Drummond, but wouldn't recommend it

[Tony Griffiths]

Using an older, worn-out lathe originally sold at the bottom of the market in the early years of the 20th century might seem a crazy thing to do - and it is when so much better machines are about. It is surprising though what could be achieved on one of the most difficult-to-use lathes ever made, the 4-inch centre height Round Bed Drummond. Here are a few of the things built on one:

[Andy Bennett]

I think I might have taken Tony's final bit of advice to heart. In looking for something with 4 1/2 inch swing and all the things suggested here, I stumbled on this old thing and have bought it:
       

I have been going arpound in circles justifying, or not, whether I would get good use from a lathe and then if I would then why not buy a quality item, but then I go up the price range and get back to the circular argument to justify it.

Then this popped up on gumtree. It is a Faircut 'senior'. Not sure of the date, but believed to be 40s. It came with 2 3 jaw chucks, 1 4 jaw and faceplate (which I understand use a strange adaptor plate which makes them difficult to source if you don't already have), and a few other gears and bits and pieces. it has power feed and everything seems clean and smooth, with little wear. It has a repair to the headstock which appears to be old but runs well. Bought from a model maker who went through the same mental gymnastics as I did and has now moved on to a larger lathe.

But most importantly it was £250. At that price I am happy to play, find out just how much I need a lathe and then potentially move it on in the same way as I bought it.
I see it as the Austin 7 of the lathe world. In the same way as people come up to us at car shows and ask why on earth we would have one: old, outdated, can't keep up with the performance of more modern alternatives...but just look at it, it will be here in another 80 years, which you probably can't say for a £1000 Chinese modern alternative.
What I need now is a power switch with a big red emergency off button but can't seem to come up with the right description to search for one. Oh and what oil should I be putting in those lovely chrome and glass oil pots?

[Charles P]

What I need now is a power switch with a big red emergency off button but can't seem to come up with the right description to search for one. Oh and what oil should I be putting in those lovely chrome and glass  oil pots?

A No Volt Release is what you want, but exactly which one may depend upon the rating of the motor you are using. The book Electric Motors in the Home Workshop is a worthwhie read.
This looks a possibility https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226167827643?...VsQAvD_BwE
I think I have an old one lurking - I can look on Sunday

When I had a lathe with oilers I tended to use whatever light machine oil was to hand. I'd start with jack oil or similar and see how well it flows. If you start too heavy it may not get through well. And for ways I uses chainsaw chain oil which is usefully a bit sticky.

[Andy Bennett]

Thanks Charles.
Have ordered a switch. I have lots of chainsaw oil so no problem there.
Andy

[Dave Mann]

I think Tony is referring to my Sheldon which I recovered from a skip and which has been used to repair all manner of Seven bits and is nearly as old as our Sevens