It didn’t take long after getting this piece home to figure out that it was a keeper. Although I’m still not sure where I’m gonna put it or what I’m gonna do with it when it’s completed.
I have started disassembly of the lathe, inspecting and semi cataloging each piece as I go. (at least taking a few pics that I can refer to later)
You gotta love tools that come with their own special wrenches.
The thought and the work that has gone into this lathe is amazing. (as you can see in the next few pics) Not only is it heavier built then other home-built lathes that I have seen, but the details that were put into it has created a piece of machinery that will last a couple of lifetimes.
All bolts have been recessed and shouldered.
Steel threaded inserts for the bolts.
Adjusting bolts. One on each side and one on the top of the tailstock for fine tuning the alignment of the chuck.
Found a hole that is slightly blown out. I don’t think it will have an effect on it due to the massive construction of the lathe. But cleanup and further inspection will tell.
The third leg assembly for stability and mounting the motor. This is also where a wheel would be mounted for a treadle lathe. Having calves of the same size makes it easier to find pants that fit so I believe I’ll stay with the motor.
Another third leg pic.
The motor is a 115/220 1 HP. 
The capacitor is broke, but shouldn’t be a problem replacing. Overall the motor seems to be a good one to use.
Dayton forward/reverse switch. (although I’m not sure why you would want to run a lathe in reverse?)
Adjustable motor plate for belt/speed alignment.
I will finish disassembling the lathe and start the cleanup process next, and maybe start identifying the wood. 
-- My mind is like lighting, one brilliant flash, then its gone.....
7 comments so far
William
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7072 posts in 1011 days
#1 posted 440 days ago
I don’t know of all the wood is the same species Marty, but the piece in the last photo looks like oak.
It looks like you have a good piece of history there. If you hadn’t saved it, it would probably have been turned into firewood.
-- http://wddsrfinewoodworks.blogspot.com/
StumpyNubs
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5040 posts in 970 days
#2 posted 440 days ago
Lookin’ good!
-- It's the best woodworking show since the invention of wood... New episodes Wednesdays at: http://www.stumpynubs.com
stefang
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9471 posts in 1503 days
#3 posted 440 days ago
Looks well built. It’s probably already a couple of lifetimes old. Any way you can determine the age by it’s hardware or whatever?
the reverse feature on wood lathes is usually there to make sanding and finishing easier with difficult wood grain directions. A lathe with this feature should have a safety spindle lock device that prevents a chuck or faceplate from flying off when running in reverse. Another advantage is that a reverse headstock is handy to mount sharpening disks (felt, mdf,wheels for example) for carving tools where the wheel should be spinning away from the tools edge.
-- Mike, American in Norway
Bearpie
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2474 posts in 1187 days
#4 posted 440 days ago
I love the reverse feature on my Powermatic 3520, it is a great aid when it comes to sanding! What Stefang said is true! Consider keeping that feature.
-- Erwin, Jacksonville, FL
Dave
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9185 posts in 1009 days
#5 posted 440 days ago
Looking good Marty. This is like CSI for woodworking. While you are disassembling, see if he put his name on it somewhere.
-- Superdav "No matter where you go - there you are." http://chiselandforge.com
Roger
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9191 posts in 973 days
#6 posted 440 days ago
oh yea Marty. I agree with superd…... CSI, or maybe NCIS…........ If ya don’t get it together, Ziva might kick your arse.. lol jus kiddin
-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Kentuk55@bellsouth.net
boxcarmarty
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6501 posts in 529 days
#7 posted 439 days ago
William That first piece does look like oak.
Stefang No clue yet on the age. I’m gonna have my brother look at the hardware this weekend. As a machinist, He would be more familiar with that part than I am. Thanks for the input on the reverse feature. It makes a lot of sense.
Dave You and Roger are in charge of fingerprints…..
-- My mind is like lighting, one brilliant flash, then its gone.....
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