Rockwell Lathe Part 3

Pressing an old Rockwell lathe back into service. Join me on the journey!

[@charleschidester6767]

I had the opportunity to pick one of these old soldiers up a few months ago. The old man who owned it had died. His wife posted a add. I responded. But not fast enough. A scrap guy bought the whole shop for 200 dollars. I was willing to pay double or more. But didn't tell her until it was too late. He had 2 forge 2 mills and all the ovens a guy could dream of. You name it. And all beautiful. Bought new for his hobby stuff. I still dream about it. Thanks for your videos.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Man that's a sad story...........

[@samrodian919]

Burton's Attic and the scrap guy a total piss taker like they all are!

[@jphoffman1]

Just so satisfying watching new life breathed into an old machine! We live in such a throw away world it’s important to preserve the stuff that built this country! I mean heck! theres more metal in your lathe than my whole truck! Thanks for saving that lathe.

[@georgespangler1517]

People Bragg so much about Southend and logan,,,but seeing your Rockwell I think it's much better built

[@ogaugeclockwork4407]

Great work! Careful with that earplug cord near the gears!

[@exhempknight]

Reassembling various subassemblies as you go it a great way to keep track of things. I use that technique all the time. It also makes it easier for someone else to reassemble, though I'm sure you don't have to worry about that. Another good way is to take pictures as you go. I was able to take a 60's-vintage Smith-Corona typewriter completely to pieces, then clean, reassemble, and have it work perfectly (with no extra parts!) using that method. Though I'm sure you have plenty of video to use as reference, as well. Either way, fantastic work! Looking forward to the first test cuts.

[@motopreserve]

Another great video! Gonna be a beauty when you get her all buttoned up again. Looking forward to the progress.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Scott! Uploading part 4 right now! Check out Scott's channel motopreserve

[@motopreserve]

@@BurtonsAttic Looking forward to it as always! And thanks for the plug. Getting more and more comfortable on-camera and have some cool projects coming up :)

[@MetrologyEngineer]

Your lathe is gorgeous after you've done all that work.

[@mattcaser6581]

Always a pleasure to watch you work.

[@smlcritic]

Sure is nice watching a rebuild of such complexity, your explanation/teaching manor is very informative and attention grabbing. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge of machining through your channel, :) thumbs up! o7

[@smitty2868]

Ditto!

[@normsweet1710]

Gitts? I recall our old Farmall F-12 had one on the magneto, Dad told me don’t open it too far, you’ll break the spring that holds it shut to keep the dirt out............as far as I know that’s the only one I ever broke. All these years later I see them on a lot of older stuff, Delco-Remy generators and starters to name a few

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

Hi! A tip: when setting the mesh between change gears, insert a narrow strip of paper between gears, pull them together by hand, tighten the nuts and voilà. Perfect distance between gears. I use SAE30 weight or ISO 68 way oil on change gears. Daniel

[@OldIronShops]

i was about to say the same but i like to use shim stock and when i have the right thickness for the lash i keep them in a altoid tin for later use .i use lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer for oiling my gears it sticks on them very well and is easy to clean up win you need to .

[@htral]

I've done this in the past - does work quite well!

[@BurtonsAttic]

The Rockwell lubrication chart calls for grease on the spindle/bull gear, back gears and gear train. It's quiet, stays in place, and is low mess. The grease I'm using is same as the grease substitute for my South Bend. Which is souped up white lithium. Just makes it easier as it's all the same. Like Mr.T's chain lube which is most likely white lithium based as well.

[@BurtonsAttic]

@Mr T The Rockwell lubrication chart calls for grease on the spindle/bull gear, back gears and gear train. It's quiet, stays in place, and is low mess. The grease I'm using is same as the grease substitute for my South Bend. Which is souped up white lithium. Just makes it easier as it's all the same. Like Mr.T's chain lube which is most likely white lithium based as well.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

@@BurtonsAtticThanks for replying. Good of you to follow the manufacturer's instruction manual! Too many machines that were designed with oiled bearings got grease so it is good to follow the proper lube instructions in the manual. Grease on gears is less messy but takes more time and attention to apply evenly. Daniel

[@TAWithiam]

I'm going through the process of rebuilding my first machine, an Atlas 954, which is a much simpler, much smaller lathe and I must say while I envy your lathe I'm glad my machine is rather simple as someone new to machining.

