1900s Pedal Metal Lathe [Restoration]

This restoration is on an early 1900s W.F. and John Barnes Co. No. 5 velocipede screw lathe. James from the @Wood By Wright KZbin channel came to my shop with two of these lathes; one for me and one for him. We both absolutely love the look of this lathe and he plans on using his frequently in his workshop.
The lathes were missing many parts and James had them re-cast while I did the machining on them. The lathes were both is better than expected condition for being over 100 years old. I decided to paint mine black which was consistent with the original japanning used for a finish on this lathe. If I had sorted out my cold-cure japanning recipe, then I would have loved to do japanning on this restoration. We only had three days together, so after we put primer on the parts, James had to leave.
James kept the only 3-jaw chuck, as he plans on using the lathe on a regular basis, so I had to do some test cuts using the old drill chuck. This was a poor choice and the cut quality was horrendous. Pedalling the lathe is actually pretty fun for about 25 seconds until you start cutting and you have to start pedalling with some serious force. This lathe could easily be converted to an electric powered one and it would make a pretty nice 11" lathe.
I am not sure what to do with the lathe now as I really won't use this over my other metal lathe!
I would like to thank Evapo-Rust for sponsoring this video.
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[@WoodByWright]

So much fun! This was a blast to work with you on this project! Now... Lets Race!

[@sheep1ewe]

It's realy awsome that You could participate in this collaboration!

[@douglasmason4761]

Love the interplay between you and @HTR. Immediate subscribe to your channel, fine sir. Now...let's see what you have in orange.

[@davidrosenberg2580]

Wood By Wright I hope “Hand Tool Rescue” gets this message. The reason that his lathe isn’t cutting correctly is that one of the jaws on his chuck was installed off by a tooth.

[@ianallen2]

@@davidrosenberg2580 I noticed this too.

[@jeremiefaucher-goulet3365]

Just don't bring orange paint next time ;)

[@censusgary]

I’m pretty impressed that someone still has the original patterns for a lathe made in 1880.

[@picax8398]

The double head to the sandblasting cabinet was amazing

[@WoodByWright]

that shot was a must!

[@ericstoever9577]

Laughed so loud I scared the dog!

[@codemonkey2k5]

Legitimate LOL!

[@johnpeters9175]

Even though I was entirely expecting it I was hilariously surprised. If that makes any sense.

[@i.bcraftsman5977]

13:17

[@robfrye4664]

Incredible original craftsmanship on that lathe! I'm 74, and my dad and grandfather were both machinists, grand-dad being born in 1885, dad in 1906. I grew up in machine shops, watching my dad work his skills as a union machinist. I still have a complete 12" inside micrometer set, and 1" outside micrometer that he scratch fabricated for his apprenticeship! He could fabricate just about anything! I learned a lot from him!

[@182mdavi]

"Never skip lathe day" This is why I watch your channel, you're like a big kid but with brains and toilet trained

[@BABALOOEY46]

How do we know?

[@adamdolch9053]

I had a very audible chortle at this caption

[@zachaliles]

We've never seen him use the toilet though.

[@colaptesauratus]

the crocs-n-socks immediately followed by "You also have to pedal backwards" was a one-two punch that knocked me out cold

[@Ovi-305]

Did you notice he had metal plates on the Crocs. They're Steel Toe Crocs!!

[@cecilgore495]

Your co worker seems to know your next move, you both work very well with each other. How in hell do you remember were everything goes. I would have parts left over. Love you guys. Great Job.

[@daviddonaghy6494]

As a former machinist, I found this very interesting. When I started out, lathes were not much different than this, except they were powered by electric motors. I hated it when everything became computer controlled. I still use one that has a treadle like an old sewing machine.

[@robertmyers5993]

Yeah, I like the older lathes best as well. I'm pretty sure that welded extension onto the big drive wheel was for a motor hookup.

[@lyteyearz5810]

You have no idea how much this calms my depression and anxiety. I've fallen asleep to this at least 3 times. Going to attempt to finish this again tomorrow but subbing this time! The sound of clinking and clanking while cleaning parts without the annoying background music like most videos makes this one of my top go to videos now. Thanks for your effort. Incredible attention to detail in my opinion.

