Repurposing a Flexispeed “Major” lathe.

[richard3267Participant @richardrogalewski21509]

As it stands I feel that I could do worse than repurpose my Flexispeed “Major” lathe, that I bought thinking it was another model of Flexispeed lathe. So, as far as I am concerned, I’m seeking to make something out of the lathe bed, more-or-less. I have an idea to make the chuck that came with it stationary, simply used to grip round objects. For instance, I’d like to have a series of different sized formers that could be held in a chuck, the formers to be used as a mandrel. I may be able to use the lathe bed for other purposes, maybe you might know. It’s 52 Cm in length.

[richard3267Participant @richardrogalewski21509]

I’m minded to put a new solid block of metal on the head stock side and and drill through it using the tail stock. Then perhaps use the original spindle to hold the chuck. I’d simply lock that spindle. Or, make a new spindle and sell the original if someone wants it. Or buy one, I’ll have to search. I don’t know the thread that is on the chuck.

[richard3267Participant @richardrogalewski21509]

Oh, the thread for the chuck might be 11/16″-14 BSW. Although I might be better off using a different chuck to hold the mandrel /whatever. A bigger chuck perhaps, one using keys.EDIT: Actually Copilot is great for conversations like this one.

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Ah, but what is it you actually intend doing with whatever you change the thing to? That will obviously affect such modifications, and may give you something with very limited use.

How do you propose drilling the “solid block” from the tailstock?

 

If the lathe is largely complete and in fair condition it would be more use restored as a lathe, surely?

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

If you make a new headstock you could do worse than use a parallel shaft with er nose then the chuck can be fitted with a parallel adaptor.

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