Sunday, September 29, 2013

Machine Tool Spotlight - Hardinge Lathe

The lathe in my shop is a Hardinge Model DV/DSM-59, a fairly common and simple machine built in the 1940's and 50's. It is known as a "second operation lathe", and was primarily used as a production machine, rather than a toolroom machine.


These machines are not equipped with a leadscrew or provisions for auto-feed or screw cutting. While this can be limiting for certain operations, it also makes them extremely versatile to set up for production. My machine included a compound slide, quick cross slide, 6-position turret, and a standard tailstock. These all slot into the same bed, so the machine can be set up using any combination.

6-Position Turret

Cross-Slide

Compound Slide and Tailstock
Until I bought it, this lathe had apparently never left upstate New York. I purchased this it from a fraternity at my university. They in turn had acquired it from the student shop at RPI sometime in the late 70's who, if the plaque on the turret is accurate, had bought it from Eastman Kodak in Rochester.

Eastman-Kodak 

Disassembled for travel
Unloading


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