[@ke6bnl]

just found your videos and I have an 11" rockwell lathe for some 20 years been good to me. has been good for me. still has the reeves drive. I have done little to it other than oil and grease. your video is helpful thanks

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Ed, glad to hear that it's served you well!

[@lineshaftrestorations7903]

I've had one of these Rockwell 11" lathes for over 20 years. No VFD. The Reeves drive has been mostly trouble free. Only problem is the tendency not to hold set speed-it wants to creep down. If you have not done it, check the pre-load on the main spindle bearings. I was chasing an annoying chatter problem that proved to be the spindle pre-load and not the saddle and tool post.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Hey thanks for the info. I just checked the pre-load the other day. Going to take the Reeves drive apart soon in a coming video.

[@rustynail4676]

Watch those earphones when leaning over spinning objects.

[@rowandunn2403]

Gotta love those old machines i was reminded of when I took apart my clausing 4900 apron apart and every thing was roll pinned in place great stuff I'm 17 if I take good care of my gear it will hopefully last another lifetime of two

[@BurtonsAttic]

It just might Rowan!

[@donlunn792]

I have a Raglan little John,which has a similar drive system.(variable pulleys) But someone had messed it about and so I converted to a three pulley system with a VFD.Well with the VFD I haven’t had to change the pulleys so it sits in one pulley and the VFD does the rest.Great vid.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Glad to hear the VFD is working out for you Don!

[@TheMetalButcher]

Wow that 11 is a lot more user friendly than the 10. The 10 is much slower to change spindle speeds, requires a wrench to change forward to reverse on the feed, and the gear cover is bolted on, no hinge. Thus, maintenance is less frequently preformed. Also, I thread at 4tpi much more commonly than I feed at 1.5 thou/rev, I'd be tempted to leave the big gear on and just mentally remember to double the feed # or thread #. YMMV. The 10" has them all in the box. Hand impacts are very useful for those pesky slot-heads. I swapped all of the ones on the Royersford for Allens. I'm enjoying these, thanks Burton.

[@georgespangler1517]

Just bought an original milling attachment for my 12 inch,, I'm impressed it does just as well as my Bridgeport on small peaces and a lot easier to set up..

[@gregbrack8890]

I’m glad I’m an early sub here. I can’t wait for others to find you.

[@sethbracken]

Re: explaining stuff “everyone already knows,” don’t worry about it. There’s someone born everyday who’s never heard of The Flintstones.

[@gosolobox]

I picked one of these up in very nice condition yesterday. Looks exacly the same as yours, but with the longer bed and cabinet. Any chance you could share the replacement belt info? I'd like to have it on hand. Thanks.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Here you go- Variable Speed Drive Belts Gates 1622V336(top) and 1622V297(bottom). You will have to match up the spindle to reeves drive v-belts if needed.

[@JourneymanRandy]

Nice work. I use gear oil on the teeth of the gears. It really quiets them down.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks, yeah I'm sure heavy weight oil helps a lot with noise. I like grease because it stays where you put it for the most part and also deadens the clatter.

[@jlucasound]

On to Part Four. I am addicted and really starting to love this lathe I have never seen but have heard of.

[@georgespangler1517]

She's a beast for 11 inch,,,Rockwell made great tools,,,I have a 1938 Rockwell drill press and a 12 inch Rockwell wood lathe,,, I have 3 metal lathes 12,,,and 2- 6 inch all atlas/ clausing.. not as heavy duty as your Rockwell but serve me well and I couldn't beat the price,, all timken bearing and all have very little wear and runout..

[@MrPatdeeee]

Great video. Keep it up. Merry Christmas to you and yours. May Jesus richly bless you always.

