Machine Tool Spotlight - Star Lathe

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we picked up a vintage lathe from a friend who had snagged it at an estate sale. This one is a true antique, and makes my '40's vintage Hardinge look modern by comparison! We also picked up a small Craftsman lathe, which will be featured in another post.

This is a Star Lathe, made in Seneca Falls NY circa 1900. The bed has several patent dates cast into it, the most recent in 1896.

Original paint is still there under the grime

It is equipped with auto feed in both axes, babbit bearings, a 3-step flat belt pulley, and an auto-oiler for the main bearing that appears to have been borrowed from a steam engine. This bad boy is Victorian Era state-of-the-art.

The oiler is particularly interesting. It is made of a glass cylinder sandwiched between two brass caps. A knob on the top adjusts the size of an air hole, which alters the gravity feed rate of the oil. This allows for continuous operation without having to constantly stop and check the lubrication.

When this lathe was first produced, electricity was still relatively new and rare. Because of that, it came in two versions. The first is this one, which could be run off of a common belt or motor. The second version is treadle-powered, similar to early sewing machines.

This machine is in incredible original condition. None of the parts are damaged or excessively worn, and the original paint is still present. Therefore, I think the "restoration" will only consist of a general cleaning and re-oiling of the moving parts. I may also check the various bearings and bushings for any debris or damage before repowering it with an electric motor. Although, perhaps I could dig up a pedal drive...