Rockwell 11" Lathe Part 1

Congratulations! Im glad to see your channel is running well as it should be.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Hey thanks man, glad to see you here!

[@tylerhensley2312]

This is one of those channels that when your looking for something on youtube but just can't find something enjoyable at that time and stumble accross this channel and fills that void.

[@fordkack9314]

i have followed a lot restorers, but your channel are by far the best, many thanks!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Ford, kind words!

[@victoryfirst2878]

I just hope that I am lucky enough to find me something special like you did Burton. Nice work fella.

[@kellyklaask7su990]

I would LOVE to find an old lathe like that to rebuild. I am jealous! Thanks for the video.

[@hogsandsooners]

Great video. I am a mechanic at a large machine shop, so all this is of great interest to me. Thanks for your thoughtful approach.

[@belindastanush5464]

pat stanush I recently bought a 11" Rockwell and pulled the spindle as part of the cleanup. I found the grease in the front bearings grease to be caked and old with a lack of oil. I suggest that you replace the spindle grease before your run it . I removed my reeves drive and installed a 2 hp 3 phase motor direct to the spindle belts with a 2 to 1 ratio. This , with a vfd included, works beautifully.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks for the comment Pat. I have greased it until it pushed old grease out and I will do it again after some run time. The old grease in mine was not dried out yet or contaminated. I had the same idea about removing the clunky reeves drive! I would be interested to see what you did! Could you post a simple/short video or send me some pictures? That would be awesome to see your configuration.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Awesome, thanks for commenting!

[@GunnerAsch1]

Nicely done! I repair machine tools for a living (23 yrs so far) and you have done a very..very nice job of it.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Gunner!

[@geoffmorgan6059]

It's criminal to let a decent piece of machinery rot away like this. Thanks for your care and good work. (The four jaw chuck is a very lucky bonus!)

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Geoff, I was happily surprised to find the 4 jaw, rest and plate in the cabinet!

[@mattcaser6581]

I always enjoy watching your work on these machines.

[@alfredodokaj7177]

I know this restaration will be great !!!! Thanks for sharing your amayzing skills

[@derekwilkinson7939]

Great video. Looking forward to the rest of the restoration. Thanks for sharing.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Derek! Glad you liked it!

[@longlivepunk]

Well damnit... I just decided to sell my old 11" Rockwell, and now watching your video is reigniting my love for it! So WAY TO GO, Burton! It's all your fault. :P Mine has a threaded spindle nose, no taper attachment, and soft ways with some wear, but it's a great little machine.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Glad to help out Eric!

[@BradsWorkbench]

Wish I had the space and money to restore one of these old machines. Until then I’ll just start watching you lol. I’ve done a few smaller tool restorations on my channel and it’s absolutely addicting

[@American_Made]

That taper attachment is a rare treat for these lathes. I have a couple 11's myself. Mine didn't need much, just cleaned up. Hard to find that back gear though. They all have broken teeth. That was a rare one indeed. Most of these lathes were in High schools and kids would turn that front handle which locks in the backgear... chipping the teeth.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Funny that you mentioned the taper attachment today. I'm using it right now, in the next video. Yeah I've heard/seen that on the backgear. It really is a big helical gear. The only way that I see to break it is just that- operator error!

[@jeffreylehn8803]

nice job so far , you will love this lathe my friend bought one new in 1965 and it served him well

[@BurtonsAttic]

That's cool Jeff!

[@stargatefred]

Hi, I just found your channel and I subscribed. I look forward to more videos. Thank You for all you do. Bill from Seattle

[@chrisperry7963]

Great project! Looks like a fine lathe. Always been partial to older Rockwell tools; I have one of their wood planers and a sanding station that I rehabbed.

[@ao2528]

I'm not a machinist but I can tell this lathe is well made and have quality for life, very nice job done for and I hope you will show us the rest, how its work after finishing the restoration, thanks for nice and well done video too.

[@robertoswalt319]

Looks like a nice score. Congratulations on finding such a nice machine

[@Mrcaffinebean]

KZbin suggested this for me and I love this video!

[@donlunn792]

Great vid.Love seeing machine Resto’s.Done 4 of my own.Just working on a Myford super 7.White lithium grease ? Never used that, only on Vehicle brakes,(HIgh melting point) long time ago.In the days when I was a working Mechanic.Now retired! Great to watch other people working.Keep it coming.Now subscribed.

[@MrPatrickmartin1985]

That thing is awesome! I am so glad that I was able to come across your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Patrick, glad you like it!

[@visionaryfirearmsllc9999]

I just got a Rockwell 14, starting to clean it all up. How did you clean the ways? I'm concerned about messing them up.

