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This is an Old Craftsman Lathe I bought with the set of chisels for $20 quite a few years ago.

I originally built this bench so the lathe folded under the table just like a sewing machine.

I hardly ever folded it down, but when it was folded, the table would be cluttered when I

I wanted to use it, so a few years ago, I did a complete renovation of the bench.

I changed it to storage drawers, instead of enclosed shelves.

I recently put casters under it, so I can move it around much easier.

You'll notice the Combination Face Shield, Dust collector I made. It works real good.

I recently installed new bearings, & a new motor, & a link belt. It sure runs smooth now.

You may have read in my blog that I was buying a old larger lathe, but it didn't pan out.

The lathe had some problems that I didn't care to mess around with.

So I'm back to my old faithful lathe. I can't make larger items on its 9" swing, but it works great.

Plus a new coat of paint makes it almost new

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More images of Shield.

You can slide the shield along, were you're working.


It has a piano hinge for the lid.

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I paid 50 cents each for these card file drawers.





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This is the new tool rest I recently bought. Click here.
My old tool rest was always getting full of nicks, this new one doesn't do that. It stays nice, & smooth.


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Here's an ad for this lathe in a 1950 Popular Mechanics. I wonder what tools will cost in another 50 years?_

Gallery

Comments

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721 Posts
Nice job on the shield/dust collector.
 

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216 Posts
Nice job on the cabinet nice conversion. I like the idea of the face sheild that would offer more protection than one you wear.Good idea good build…......................Schloemoe
 

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1,490 Posts
That looks real good Dick. I really like that cabinet.
 

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66 Posts
The card catalog style handles are great.
 

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690 Posts
Great job, Dick! Sounds like it will give many more years of service to you.
 

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154 Posts
That must be an old lath.The only Craftsman laths i have seen have a tube fot the bed
 

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54 Posts
Dick,
This is really nice. I would like to see more pic's of the dust collector/face shield.
Great job!
 

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19,753 Posts
I like it Dick lots of good drawers and little cubbies.
 

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3,558 Posts
That's pretty dagbone nice. I'll have to djinn up something like that for my new (old) lathe.
 

· In Loving Memory
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10,409 Posts
Nice one Dick.
 

· In Loving Memory
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977 Posts
Renewed is the new, new! It's awesome when a tool is good enough to fix up with a few simple things… and a brilliant bench to go with it. Beats my lathe setup which sits outside under a canopy!
 

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6,840 Posts
Great bench and great restoration on the old lathe!
 

· In Loving Memory
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2,704 Posts
Very nice job Dick, looks great. By the way I got your last Skype message, I just couldn't answer you I had too many things pluged in to the same USB Port, it couldn't handle it all, so I at least knew you were heading for the cabin. LOL I have to make me one of those curved catchers you have behind your tool rest to catch the chips and junk. Classy idea. mike
 

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4,691 Posts
Thank you all, for the nice comments.

I just added a couple more images of the Face shield, dust collector.
 

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61 Posts
Great looking cabinet. I especially liked the old ad. I have the lath and the 3 wheel band saw that is in it.
 

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3 Posts
Very very nice. thanks for sharing these photos and history! I also liked the old catalogue print too! I wish I could go buy some of that old cast iron and steel right out of the factory today, but at least Gods wood factory is still manufacturing, ha ha!
 

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214 Posts
I like it too. Thanks for sharing. But I really like the old catalogue and the prices.
 

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$39.95 seemed expensive on a $1.20/hr wage in 1950.
 

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1,424 Posts
Nice !! Love the Color !!
 

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4,691 Posts
Thank you, ridunlap.

Thank you janice.

and Thank you DaddyZ.
 
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