Wood Lathe Restoration

Restore a wood lathe.

Step 1: Wood Lathe

I found a sturdy old wood lathe at an estate sale for pennies and decided to give it a spit shine.

Step 2: Disassemble

Inspect the lathe and disassemble it. Take good photos of all the moving parts, they come in handy on reassembly.

Step 3: Bolts

Cover the bolts and other small hardware in white vinegar to remove rust and grime.

Step 4: Wash

Wash the large parts and dry.

Step 5: Paint Removal

Use your favorite paint removal method. I chose aircraft remover this time around.

Step 6: Wipe

Wire brush and wipe the parts down with a solvent. Allow to dry.

Step 7: Grind

Cup brush any parts that need a little extra help with an angle grinder.

Step 8: Tape

Tape off parts that will remain unpainted.

Step 9: Prime

Prime the parts.

Step 10: Electric Motor

Disassemble the electric motor.

Step 11: Clean and Prime Motor

Clean out the motor and remove the paint. Prime the motor housing to ready for painting.

Step 12: Paint

Select your paint colors and give all the parts a few good coats.

Step 13: Hardware

After 4 or 5 days the vinegar should have done its job. Wire brush, dry and lubricate all the hardware.

Step 14: Buff

Buff all the shiny bits.

Step 15: Reassemble

Reassemble the beast.

Step 16: Alignment

I replaced the drive center and live center. Took MT1 morse tapers. Check the alignment after installation.

Step 17: Banjo Lock

This lathe didn't have a banjo lock, so I built one. You can see the instructable through the following link.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Lathe-Banjo-Lock/

Step 18: Build a Stand

Grab some lumber and build a stand to accommodate the lathe and motor.

Step 19: Stain

Stain or paint the stand.

Step 20: Mount the Motor

Secure the motor with heavy bolts.

Step 21: Mount the Lathe

Mount the lathe and hook up the belt. Information on lathe speed can be found in the following instructable.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Calculate-Drill-or-Lathe-Speed/

Step 22: Complete

Plug in the beast and make sure everything is groovy.

Comments

[RobertS176]

Very nice job did you ever look into how to make your lathe variable speed. That is some how making the motor variable speed. I have a older lathe something like yours and would like to know how to make it variable speed besides just changing pulleys.

[djpolymath]

Haven't looked into making the motor variable speed, but it sounds like a fun project. Thanks for the suggestion.

[TimJ48]

People are using treadmill motors they garbage pick for free, and they truly work great. Many YouTube videos on this.

[TimJ48]

I love the way this came out, it looks newer than new, and that blue is handsome! Couple of points: the 'knotted' wire wheel used to strip off the rust, paint and corrosion- they are so effective that they can be too effective. They can remove actual steel, which isn't critical on a wood lathe but this could potentially ruin a metal lathe. Use true brass wire wheel (not brass coated steel) and better, use a soft grade of scotch-brite. Use arm power with kerosene to lubricate while sanding.
The part you call a 'banjo' is faintly like a 'banjo' on a metal cutting lathe, but it's used to refer to a gear holding bracket on the far left side of the headstock. It has nothing to do with the tool rest.
Again, great video!

[respina_sina]

so nice ... good job man

[Zero The Null]

Nice .. It seems like new ..

[Mjtrinihobby]

awesome.

[Mjtrinihobby]

nice write up.!

[deathbyproxy]

I have to show my admiration at your restoration. Highly commendable and well carried out on all levels.

[gm280]

Very nice restoring job. You even reworked the motor. A lot of folks would not go that far. I'm glad you did. Hope you enjoy it for years to come. Thumps Up!

[seamster]

Wow, this turned out looking sharp. Very inspiring work!

[BeachsideHank]

Nice restoration, you don't see a gap bed wood lathe all that often either, a real keeper, thanks for sharing.