Sent lathe back

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by JasonB on 21/01/2020 07:10:50:

I thought the ME90 that was said to have been bought is the newer version not the 90 that the spindle drawing is for.

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Derek also specifically stated a thread size … so we best await his clarification.

MichaelG.

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Edit: I’m a bit rusty on my Cowells nomenclature; so this  may, or may not, be relevant, but Derek actually wrote “90ME”

… update, for info. here is an advert from 2017 for an early version

https://pennyfarthingtools.co.uk/cowells-90me-lathe/2017/11/06/

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 21/01/2020 09:21:44

[peak4Participant @peak4]

Just been to the garage to check my 4 jaw, assuming the Simat thread of my vintage (and they did change) is the same as the earlier Cowells then the following may be of use. I was told it was when I bought it.

It's M14x1.5mm

Pratt Burnerd
1528/65290
F04412

Bill

[Andy CarlsonParticipant @andycarlson18141]

I wouldnt get too hung up over nomenclature. Things did change over time anyway. Most people would call my circa 1978/9 Cowells a 90ME but I'm pretty sure it wasn't called that when it was born. The term '90ME' is quite often used very loosely (ahem… on eBay) to distinguish the backgeared screwcutting model from the CW (clock/watchmakers) and the former HS (high speed) models.

Derek did say M14 x 1.5 so I think he probably meant it. Chucks, faceplates and collet holders do come up on eBay from time to time. I think the name Cowells does add a premium to stuff on eBay though. Sometimes the seller doesn't know that there are two possible spindle threads (or three if you go back to Perris/Flexispeed days), so be careful there.

Of course the big advantage with a Cowells lathe is that you can still buy accessories from the factory (but not M14 x 1.5 chucks). Colin at Cowells will also sell you a new spindle with the M14x1 thread on it if you ask. It isn't cheap but if you do want to go down that route then it would be best to make that decision now before you invest in any tooling to fit the older thread.

FWIW my Cowells has the older thread but I wont be changing because it came with two chucks, a collet holder and a faceplate.

Regards, Andy

[Pete WhiteParticipant @petewhite15172]

I have just read this thread, I hope your latest purchase works out well for you Derek.

Pete

[DellParticipant @dell]

Hi all

thanks for all the replies and yes it definitely 14X1.5 and yes Hollowpoint it is the one you know although I didn’t pay what he was asking and he assures me it is in superb condition and if you know it that helps to ease my mind ( I hope it’s as good as you say) .

i have seen that it’s possible to change the shaft to the later one but I am going to see someone tomorrow as he said he should have most accessories that I need but it just depends on price.

As I said I haven’t used a lathe for about 50 years that’s why I tried to start with a less expensive ut it was not to be, I have two clocks that need new mainspring barrels as they are as hard to find as rocking horse poo but I will be making a couple in aluminium to get used to things before going to brass.

Thanks Peak4 I will check that out.

Dell

[DellParticipant @dell]

A photo to show it is a 90ME

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

That looks a beauty!

So probably has not been abused, and is ready to plug in and play!

You and your grandson can now enjoy yourselves.

Howard

[Andy CarlsonParticipant @andycarlson18141]

My two pennorth on potential accessory acquisitions…

Not sure what your other vendor will have, in terms of things to go on the spindle the Pratt Burnerd 4 jaw is very nice and that would be my top priority if it is available.

3 jaw… depends whether you rate the modified Emco one that you already have. I have the Pratt Burnerd tommy bar chuck but I find tommy bar chucks a bit of a pain and I'd prefer the Toyo style keyed one.

Faceplate – not an everyday need but probably useful for occasional jobs if you have the opportunity to acquire it.

Collet holder – I use mine very little because the collets are Cowells specific and I only have 3 imperial ones. I plan to fit an ER16 holder when I get a round tuit.

Other than that most things can be had new from Cowells so it's a matter of going armed with some idea of what you want and a price that you could buy it for elsewhere.

Good Luck!

Regards, Andy

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

Hi there,

I also have a Cowells 90ME and this has the M14x1.5 spindle. One place you can try for spares is a site called Myford-lathes.com. It has no connection with RDG/Myford and is run by a guy called Howard. I have no connection to the site other than having bought a number of items off him for my machine. It is worth a call to see what Cowells lath parts he has in stock.

His numbers are: 01225 812155 or 07753 61042

Colin

[DellParticipant @dell]

Today I went to see Howard at Myford-lathes and purchased three jaw chuck (not Pratt Burnerd to much money for now) but Cowells , Collett chuck, Jacob drill chuck and arbor, live centre, dead centre, this will get me up and running and I just need to keep my eyes open and go to tool fairs.

The lathe came just before I went out so I haven’t unpacked it yet more to follow.

Dell

[DellParticipant @dell]

Sorry the chuck is a Pratt Burnerd but made for Cowells.

i have now unpacked the lathe and it is as good as he said it was I am very happy ( eventually), I thought I would post some pictures.

Dell

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

You did well ti find all those accessories so quickly! Let us know how you get on with the lathe!

[Author]

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