[@tykellerman6384]

Good series thanks I’m looking for a used lathe up here in Alberta Canada the Rockwell looks like a good option

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Ty, good luck on your search!

[@blazerich3332]

You have a beautiful piece of machinery there. Make me truly jealous

[@JamesDedmon]

These are unappreciated lathes, it will be an awesome lathe for your shop. Nice and rigid but modern. The time spent on getting it up and good as new is well spent

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks James.

[@dannywilsher4165]

Looking awesome! Going to be a nice machine when it's done!!!

[@derekwilkinson7939]

Great video. Hope you and yours have a fantastic Christmas.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Merry Christmas Derek!

[@shadowdog500]

Great video! Would it be good to make a cover for the horizontal mill spindle nose to keep the swarth out when using the vertical mill? Just a thought I had when I saw you milling the switch housing . Once again, Great Video! Chris

[@gorillaau]

On the question of how do you keep track of so many parts, what do you do if you have a part left over when fully assembled?

[@maryspeight2840]

Just found this series by accident, was looking for a qctp set up for my lathe which is, you guessed it. Same one in your video. Awesome video series, and if I understand you correctly , regarding Raleigh State Fair, I'm only 45 min. from the Fair grds. Would love get your advice regarding the lathe I have here in my shop. Many thanks for taking the time and effort to post these videos, G.Speight

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks G! Ask away...go to the about tab on my channel page and send me an email.

[@ryanchatfield2858]

Fantastic content! Thanks for sharing. Shop tour soon? I agree with CattleRustler about leaning over the gears, especially with your earbuds dangling. Great attention to detail and I like all the little tips and comments about the neat features. Also, you sound a lot like Walter Sorrel. He does great knife making videos.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks for commenting Ryan!

[@nickk5172]

I picked up a 1964 Rockwell 11x36 that I am restoring so even though mine is a little different from yours most of the two machines are the same so I am enjoying your series of your restoration and have subscribed to your channel. I would appreciate it if you could post the link you mentioned for getting belts for the reeves drive

[@BurtonsAttic]

Just search the part number and they will come up.

[@russianwheels9352]

Hello from Russia.классный станок!

[@kipperatb]

love the vids!!! keep them coming!!

[@CattleRustlerOCN]

Those open gears with you wiping and leaning over the machine is giving me anxiety

[@John_Ridley]

Especially with the rag and the earphones hanging there.

[@zachbrown7272]

What part of North Carolina are you in? I'm in the Chapel Hill/Durham area and never would have thought we would have machine tools this beautifully restored in our state ;)

[@BurtonsAttic]

Near Charlotte.

[@worthdoss8043]

Liked the videos and subscribed.

[@MrGTOFixit]

Hello I do blacksmithing metal work and just general fixit stuff been looking for a lathe where do you get all these deals from. I live in eastern NC

[@BurtonsAttic]

A lot of auction hunting.

[@blackpearlpearl1709]

ur doing great job n my opinion is for cleaning angels in or outside of machines , u can use the wirebrush ( like breka wire ) by drailmachine its gonna be faster n too easier hope u got what i meant . I appreciate n be blessed

[@MrClickbang357]

At about 6:30 in the video: DUDE!!! What is hanging from your neck!! Wow that was a littile close!!! Really nice lathe - I am jealous!!! Not my time yet to do this as I don't have the space!!! P.S> Shout out from Charlotte!

[@ratherbecampin]

I think it's really neat how you got Dax Shepard to do your voice overs, haha. New sub here, going back to catch up on everything now. I'm no machinist and I've never restored a lathe. In my opinion that goes to show that you can keep someone entertained even if they have no idea what you're talking about. Good luck with the channel!!

[@BurtonsAttic]

No idea until now that he sounded like me!

[@ratherbecampin]

@@BurtonsAttic hahahaha. I mean no disrespect for sure. Just watched the newest season of The Ranch and that's why it stuck out to me.