[@powder749]

13:18. Somehow, I was waiting for and almost expected that double head drop. 🤣🤣🤣

[@WoodByWright]

That was a must!

[@powder749]

@@WoodByWright, indeed. I suppose I somewhat misspoke. Should have said I DEMANDED that double head drop! By the way, your subscription counter is +1 now. 😉

[@CraigH999]

When the door closed on the sandblasting cabinet I was gleefully anticipating the **thunk** of a forehead immediately after. How awesome that it was a double **thunk**! Also - tossing @Wood by Wright, out the door for painting that seat orange - hilarious. Myself, I would have painted it red...

[@themig292003]

Waiting for a drop, Not expecting the double. :D

[@phillipnewton8910]

Aaawww he made a friend. :)

[@luilu9167]

This is not a tool. This is art. Thank you.

[@sergeantpeppers8858]

The opening is great. Love this channel. I wish I could still do stuff like this. But it's almost as good watching a good craftsman do their work. When I first started mechanicing, another more experienced mechanic told me that anyone could replace parts but a real mechanic could repair the same part. You sir are a real mechanic.

[@taknmybeatings7036]

....ALMOST

[@grahampickering1560]

Never used a wrench in my life. That made me smile ☺️🔧

[@xion1012]

Holy shit having two people with similar energy is amazing, when they both faceplanted the media blasting window I couldnt breathe

[@TheFurriestOne]

Dang! You two got ten times the work I do in a month done and you were just lathing about the shop! Excellent restoration work on those beautiful, old, and surprisingly-well-maintained manual machining tools!

[@mircomuntener4643]

"You can have it in any colour you want, so long as it is black."

[@archloy]

You can also choose any primer color you want without restriction :)

[@Springfield-1903]

Henry Ford

[@the_icon_of_sin_94]

-Henry Ford

[@dorgodorato]

Steel-toed Crocs'n'Socks needs a credit too.

[@jeffs7944]

Yeah, nice lathe, pathetic footwear.

[@josephkerley363]

It’s pretty amazing to think what the old timers built with stuff like that, and accurate too! Nicely done!

[@meanderingwithmuddypaw]

Wow ... if that seat ever gave way, I pity the man that was sitting there ... Yeow! It would give new meaning to "where the sun don't shine." That was a big project! - Thanks for the video - Muddypaw 🐾

[@AlexPittendreigh]

There;s some serious engineering that went into that lathe. Seriously impressed by the origianl builders. Good job on restoration.

[@jaysonstinson9458]

hmm all the machines and tools on this channel and other things like the steam engine and automobile and so much more.. hmm i wonder who invented/designed/created all of these things and i wonder what all of those men had in common with one another...

[@MrJunk78]

8:15 Mmmmm. Pre-war Nutella. A fine vintage.

[@HandToolRescue]

Only the finest.

[@budmeister]

@@HandToolRescue Todd Abbott down below said that you messed up assembling the chuck.

[@gorillaau]

But which war are you referring to?

[@revtmyers1]

Absolutely love this. So many amazing restorations but this is one of my favorites. Never seen a foot powered machinist lathe before.

[@APOC1385]

I have no idea how you can put up with what you do flat slotted screws are the bane of my existence.

[@stringlarson1247]

My dad worked at W.F. and John Barns in the 50s-60s in Rockford. He, unfortunately died in 68, but I've still got his drafting and machinist tools from there and Woodward Govenor. The minute I saw those legs, stand, I knew it had to be W.F. I also managed to hang on to some large 'blue print' copies of parts for John Deer and maybe IH(?) parts.

[@rosskarasiewicz2529]

You commented on how off the brass was centered. I believe when you reassembled the jaws in the chuck that one jaw grabbed one thread ahead of the other. This will always throw center off. I may be wrong...

[@WouterNederstigt]

I noticed that too, was wondering if he had corrected that with the footage not ending up in the final video, but that may very well cause the off center workpiece holding. Still an amazing restoration!

[@NathanielHatley]

I agree, I was about to comment the same thing.