[@JamesDedmon]

Considering how the lathe looked when you started, it is cleaning up rather nice. It is going to make a great lathe for your shop

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks James. It's no doubt more robust than the South Bend 9!

[@660stihl]

I really like the kind of vids. Thanks!

[@joshsater4044]

Great narration with clear explanations has earned you a new subscriber my friend.

[@shawncrocker7037]

I'm loving it! However, I'm loving it more when everything gets taken apart, no exceptions.

[@boltonky]

Well done video. Anyone thinking of removing a bed on a lathe to paint etc, just remember if its pretty level best to leave it as you can spend days just getting it back level unless your up for that kind of work. Ultimately depends on skill and level of restoration required

[@Bkrites]

I've got a Rockwell almost exactly like tours....so jealous of that taper attachment and steady rest

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks, yeah those are hard to come by items!

[@jasonwood7340]

Looking at buying one of these next week, I think your videos will be invaluable =)

[@lacaver64]

very nice good lathe I like this old lathes succes with him

[@tooltimechris7217]

Awesome project! Great to see the lathe gets the attention it deserves!

[@chuirios365]

Great job, enjoyed all the videos!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Chui!

[@705johnnyboy]

love the got it and bring home feeling,,,the joy

[@9eyeh8chu9]

I have this exact same lathe. It was in very good condition, came with lots of tooling and the previous owner had very professionally installed a nice Acurite X Y dro. It is my first lathe, I had been looking for something affordable yet quality and in this size for I don’t know how many years. Put an Aloris qc tool post on it and she’s a beaut. Also thanks for the video, you have gone more into depth with yours than fortunately I’ve had to yet.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Sounds like you found a good one Collin. I've thought about putting on a DRO and that's great to have but so far I've been happy with the accuracy of the dials. I've found that I can hit my number very easy with this lathe. It is a great machine.

[@9eyeh8chu9]

Burton's Attic btw, after watching part 2 of your video series on this lathe I guess I gather you too are a North Carolinian? I live in Greensboro and work in Burlington.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Yes

[@projectsfromtheworkbench]

I've got that exact same Rockwell lathe except mine runs on 110 volt. Nice machine..look forward to your next video.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Cool Gary!

[@georgebrown6540]

Fantastic restoration, thanks for sharing.

[@1234cdsarver]

Thank you for your videos I’m very interested in watching

[@foghornleghorn3478]

I been looking for a lathe like that Rockwell nice find

[@keikun6969original]

I love this lathe... great job with the resto!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thx Nunya!

[@TheElderlyBiker]

Another restoration! Looking forward to this one as well.....

[@427ysc]

Just bought one of the lathes and just got it hooked up! What grease do you recommend for the main tapered bearing? What oils? Where are all the lubrication ports I should make sure to live etc? Thank you for all the help in advance!

[@linkadesserttray8709]

KZbin sent us. This was fun. We have a Walker Turner cabinet saw and the motor bearing is loud. You made the fix look understandable . Thanks, (As for the saw...it will look old and tattered unlike your lathe. #travelingkaspersworld).

[@BurtonsAttic]

Glad I could help, thanks! Liked your cycling video.

[@WorksbySolo]

Just found your channel. Looking forward to seeing more of this lathe restoration. I have a 1936 South Bend 9C. Love these old machines.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Solo, I also have a 1968 9Ax36 that is in excellent original condition.

[@OldIronShops]

I have a 1931 16" gap bed I'm working on. (Slowly lol) lovely machines

[@TroyeStonich]

I'll chime in.. I have a 1948 10k that I'm getting up and running :) Love the channel Mr. Burton and keep the videos coming!

[@patrickcollins218]

I have the same lathe and it works well except for the Reeves drive or variable speed control, it often is very stiff and hard to move the lever. Do you have any suggestions on this?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Patrick I will talk about this in the next video!

[@davidsymalla4785]

You did a excellent job at restoring this Rockwell. looks fabulous! Two questions. Why was a nice lathe like that sitting in the wet? and if you don't mind, how much did you give for it. I lucked out on a Facebook post and I got one, exact same lathe except for the surface rust for 900.00. It came with a 6"-6 jaw buck chuck and a, I think it is a 7" 4-jaw. and tons of tooling and metal stock. So I think I got a really, really good deal. and a milling post. No kidding. I couldn't believe it.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Sounds like a great deal David. From what I could tell my machine wasn't used that much and at some point was stored in a bad environment. Why wasn't it used? I have no idea, it's a great machine with a taper attachment. Glad it wasn't used much as it has little wear on it even with all my usage!

