Lathe

This is my antique lathe.

Summary

It used to be my granddad's a long time ago. When his house was finally sold a few years ago it needed a new home which I was happy to provide. I have fond memories of helping with "powering" the machine as a kid. If camera phones were a thing back then I'm sure it would be well documented.

Condition

Although it has been standing around unused for many years it's in pretty good working condition after only a bit of de-clogging and greasing/oiling. There is hardly any rust. Over the years I will do a lot more cleaning and maybe some restoration work as I find time. I haven't dared to look at the bearings yet. I'm intending to leave it human powered - it's a big part of its appeal and I'm moving little enough as it is. Also I'm not using the lathe that much, so the effort to motorize it would hardly be justifiable. If I really needed a powered lathe I would just get one.

Identification

The badge says it's a "Delisle&Ziegele".

There is a very limited amount of information on the internet about this brand. As it appears Delisle&Ziegele were mainly distributors for other brands. A bit of browsing on the wonderful http://lathes.co.uk website convinced me that I'm the proud owner of a Oskar Ehrlich product. I couldn't find any logo on the lathe itself, but the screwcutting-table gives it away.

This page, apparently from the 1914 Schuchardt&Schütte catalogue pretty much shows my lathe. Mine has a nice housing for the gears, so it's possibly newer (maybe 20's?). It has also got an oil tray.

Description

Headstock

• 3-speed cone pulley driven by a leather belt.
• Backgear (no tooth decay I think)
• Lever for lead screw (forward|off|backward)
• Gearbox in housing (I have this drawer with a full set of gears)