[@maj21093]

Agreed. The jaws are definitely not centered on the screw. Easy fix! Great video!

[@goldsworthygaming6304]

you are correct

[@startreking]

23:38 Your right, you can see the left jaw is a little more inwards than the right one.

[@MikeyFab]

I will never tire of this intro, makes me laugh every time!

[@shitmonkey]

I really like to watch you restore stuff because it's cool plus you are keeping history alive.. now a days with all the computer controlled equipment it is nice to be able to see how they kicked it old school literally.. thanks for your work..

[@rverro8478]

13:17 What a nice host. Letting his guest going first. A true gentleman !

[@user-qt1gj7hk6e]

Where is the garbage on the floor?It was my favorite character!

[@HandToolRescue]

Wood by Wright was right there!

[@MorseB]

I just can't believe excessively flammable workbench never gets a mention.

[@73twall]

@@MorseB If that thing ever lit off, I wonder how many days the embers would smolder. ;)

[@coolnoah8183]

@@HandToolRescue Ice cold

[@WoodByWright]

I was a stand-in for him today!

[@burnheretic3950]

If you want to understand how a metal lathe works watch this video. They don't get much simpler than this. Great old tredal lathe. I had a 13 inch Southbend that was from around 1913 I believe. Was a sweet looking machine after mechanical restoration.

[@simonejohnson1993]

This has to be THE best restoration intro EVER. I love it!

[@ubb262s]

Wonderful restoration, what helps is that this unit was obviously well preserved, lack of serious corrosion, it wonderful that machines such as this are still around

[@waltereldridge9447]

Enjoyed this one. It's amazing how much work went into building a machine like this back in the day. Great job on the restoration. 👍👍

[@daviddb1972]

So, you're saying that I could exercise while simultaneously crafting a beautiful brass spike that I could jam into my ear to end my suffering? Man that's cool!

[@davesmith2262]

I have just got my hands on a 1920 drummond lathe made in Guildford Surrey England 🇬🇧. So thank you for this video 😊😊😊😊😊

[@soci0path]

I dont know how many of your restorations I've watched, a lot of them for sure. This might be my favorite for what you're restoring.

[@WiliamBennettwildarbennett]

When I was starting in apprenticeship as Tool and Die one of the first things i done was tore down a US NAVY surplus WARREN & SWASSEY TURRET LATHE and rebuilt it from cannibalized parts from two others. So seeing all of these old parts refitted puts a well worn spot on my old heart. Oh and what's wrong with the Orange and Black motif. Could always say it was from the, Davidson Bros Cycle Works.

[@frdmstnggt99]

13:15 that double head thwap was very much appreciated. I burst out with a very loud laugh in the walk-in clinic!

[@xMrsmileyfacex]

People back 100 years or more were heartier people because of the backbreaking work that had to be done with pre-motorized equipment. Unless you had a waterwheel handy. Wonderful piece of history. I am glad you decided to restore it to its former glory.

[@lucillekenney8311]

That is a thing of beauty. I loved watching you restore it!

[@luthiermatt]

This pretty cool. You've put in a lot of time building up to this restoration. Really nice work

[@DlSASTERCHlLD]

This is hands down one of the best restoration channels there has ever been on KZbin, or anywhere on the web for that matter. Your videos are so satisfying. Everything is shot really nicely and you got a nice sense of humor and know how to put it into the video tastefully. Nutella/10. Thanks for making this kind of content!

[@HandToolRescue]

Thank you so much!

[@mercuryrising9174]

@@HandToolRescue plot twist. None of the machined surface's were compatable. Between the 2 lathes. Confusion breaks out...... TO BE CONTINUED???

[@WoodByWright]

@@mercuryrising9174 lol most of the parts were not compatible. we soon realized they needed to be kept separate.

[@mercuryrising9174]

@@WoodByWright right i figured not. Given the age of the lathes. Ide guess they were made exclusive to its own fitment. Which is amazing the smooth surfaces were so nice

[@if66was99]

@@mercuryrising9174 I am amazed at the condition of EVERY piece of machinery and nut and bolt and oiled bearings and on and on! The amount of engineering in (patented 1880) and the amount of machining to make every part... to perfection. My jaw is dropped watching this restoration.