[@BurtonsAttic]

@@ratherbecampin none taken, thanks for watching!

[@MrTrekFanDan]

Merry Christmas , great video😎

[@BurtonsAttic]

Merry Christmas Dan!

[@johntripp2028]

That's a nice lathe. I assume the VRD is for going from single phase to triple phase power.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Yes

[@johnstrange6799]

Enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@timholsten]

What is the oil bottle you are using? Might order me one.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Tim go to Amazon and type lab bottle in the search.

[@wayneclarke9055]

New subscriber here. Great vids. Is that a giant cookie sheet your using on your workbench? Great idea, catches all the mess and those small parts that tend to get dropped all the time lol. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Wayne, yes just a normal baking pan from Walmart. They have some nice heavy duty metal ones that are magnetic or aluminum if you looking for lighter weight. The small ones are around $5. Great for putting your tools on. Makes easy to pick up and clear/clean the bench or put everything away. The large pan I use is a drip pan for use under a car. Available at any auto parts store and maybe at Walmart as well.

[@georgespangler1517]

Save your gears,,,use lucas red n tacky on the open gears,,,they didn't have spray grease back then but they sure would have used it,,,I use it on my 12 inch and 6 inch,,,really quieted it down and not as messy as paste grease,,stays on forever. And l love useing treadmill motors on all my tools now. Can't beat them

[@osloweknownas]

Thanks for the real content... and for not playing the music you used to crank on the drag you drug in high school.

[@ramsay19481]

You should not adjust or lube gears while they are running...As stated elsewhere, use a thin strip of paper between the gear teeth for proper backlash... Gears such as those should have light oil on them as grease will attract chips and they will be driven into the bottoms of the teeth..

[@BurtonsAttic]

Mike I wasn't really adjusting the gears while it was running. Just looking for the noise change. I did get them adjusted at the end of that sequence and of course it was off. The lubrication chart for this lathe calls for grease on the bull/spindle gear, back gear, and gear train. The gear train cover almost completely covers the gears so no real worry about chips. Didn't find any chips in the gear train while cleaning the original grease off.

[@metalworksmachineshop]

Id like to know how you picked up so many subs in a short time?

[@BurtonsAttic]

Content

[@projectsfromtheworkbench]

Great video. If you are interested..ive got some photo copied pages from the rockwell manual that covers the Reeves drive that you are welcome to. Also I have a headstock and quick change gearbox from a slightly older Rockwell that might contain your gear you need. Just need to figure out how to get in contact.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Gary, go to my main page and from their click on About to get my email address.

[@projectsfromtheworkbench]

@@BurtonsAttic I must be dense...i didnt see a email...and I dont have ebay...contact me at [e-mail]

[@SamuelJohnsonBungie]

Subbed. Enjoy the content!!

[@CraigLYoung]

Merry Christmas!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Merry Christmas Craig!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Say what you will about flat heads but I’ve never seen the screw head strip out. Many times I’ve had the flat head slip and stab me but never a stripped head! 😂

[@NSXTACY420]

How good does that Ultralube red lithium grease work?

[@BurtonsAttic]

I haven't used that before but all of the UltraLube products that I have used I have been happy with.

[@NSXTACY420]

@@BurtonsAttic Then what is that Ultra red grease you are using on the gears? I Love the Ultralube spray lubricant but i wanna try their #2 grease for automotive.

[@junchang132]

Nice video

[@mitchklaserner9842]

I think EVERY machine shop I’ve been in has that calculator. Even my Dad has one in his lol

[@shadowdog500]

I noticed that too! I have that same calculator in my toolbox. LOL!

[@BurtonsAttic]

It's a must! So much faster than figuring in your head!

[@Anne6621]

she's breaking up captain !

[@BurtonsAttic]

"I'm Givin' Her All She's Got, Captain!"

[@melgross]

Every time I see that thing dangling from your neck, when you get close to the moving parts, I get nervous.

[@BurtonsAttic]

As it should Mel!

