Axelson lathe carriage rebuild observations

The Axelson heavy duty metal working lathes were built by an oil field equipment company in Los Angeles California had many features not common on other lathes of the time such as a clutched reversing geared head stock instead of a mechanical leadscrew reverse for chasing decimal leads and metric threads also has a carriage apron that opens from the front for servicing.
Because of a cross feed clutch failure, it was time to also clean out oil passages and lift up the saddle and clean the underside V and flat ways The cross feed clutch on these early Axelson lathes can be damaged by over adjustment where the clutch locks tighter than needed causing bearing failure in those components. The apron clutches are best adjusted just tight enough to function . The parts in the apron are well built with heavy and wide spur gears.

[@Throughthebulkhead]

Nice to see the old girl back in action!

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

Yes, action is good now

[@terrycannon570]

The Axelson has come a long way since I first saw you removing the drive rivets from the name tag. That was the first video of yours that I watched. When I saw that I knew you were a brilliant man. Thanks as always.

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

I am trying to not add up the time it takes, thanks for the encouragement!

[@brwesi]

Every video shares more about your immense trove of knowledge and experience. The opportunity to learn from this level of expertise is incredible and I greatly appreciate that you are willing to share.

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

Thanks for coming along!

[@mjm7187]

Excellent series on your Axleson lathe Don. The troubleshooting and subsequent repair details are a benefit for us all! Thank you for sharing this adventure.

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

Thanks for tuning in, I like to watch the getting into the machine mechanics videos others do.

[@pweimer47]

I enjoy seeing the inner workings and watching how everything works and moves together. It’s therapeutic for me! Have a great day.

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

The design of this lathe makes is possible to see everything, I think this video may be helpful for other owners

[@normesmonde5332]

Great work DeeDee there’s nothing better than fixing other’s stuff ups

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

I found the rumors I have heard years ago about power feed issues on the early lathes to be true, but if the clutches are kept adjusted correctly there should never be a problem, thanks!

[@edsmachine93]

Great job. You have the Axelson up in pretty good shape. Should run for many more years now. That apron is pretty complex. Thanks for sharing. Take care, Ed.

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

I thinks so too, these old time machines will always be a work in progress. The front of the apron coming off the gearing is more visible and easier to work on, thanks.

[@kimber1958]

the lathe looks and sounds fantastic great job

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

Hi, I knew I was going to have to fix it after you fixed yours

[@DavidHerscher]

I’ve had to re-make several parts for my 15” leblond. The cross feed screw and nut were worn beyond function, It’s about $5k to buy replacements from leblond. The bevel gear that’s driven off the power feed rod and drives the power feeds is the same deal, more for the single gear than i paid for the machine, so def made that. There’s a handful of other parts. You buy an old machine and you feel like you’re getting a deal, but after the amount of time it takes to REALLY get that machine back into service, you better make sure you’re getting a heck of a bargain on the initial sale lol.

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

Yes, there is no way I could put the time it takes to get this going if I was not retired.

[@donmadere4237]

Thanks for the info for the carriage locking bolt and nut!

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

You are welcome, they could have designed that better!

[@davidharper4289]

Hey Buddy gret job as ausual. Cheers Davo from Oz 🦘🦘🦘

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

Hi, thanks!

[@ÁREAJ27]

Olá amigo, obrigado pelas explicações e demonstração!!! Abraço e boa sorte sempre!!!

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@THEIRONWORKER]

I have a 1959 Boyle & Emmes lathe 16" x 60" and the clutchs work about the same with the arms . I need to adjust the cross clutch because it sticks . I will try your adjusting trick when get to it . I thinkI gave 3500.00 for my lathe top speed of 480 rpm

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

That sounds like a good price for a heavy machine like that. Hopefully everything is good with the clutch

[@THEIRONWORKER]

I did the adjustment on the clutch and everything is working great Thanks for the tip

[@MrMojolinux]

Shave and a haircut .......6 bits.

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

What? And look like my big brother Bob? How about you finally getting a real job?

[@MrMojolinux]

@@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision Sorry I'm retired. My new "job" is watchin' your channel! Keep up the good work so I don't have to.