[@paul-davidalmond716]

I have the mechanical prowess of a slug. Watching you disassemble clean, repair and reassemble these things is amazing. I'd have several leftover parts, and the thing not only would not work, it wouldn't be possible to fix, by the time I'd be done with it!

[@lindalworkman2150]

I in joy watching your video's I'm in my mid 50s and it seems so nice to see all of your work. NICE Thank you Linda

[@evilbrat5376]

Learn something new every time I watch - never really thought laths were use way back in 1880's, not peddled one at least. Fascinating rework on this piece of history. Outstanding project.

[@filmbluff99]

evil brat . Prior to that pole lathes were used for wood turning. The earliest representation of a Woodturning lathe is about 300 BC in an Egyptian tomb. However it is probable that some form of woodturning lathe or equipment goes back to around 3000 BC.

[@TheTsunamijuan]

Man I would love to have one of those lathes. Treaddle powered tools are awesome in my book. Its nice being able to use them when there is no power. Which seems to always been when I need to use a bunch of tools and make parts the most. (and I am usually under a time crunch)

[@maneki360nekodude5]

Love the intro. Thanks for the walk through memories of the past 😊

[@jimmcdonald8394]

They don't make machines like this any more, but you can see the art in their craftsmanship. Today's tools have a more utilitarian value. What you have accomplished is the restoration of a work of art.

[@thefatfrier]

WAIT A SECOND, I HAVE THE TOP PART OF THIS LATHE! I'm missing a fair few bits but I have always planned to restore it. Wow, now I know what to aim for

[@maggs131]

That is a beautiful machine completely worthy of an amazing restoration. My only concern is that rod propping the seat up. If that cast iron seat breaks your nutella is going to need restoration

[@evensgrey]

The entire machine just looks dangerous to me. Well, the days before machine guarding...

[@maggs131]

@@evensgrey what guard would make you feel safe?

[@evensgrey]

@@maggs131 The usual: Covering gears, belts, and flywheels. You don't normally see those left uncovered on modern machines, for the simple reason that they don't have any need to be exposed when the machine is in normal operation and touching them when the machine is in operation is extremely dangerous.

[@maggs131]

@@evensgrey oh yes those are just begging to munch a finger.

[@rockerseven]

I feel the same. I wouldn't trust just a single rod to support me lol

[@SgtCude59]

this was a blast to watch you restore this old Lathe , I enjoy old machinist and wood working machine

[@aw2229]

The double faceplant into the Sandblaster viewing window was brilliant, exactly what the doctor ordered!

[@shinigamikuroshitsuji336]

Oh My Ass All this antique tools have art in his construction, so beautiful You have the ability to repair it perfectly

[@dfbess]

I tell him all the time his work is museum quality..

[@FFD_Restorations]

You both did such a nice work, well done 👏. Love it 😆

[@vincentgolden5352]

That petal lathe is absolutely amazing look how far we've came. Thanks for the video plz takecare

[@thomasmfay]

Dude I normally watch engine building stuff and hoonigan related things on youtube but when I'm just tinkering on little thing enjoying a nice glass of whiskey I've always had your channel playing. Alway a joy to watch keep it up man!

[@HandToolRescue]

Haha thanks!

[@scrpion669]

"Never skip lathe day!" LOL

[@numbnutz9398]

You win this thread. Hands down. I actually LOL'd

[@masterchaud555]

Hahaha I died when that popped up!

[@TravisFloyd]

Dad?

[@douglasmason4761]

13:18 OMG thank you for that! I have to mop coffee up off the keyboard and monitor, but they are used to that now.

[@dsloop3907]

Douglas Mason--I have a plastic keyboard cover, just lift it off and rinse and dry.

[@WoodByWright]

LOL that shot was a must!

[@arsenemercere8059]

I was getting excited over the upcoming thump, only to get a double thump on the sandblaster. You, sir, have made my week.