[@neatpleats11]

I just bought my Delta Rockwell metal lathe and have just started my refurbishment. It looks like its the same model as yours so I am going to enjoy watching your progress for tips.

[@f1rules555]

What model is this lathe exactly?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Rockwell 11" swing, model# 25-084-784 Special

[@TheFishingHobby]

Nice lathe! I recently restored an Emco Compact 8...It took many hours but so worth it 👍

[@TheFishingHobby]

There are some pics on my Community tab on my home page if you want to check it out. I painted mine with a brush but it looks a lot better than it did!

[@srgilleland]

Timely video. I just acquired the exact same lathe. In similar condition, sans motor. Waiting to get it home, along with it’s cousin, a 1941 Bridgeport. I’m looking to seeing this series in its entirety. Thanks

[@BurtonsAttic]

Stay tuned Scott, thanks!

[@ronicard]

Really nice job with the lathe and the video!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks for the support Ron!

[@andrewwilson8317]

Great video. Have you thought about soda blasting to clean up the parts? Made a great job of some old lathe parts and the only clean up is to pressure wash afterwards. The soda is non abrasive so does not make a lapping paste!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thx! Yes I have done soda blasting before for car restoration. Although this is labor intensive it is low cost and anyone with little to no experience can do it without worrying about causing damage. Thanks for commenting.

[@psk5746]

Nice. Will use as a guide on my little lathe I've just purchased

[@petarmedo1192]

I have a question. on my lathe I have two gears. in the first position of the lever, the chuck spins freely but in the second it acts like a brake. is that natural? Ive taken it apart and when the lever is in the second position the gears are meshed but I cant move the chuck. its to messy to take all the gears apart

[@BurtonsAttic]

Need more info than that......What kind of lathe? What are the positions marked as?

[@rennkafer13]

Very similar to my 12x23 Logan. Nice looking lathe!

[@arnljotseem8794]

Great job on the lathe. I am curious as to what type of wax you were using on the paint. Looks like a great way to freshen up old dry paint.

[@hhman]

Restoring a 1943 Sidney Lathe.... Good looking lathe you got there...

[@turbocobra]

The algorithm sucked me in! lol, Nice channel. I like your style of editing. Nice work on the Rockwell lathe so far. I have a Jones and Lamson #3 turret lathe I am in the middle of restoring, will have the first vid on it soon.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Cool Gary, glad it did! Thanks and looking forward to the turret lathe!

[@tomharrell1954]

Nice job man! Just for curiosity. I don’t want to buy a lathe. If you were hired to do the work on that lathe, what would you charge? I have heard that VFDs cause motor heating at slow speeds and a loss of some power at slow speeds. What is your opinion?

[@michaelidarecis]

Biggest problem with the Rockwell 11 is the back gear always has missing teeth from people engaging it to take off the L00 chuck. Have seen 4 of them and they all have a few teeth missing. Actually the lathe is pretty solid and work well.

[@BurtonsAttic]

It's a great lathe and no missing teeth here. There is enough tension in direct drive to remove the chuck with a dead blow and the proper pin wrench as long as it's not been over tightened.

[@Mcduggies]

What type of paint did you use? Im getting ready to restore a rockwell lathe.

[@robertkutz]

Cool lathe nice work.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Robert!

[@RuDanPlumbing]

Nice job! What type of rust remover did you use? Looks like it works well

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks RuDan, elbow grease and maroon scotchbrite. I use purple power or mineral sprites as lubrication to help provide a wet sanding action. You can see in the Rockmill series or it will be in the next Rocklathe vid.

[@mtrunk8570]

This is another great project, and awesome your surge in support you have some great videos.

[@dannywilsher4165]

I likewise just found and subbed. I likewise love old machines. I likewise have a couple of old LeBlond's that I am working on. I think I have too many likewises in my comments likewise~~~~ Sorry, I will now go watch part 2!!!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Likewise Danny, Thanks for commenting!

[@dannywilsher4165]

@@BurtonsAttic LOL!!!

[@MikeWiseley]

Great video on the Rockwell 11 inch metal lathe .I’ve got the same lathe and I have a sloppy cross slide brass nut and cross slide bolt I have no idea of where I can get such parts .ls there anything that you can help me with I would really appreciate it I only have a CAT no. It’s FK102503 , No other numbers visible .

[@johnmcclain4479]

I think you once asked why the back ( Outboard ) bearing always fails. I believe it is because both bearings are journal bearings and there is no or little thought put into addressing axial thrust. Usually you only find a spring shim behind one of the bearings and this isn't sufficient to handle the thrust from energizing the motor, which acts like a huge solenoid that spins. When you get up to speed, the axial thrust evens out. If the OB bearing was replaced with a tapered roller bearing, this might help. Might make an interesting experiment.