[@kenhutchens513]

Looks like the lead screw is a little bent. Just barely but at the high RMPs I saw it. Idk if someone else saw it.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Good eye Ken. It's not bent. That shaft is somewhat flexible as both ends are turned down. Also that run was without the apron installed so the worm gear is not there to help locate the shaft in space. That would act as a guide or support and keep it from flexing so much are at least not enough to see with your eye. Make since? Thanks for commenting!

[@kenhutchens513]

@@BurtonsAttic It does make since a shaft that long at high rpms essentially between to points will flex. I forgot to take into account the full length of the lead screw, also without the support of the apron. The lead screw on my little lathe is way too short to even tell unless I set it on rollers and indicated it.

[@TheStreetSuper]

Merry Christmas

[@BurtonsAttic]

Merry Christmas Mike

[@OldIronShops]

i had to use the impact drive on my 1931 south bend lathe

[@BurtonsAttic]

It's a handy tool for sure.

[@fernandonogueira3290]

🎥 GREAT JOB ⚙️🔩🔧⚒️ ! _ Congratulations! 👍 🇧🇷

[@theworkshopmechanicchannel3296]

I was about to say that the guy that’s I charge of lighting needs to be fired 😂

[@prooftest9484]

THANK YOU I WATCH ON TV

[@waynep343]

if you have a Re-Store nearby.. you might find some Track lighting buckets and track... mounting on the ceiling.. if you hose clamp a short piece of conduit to the side of the bucket. you can reach up with a rod and aim them. fairly easy.. you can also in a few minutes reposition them. i would imagine that daylight type of LED spot and flood lamps can be had. i know that some LED flood lamps even have wi fi cameras right in the middle. there are several brands of these www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guard-dog-concealed-camera-led-light-bulb?a=2192619

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks Wayne, I have LED ceiling lights already. I also have a few LED light panels to light my shots.

[@WavyFlave]

cool

[@NowAndyPlays]

this lathe must be great for carbide

[@BurtonsAttic]

I hope so. Have did you get a fly off the side of you icon? Cool!

[@NowAndyPlays]

@@BurtonsAttic If you look a little bit closer you will see that the icon is a little bit smaller than normal. it is there to confuse unsuspecting victims! >:))

[@buckwheat7673]

Grease on gears collect metal chips that causes wear. I was taught to use oil only on gears. Just saying.

[@johntripp2028]

The hammer screw driver was designed for flat head phillips head screws on aircraft if I remember it right.. Of course I could have been told incorrectly

[@colintiley-evans7442]

Since when was the "L" in solder silent? It isn't in soldier or when spoken by someone who knows the English language, that, by the way, does not include any Americans.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Have a nice day lad

[@craigbrown7277]

maybe it was an optical delusion but it freaked me out lol...

[@BurtonsAttic]

Maybe that was the point.....

[@robkausler3949]

What’s in that bottle you squirt on stuff

[@BurtonsAttic]

Non detergent 10w or 30w oil or for cleaning mineral spirits.

[@ste76539]

It's called an 'impact driver'... ;-)

[@BurtonsAttic]

Rodger that. I know. A lot mechanics call it a hand impact to distinguish it from an impact gun. Search hand impact, it comes up..........

[@ste76539]

I'm a mechanic, never heard it called anything other than 'impact driver', the impact gun is usually called the 'rattle gun' where I'm from!

[@BurtonsAttic]

@@ste76539 and I just call it an impact......

[@craigbrown7277]

man all I saw was your earbuds hanging and dangling closer and closer to those gears... ouch

[@BurtonsAttic]

Objects maybe closer than they appear or in this case farther away.....

[@juliokernn5029]

Put paper betwen gears! Sorry I'm not speak English

[@asm7050]

clean the holes.

[@premierd8988]

SOLDER.......... not ..!"£%^& sodder

[@BurtonsAttic]

Thanks for listening!

[@ypop417]

Merry Christmas

[@BurtonsAttic]

Merry Christmas Y Pop!

[@ypop417]

@@BurtonsAttic Thank You!