[@thelos3999]

Wow quality upload as usual. So nice to see these restorations instead the typical "vice restorations" over and over

[@selenascott7278]

Oh I would love to have one of these just sitting in the shop.

[@Kenpachi343]

"Never Skip Lathe Day" That's T-Shirt Money written all over it lol

[@marie-evegagne1830]

With this lathe on the background lol

[@realhorrorshow8547]

"Orange?" And stay out! Thank you sir. To see this fine lady slot together as she should be makes my heart glad.

[@jerrydoherty1814]

Simply amazing to see the machine tools from 120+ years ago.

[@douglasmason4761]

Two lathes?! Wow! I guess one good turner deserves another...

[@WoodByWright]

Oh that is a good one!

[@imari2305]

Haha when you threw James out for painting the seating orange I died laughing hahaha. Great restore!!

[@TehSmokeyMan]

Aw man, I want one of those... Can you imagine making products on that? The hidden bragging rights, omg😋

[@jvebarnes]

Fantastic work gentlemen. Incredible to think that they cast, machined and fit the major components to operate with such tolerances.

[@S0K0N0MI]

13:16 Nearly spat out my drink, thanks! :'D

[@johnathanjarrett63]

"I have never used a Wrench in my life." *grabs the personalized metal grabby thingie that helps to remove nuts and bolts"

[@gorillaau]

Nope, no wrench on this channel... We have a shifting spanner though.

[@elizabethrobbins8580]

Hammer works just as well

[@hannanhannan177]

ؤ ,

[@LeglessWonder]

@@TheJdeft1 why is that?

[@thomaslemay8817]

@@LeglessWonder simply you don't need to be able to count or read numbers to use it . This is true of adjustable wrenches pliers and hammers.

[@donaldmatthies6026]

Really nice lathes restoration. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video.

[@J_Dewar]

When the both of you smack your heads into the blast cabinet I have never laughed so hard at one of your videos!

[@toddabbott781]

You messed up assembling the chuck. You are off by a thread on one side. When you put that ring over it with the two screws in it you can see how off center it is. Just redo it until it looks centered. Also make sure everything is tightened down. That machine is a work of art. I would have gone with a light blue/gray color though and left the seat metal as you butt will wear the paint off over time anyways. Make sure he knows were all the oiling points are and that he oils it regularly, especially the one to the left of the chuck. I would oil that ever 15 minutes as that is where the most pressure will be. It looks like it was either not used much or was taken care of quite well.

[@b2gills]

I don't know how anyone could have not noticed that. Especially since they both lined up with the outside ring originally.

[@jjskn93]

I thought this was someone taking the piss but you know what he's right! Once you've seen it, it can't be unseen either!

[@MrGarycharters]

Rewatched that, and you're on point!

[@robinwheatley4476]

Yup, I recon the jaws need swapping to get it centred.

[@b2gills]

@@robinwheatley4476 The jaws can't be swapped. One jaw just needs to be started before the other one.

[@thaddeustroyer]

First off, although I appreciate what this is and would definitely want one this looks about on par or worse than taking apart and putting back together a helicopter! Second, thinking about the precision of this machine to make this back in the day reminds me of the old saying "which came first, the chicken or the egg?" Because someone would need a machine like this to make machine *like this* To this day I am still astounded by the industrial revolution. Thank you for this video I have enjoyed watching.

[@katemoon7476]

Go check out the Gingery lathe. He spent 20 years answering that question.

[@bilbo_gamers6417]

The first machining instrument was the surface plate, and the vernier scale. You can produce a perfectly flat surface. From there, you can make ways. Gears can be made by producing a very large dividing plate and cutting the teeth by hand. Screws can be cut from a lathe, yes, but they can be cut with a threading die that you can produce much easier. The very high precision screws can be made by doing mathematical calculations about pitch over distance, and trying to make a screw very close to a mathematical model over a great length (for example, exactly 100 turns over 10 inches). From there, you can copy a screw and magnify its low precision over a large scale to a great degree of precision over a very small scale. This is how micrometers are made. From there, you have the parts to make a lathe. I recommend watching a few videos on the production of a gingery lathe for more information.