[@Skilllie]

Lovely job there! As a sidenote, most vfd's are capable of swapping the phase rotation to the motor in a simple programming step, negating the hassle of hardwire changes to change motor direction.

[@victorantoniorojasavila812]

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[@belzebubbybear]

"can i thank code or is it... code" *subscribed*

[@shamsherali7311]

Hi nice work brother I really appreciate it good well from India Jodhpur

[@michaelidarecis]

Rockwell 11" are good lathes only weak part is the back gear teeth are a little weak and if used to removing the L00 collar one might break them gears off.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Yeah I've read that gear is really the only weak link on these machines. Shame too as it's a really nice gear, wide pattern and helical. I have done what you described before with no issue but I also don't over tighten the lock collar. I have gotten into the habit of just bumping the pin wrench handle with a dead blow and the lathe in direct drive. The spindle will move a little but the belt tension provides enough drag to allow the collar to come loose with two bumps of the wrench. Once the collar is loose the chuck comes off easy by hand. Thanks for commenting.

[@JourneymanRandy]

I almost bought a Rockwell lathe but it was missing to many parts. I thought it was a very nice lathe. Yours seems to be a good one. I look forward to the next episode. Thanks

[@BurtonsAttic]

I'm missing the tool post, chuck wrench, and both chuck keys. It also don't come with the giant electrical box that was bolted to the four large holes on the back of the cabinet. All in all not to bad and I'm glad the electrical box was already removed!

[@rubinsansom9269]

Lifes Journeyman @@

[@spencertoolandgrind]

I have the Ten inch model. My other buddies have the 11” and 14”. They are great lathes Mark

[@BurtonsAttic]

Good to hear Mark, Thanks

[@petarmedo1192]

Man! If you didn't mention the 1k subs I thought you had 100k. Your production quality is excellent

[@theworkshopmechanicchannel3296]

Very nice lathe you have there Mr. Do you know the story behind it ? Like why was it left outside?

[@BurtonsAttic]

That's a gr8 question!

[@tomharrell1954]

Hey Burton 1 1/2 is the special! When you remove the rust from the bed how does it affect level? Does it need to be scraped?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Somehow I made a typo, it's 1 3/8. I think I answered this before but all the parts that I have made are accurate to at least .001 minus my setup errors. Most parts are good down .0005

[@pearcemachineshop5200]

Brilliant job it’s going to be a great machine by the look of how it’s going so far, one question though your rust remedy is looking fantastic but I would be concerned about it continuing to rust between the lathe and the cabinet do think it will be ok. Great job so far Alan.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Alan! Very observant, there is a small gap between the bed and the base because of the leveling screws. I slide some sandpaper between the two and blew it out until no more debris came out and then rinsed it and blew it dry. I'm sure that there is still some minor rust present. Once moisture is removed for the equation the rust process pretty much stops, it had standing water in the chip tray before. When I start using it I will shoot some oil in the gap to remove air from the equation as well. That should stop any more rust from forming.

[@adslammer1359]

Great video, I'm looking for a boxford lathe, how do you make sure everything is aligned

[@BurtonsAttic]

That will come at the end. Check the spindle run out and cut a piece of stock and take measurements to see what's going on. Their are also precision ground test bars that you can buy to test with. To me if it cuts straight it is straight!

[@adslammer1359]

@@BurtonsAttic I thought so, thanks

[@TheBeefcake1337]

What kind of wax are you rubbing on at 6:20? Is it oilbased or similar to keep rust away?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Joel it is Mothers automotive wax. Most any automotive type wax will do. Johnsons floor wax is great for sealing bare steal surfaces, like my work table or a table saw top.

[@tomahoks]

Burton's Attic Umm, steel...

[@maxhammontree3169]

The way that you talk reminds me of how a doctor explains things.

[@MikeandTracker]

Congratulations on 100k!

[@claeswikberg8958]

is it really meant to use grease instead of oil in the headstock?

[@reiniertl]

Thank yourself. I think your content is good.

[@johnstrange6799]

That is a beauty! Great job. Rockwell had some nice and unusual features. Joe over at Raptor Machine (channel) has a few 11's which are always cool to see.

[@airgunningyup]

subbed ,love the spindle lock option.. wish my chicom lathe had that

[@literoadie3502]

Nice! looks to have seen very little actual use? Do you have 3-phase?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Yes, little use. No 3ph.

