Antique Model Makers Lathe – help!

[Don McLaren 1Participant @donmclaren1]

Gentlemen. I have been helping a friend clear his grandfather's workshop. He was a model maker (steam locomotives) and has some quality equipment. Unfortunately all has laid untouched for 40 years or so. We have a deadline to clear the workshop and the hand tools have all been cleared. Remaining is an old Milnes R Type lathe which is treadle powered, although there is also an enormous electric motor and an overhead belt drive shaft which are separate at the moment.. My question is whether there is a market for such machinery or are we dealing with scrap? The machinery is in good condition despite having laid untouched: it was greased and covered. I would be most grateful if members could advise whether there is any demand for such out there. My second problem is having to move the lathe. It is too heavy to move as a single unit and I wondered if any one has any advice for partial dismantlement into one man loads without detriment to the tool itself. I should add that there are a considerable quantity of lathe related tools (chucks, tool holders, cutters etc) that remain with the lathe. I can provide photographs if necessary. Most grateful for any advice. Aye, Don

[Don McLaren 1Participant @donmclaren1]

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

Try advertising it on here or homeworkshop.org.uk

Someone will probably want it. For dismantling, buyer collects and removes so you don't have to.

I don't know about value but search ebay completed items.

One sold for £87.96 and another for £512 so you need to look and see which is similar to your model.

Please post how you get on.

Edited By David Clark 1 on 16/08/2015 20:38:26

[Ralph HParticipant @ralphh]

There is a demand for old machinery like this although dare I say it may be limited. My four lathes would fall into the same category as yours, often described as "old iron". Mine are somewhat bigger than yours and transport was a problem (for two this had to be specially arranged with a private haulier) They often do lack the "conveniences" of modern lathes but they will do just the same work and just as well if well restored and looked after. It is most definitely not scrap!

I would agree that a website appealing to those in the likely field would be best, as has been said above. Failing that, ebay it perhaps with a buy it now price based around items of similar type, age condition etc that have sold in the past. If no one wants it, lower it over time or invite them to make an offer but don't be too hasty as the right person may take time to show up. Remember you can list it in several places at once, as long as you state this and it may be withdrawn at any time if you get an offer elsewhere.

The fact you have a good set of tooling is all the better as so many machines of this age often have been under looked after, badly corroded or be missing many bits, all of which will put people off. If he is someone with an enthusiasm for these old ladies, then they most likely wouldn't be too put off by having to take it apart at the time of collection, or they will bring their own means of loading.

Your lathe had a good name in its day and is far from unknown now, Henry Milnes built a good reputation in Bradford that has not yet died with this type. Check **LINK**for more information and it may help you with further identification.

Best wishes in finding a home for it.

Edited By Ralph H on 16/08/2015 22:04:21

[RainbowsParticipant @rainbows]

Considering cast iron scrap is at a declining price of between £0.05 to £0.07 per kg I would gladly take it off your hands for the scrap value. Personally I love anything involving lineshafts (even if it canbe wildly impractical).

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

LBSC had a Milnes lathe. He found the roller bearings were 'not fit for purpose'. Henry Milnes sent him a makeshift bronze bush that lasted some 30 years before he had to swap it out for the 'proper' replacement Milnes sent later.

It's far too good a lathe to add to Rainbow's quest to collect the very worst of British Lathe Manufacture

Neil

[RainbowsParticipant @rainbows]

Oi, the Wizard would probably be of ok manufacture.

Based off my standard luck this lathe is probably either in kent or the outer hebrides anyway.

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 17/08/2015 09:46:42:

LBSC had a Milnes lathe. He found the roller bearings were 'not fit for purpose'. Henry Milnes sent him a makeshift bronze bush that lasted some 30 years before he had to swap it out for the 'proper' replacement Milnes sent later.

Neil

.

Wonder if that was the first or the only "not fit for purpose" invoked on a British lathe before the limp wrist brigade found the Chinese imports ?

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