[@markmorefield1757]

Should narrate more. Thise are quite enjoyable. To hear how excited you get with the projects is awesome

[@BABALOOEY46]

Awesome… I like the challenges you faced. Safety Steve says replace that impaling pole under the seat with a crate 😃

[@akosilmr2372]

I always wait for the iconic "sand blasting Head Smash"

[@wildracoon666]

Your best video yet plus good editing 🤘

[@danedewaard8215]

Such a beautiful machine and work of art! Amazing machining and forging for turn of the century! After watching the end of the video, this lathe is better to look upon than to use! It is probably better at making toothpicks and clothes pins!!!

[@Haremheb76]

So many hours, blood, sweat and nutella! And was it worth it? Yes! Every single second! Danke und viele Grüße aus Berlin!

[@yana1955]

Your sponsor got its money's worth today.

[@MonkeeSpankz]

i started at 85 views and there were 3,353 when I finished. Great job

[@melissariley9327]

I love going back and watching your older videos more then I do the newer ones

[@conservativemike3768]

THAT is a beautiful piece of machinery, and so durable! It’ll easily run another 150 years before the next restoration.

[@wickedxe]

The chuck much like on a modern lathe must be assembled in a certain order and I bet if you swapped it's components around it would be a lot more true

[@curtismobilemechanic]

wickedxe I was laughing at that too

[@gplusgplus2286]

My first thought; when he was assembling it something was wrong.

[@grahamparr4710]

Yes I thought the jaws were not centered.

[@communismman1471]

"Bro nice workout machine where you get it" "The 19th century"

It seemed so simple.. Yet took almost 10 minutes to disassemble it (video accelerated).. Amazing!

[@DanielJLopes]

What a wonderful piece of machinery.... on behalf of mankind, thank you for restoring it to it's prime.

[@Viligantfrog652]

Using a doily as a rag, why do I find that so amusing😂

[@jonasscheffler7938]

13:17 omg I spilled my Rockstar Energy all over my desk! i didn't predict this

[@barbmcconnaughey3070]

Amazed that you can re-assemble this and have it work!

[@joed3786]

Awe Inspiring 1880's Lathe. Back then, no airplanes, no cars, no phones in most places. Order for lathe was received by either Telegraph or Pony Express Mail. Imagine the Craftsmanship it took to produce the Lathe....? Then delivered via Steam Train, and Mule powered Wooden Wagon. Great Restoration! It should be in a Trades Museum.

[@reddir2]

"And stay out!" had me laughing so hard, my family looked at me as if i lost it finally.

[@HandToolRescue]

Hahaha!

[@WoodByWright]

that was so much fun to shoot!

[@user-neo71665]

@@WoodByWright Make sure to post a pic in your shop with an orange seat, lmao

[@11bravocrunchie22]

I’m surprised you didnt say “Sorry!” when you threw Wood By Wright out the door. 🤪

[@Gadsdentreadlightly]

I love watching your videos because during the disassembly process I can look at every piece and know its gonna a nice long evaporust bath. Lol

[@Ovi-305]

You have the greatest intro I have ever seen on any youtube channel. I had so much fun watching your video.

[@TheGreenMedicine420]

13:17 ....LMAO.. I almost choked to death while eating.. I was not expecting that! 🤣

[@AutomaticSelector]

Only one thing would improve this: an orange seat.

[@chrismayer3919]

I concur; that colour choice was NOT good! Also, the single support strut under the seat needs to be swapped out for at LEAST a 15-degree split-fold rod, or better yet, a heavy pipe with attached platform foot. (for improved seat support)

[@boredfartless4221]

James had to leave

[@heru-deshet359]

Stereo speakers.

[@DeepPastry]

That and the pedal bar bushings... And the most important bit, the pinstriping. Which could match that orange if you switched from red to orange pinstripe (Keith Rucker just repaired the hanger arm and added retainer ring to the bushings.). EDIT: On another one of these lathes, not this one... ie, no pinstriping. Oh, and no bushings.

[@owbeknackin9306]

It's beautifully engineered and your restoration was sympathetically done.

[@MrKirby365]

I think you are my favorite restoration channel because of your sense of humor