[@Meeky815]

Why Rockwell? Just what found you or what? Thanks great work!

[@BurtonsAttic]

I didn't go looking for Rockwell. This lathe is well optioned and that's what got my attention. How I wound up with a Delta table saw, a Rockwell lathe and a Rockwell milling machine is just the way it worked out!

[@Meeky815]

They look solid, Very inspiring work you got going on here.

[@23wrks39]

This channel is gonna get big.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Lance!

[@XStance7]

Great videos, Where can i buy these machines?

[@Re5ist_ance]

You are welcome .. the algorithm (PS - don't tell anyone I became self aware a few months ago) :-) Keep up the good work - enjoyed the video.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

I think you had better get used to collecting subscribers. You have a great channel. No music, no begging for likes or subs. Nice clear commentary with interesting subject matter. What’s not to like. If you don’t mind me asking what did the lathe set you back $. Cheers mate, Stuart 🇦🇺

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Stuart! It's a secret! Trust me it was a good deal, not as good as the mill but good.........

[@bavariabearfan]

I really liked your Mill and lathe videos! Just stumbled onto your channel..."not sure how I got here"... but glad I did. Subscribed and looking forward to your next video.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks! You went down the rabbit hole, I mean tube!

[@bavariabearfan]

@@BurtonsAttic I think it may be Steve Summers fault! I fell down that Rabbit Hole too, because Adam Both recommended him. I think that Algorithm you mentioned may be at play here! LOL

[@eideticgoone7035]

@7:45 " Do you know how hard it is to index a square to a circle in free space? " I thought about this and came up with this method. Easier to do than describe because the word "square" gets used as both a tool, and a geometric figure. What to do: Draw a small square just enclosing your circular hole, with a big X drawn through its corners, and extending outwards. Place your cover with its corners on the big X. Lay out your bolt holes as required. Why this works: This smallest enclosing square has the same center as the circle. Since diagonal lines drawn through opposite corners of this square intersect at the center, any square whose corners are placed on these diagonals will share the same center. They will also have parallel sides, so set up this minimal enclosing square so that its sides are parallel to the sides, top and bottom of the cabinet. The top and bottom sides need to be drawn horizontal and touching the circle at its top most and bottom most points. The left and right sides need to be drawn vertical and touching the circle at its left most and right most points. Use any way of achieving this alignment. A framing square or even a torpedo level might work. I tried this using the bottom of a spray can for the circle, and the corner of an envelope for my square. It works. I hope this was clear.

[@sickandtiredofcomplaining6574]

How many hrs invested in the restoration?

[@rotattor]

nice clean up job, can't wait to see the rest. I'm wondering if the bed ways and slides need to be scraped after removing all that rust ? also how did you spec the VFD to the motor ? thanks,Robin.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Robin! I know scraping is all the rage but I see no evidence that Rockwell did so on this machine. I think most would say that higher quality machines are scraped in. Not saying it couldn't use it but I just don't feel the need. Scotchbrite doesn't remove cast iron in the manner that I'm using it so in removing the rust I'm just taking it down to the original surface. Their is some very minor etching on the ways in a few places but that is below the surface so I'm not too concerned about it. Natural scraping/oil pockets? Their shouldn't be any high spots except for tooling damage/nicks. If their is it's easy to spot and address. As for the VFD the motor is 2HP and the VFD is 3HP. "They" say that you should always over rate the VFD. Never put a smaller rated VFD on a larger motor as that will cause smoke to be released. Over rating the VFD is only really a problem if your way over driving a normal not inverter rated induction motor. As long as your using it in a "normal" manner it shouldn't be a problem. I personally wouldn't go more than 1HP over what the motor is rated for on the VFD.

[@Rustinox]

That's a nice lathe.

[@BurtonsAttic]

I hope it is in the end!

[@rolandocrisostomo2003]

Awesome lathe. Enjoy it!! Im bias to south bends and Hardinge

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thx Rolando, I also have a South Bend 9A that's super quiet!

[@keithaj1983]

I found this video 5 years later, but no joke I’m buying a 25-100 soon that definitely needs some work but everything seems functional on it, for a whole 200$ or the guy said it’s going in the scrap bin 😂

[@tahwnikcufos]

I think I still would have pulled everything apart, to make sure there wasn't any hidden oxidation, jacking things out of true.

[@Nekon14]

Just found your channel, their code sucked me in. Great video!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Welcome John!

[@fintailfish]

what size of drive screw rivets did you use on the data plates?thx

[@BurtonsAttic]

I don't recall exactly. I think less than an 1/8, Best thing is to gauge the plate mount hole and go from there.