Hi Everyone

I've recently acquired an IXL Leader lathe that I'm now renovating. This isn't the type of machine with the flat belt drive, but a full gear head version. The head stock seems to bear a VERY close resemblance to the early (pre 1939) Colchester Master, with the clutch/brake lever operating on the left hand rear of the headstock rather than the front lower right. Tony Griffiths, on his website, mentions that “Colchester” lathes have appeared badged as IXL – I think it's one of those! The bed, saddle and tail stock all match those on the 6”x40” IXL Leader that Tony has pictures of, but I think this is the “Model A” with the lighter construction. The machine does not appear to be a “marriage” as the speed plate on the headstock carries the marking “Leader lathe – British Manufacture” cast into it in the same type face as used for the rest of the plate – and the same type as that used on the plate on Clochesters.

History over, the main thing that I'm hoping for help with, is suggestions for replacement change wheels. I have a selection of change wheels that will allow me to cut just about any thread I'm likely to want, but they have definitely seen better days. Most have some chipped or damaged teeth and, some have already had new teeth fitted, so I'm thinking of trying to get as full as set of replacements as possible.

The wheels are 20dp – the same as Myford, but are 1/2 inch wide rather than 3/8 inch and have a 9/16 inch bore rather than 5/8 inch. They do share the same size key and keyway however.

Does anyone know of another make of machine that uses these size wheels?

Coarser pitch gears won't fit, in spite of the size of the machine the space for the change wheels is pretty restricted.

So far my options appear to be, keep hunting on E-Bay and be prepared to wait a long while. Use Myford pattern wheels, bushed to fit (or sleeve the studs and shafts as required), with spacers if needed; or make a set of wheels from scratch. The latter actually seems to be the most economical option if I can hob them, using a single cutter, rather than using a set of cutters, as well as being an interesting exercise.

The wheels should be 20 to 70 by 5s, with 40 duplicated, plus 76, 80,90 100 and 127 – so quite a set to find or make.

regards

Keith