Thank you all for the warm welcome, I really appreciate it. This is actually the first time I've done any real machining in the past few years.
I currently have in my shop a Standard Modern 13"X34" engine lathe, a Jet bench top mill and a horizontal band saw. Also have mig, tig and arc welding capabilities.
Have had a few problems with the lathe in the past few months; the screws that retain the idler gear in the sealed quick change gear box came loose, had no lead screw movement and no feed, oops. I drain the oil, opened the case and found the gear lying on the bottom of the box. There was no damage so I put it all back together, fill the box with oil and all was good.
Few weeks later while facing a work piece the cross feed goes out, oops. I had to disassemble and separate the saddle from the carriage. While inspecting I discovered that the retaining clip that retains the Bendix gear to the shaft was missing. Didn't want to drain the oil so I acquired a magnetic retriever and fished the clip from the oil. The clip was deformed and I needed a replacement so after a 3 hour search I found someone who just happened to have an assortment kit, I was lucky. Reassembled everything and all was good.
This morning I turn the lathe on and I heard a loud squeaking sound and I quickly shut the power off! Now what? well the set screw that retains the key and the main drive pulley in place worked itself loose. I opened the door on back of the head stock and the key was resting on the bottom of the door. To make a long story short, I replaced the key, aligned the pulley, secured it and all was good. I think the lathe may have been built on a Friday.
Well, I think that's enough rambling for now. I'll post some pic's as soon as I figure out how.
Take care,
Skip
