Aren't I a lucky boy!

[Different Displays]

I'm new to the forum and turning, but not to woodworking...

The reason for this post is that I have been given an old lathe (hence the post title)- a Clarke CWL12 to be exact. It has been sitting in parts in a workshop for a while so is need of a good clean and sort out.

I'm looking for some advice as to what issues and problems I should be on the look out for.
So far:-
1) I've found and downloaded a manual for it,
2) The motor runs fine and all the pulleys look to be sound and square, and rotate freely
3) The belt is a bit worn but has developed a 'set' on it, so I reckon a new one would be wise.
4) Electrically it is sound, wiring is in good nick and nothing loose. It has been fitted with an NVR switch at some point.

Anything else I should think about/ check/ do?

I'm wondering if I should do the old bike trick of getting the bearings out (if I can) and giving them a good soak in warm oil (if they're not sealed of course)

Your thoughts, advice and observations would be welcome.

 

[gregmcateer]

Welcome to the forum.
I cannot offer any advice, but I am sure a clever soul will be along who can.
Best of luck with it
Greg

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I would just check to see if the tailstock and headstock centres line up and if not adjust with appropriate shims. Ensure its on level sturdy ground like concrete and then test it by running it. If it runs true with no problems, wobble in the spindle etc...get going. Does it have a stand? If not then it will either need you to make a dedicated one or mount it on a sturdy bench. Wobble and vibration are the enemies of the woodturner.

Once you're happy the machine is running true you need to consider the health of your eyes, lungs and body parts which means: Eye protection to be worn at all times, minimum of a decent mask like the 3M dual filter job and better is proper dust extraction at source, especially when sanding. Also the clothes, nothing loose, no jewellery watches etc. Sleeves well out the way (I wear a Lovell turning over garment myself). Don't skimp on these important basics, I'm speaking from direct experience here and I guarantee the rest of the guys on the forum will chime in with the same piece of advice. Lathes are dangerous when not respected and brilliant when they are.

Finally, you need to get some form of instruction. Worse case, Youtube, best case one on one with a professional. My advice, join your local woodturning club (check the list local to you on the Association of woodturners website). It was the best decision I ever made.

Keith Rowley published whats largely considered to be the seminal work for beginners so buying that book isn't a bad idea either. Woodturning a foundation course or some such. Where the heck is Henstridge??

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Look at Waterstones Marketplace and Amazon for the Rowley book - their's little point in a pristine copy if you are to use it while working.

 

[Mal]

Where the heck is Henstridge??

Just up the road from me in Yeovil, Somerset
Unless there is another Henstridge somewhere?

 

[graduate_owner]

Hi, and welcome to the world of woodturning.
Something else you will need is decent quality turning tools and a means to keep them sharp, otherwise there is likely to be real disappointment. The usual hallmark of decent quality turning tools these days is high speed steel with a brand name such as Sorby, Crown etc. You will soon find out about the other well known brands. You will also soon see how expensive these tools are when bought new, but do yourself a big favour and don't be tempted to buy cheap ones. There are plenty of web sites and postings on this forum regarding making up your own scraping tools from high speed steel tips mounted on mild steel shanks and, of course (since you have a lathe) fixed to home made wooden handles. Initially though, Keith Rowley's book will give you information on the tools needed for starting out and on sharpening them. The basic here will be a 6" or 8" bench grinder with a grinding / sharpening jig, possibly with different grinding wheels than supplied, and possibly supplemented with a belt sander but many people now advocate the Sorby ProEdge (again, not cheap).
Unfortunately the acquisition of the lathe is only the start and if you are to enjoy the hobby you will need to do a fair bit more spending. I think many would agree that they spend more on tools etc than on the original lathe - which will certainly be true in your case since you had the lathe free!!! However I am sure that most people will also agree that turning is really fascinating and enjoyable (if frustrating at times) and when you have built up your skills there are different directions you can go such as segmented turning, off centre work etc. I think these are worth reading about even if you are just starting out because they show the potential of the craft.

If there is a turner near you who is willing to invite you round for a few sessions then go for it because struggling along on your own (especially when things go wrong and you don't know why).

Just my 2p worth - and I must stress here that I am no expert, far from it.

K

 

[Different Displays]

Oh boy! You lot are really going to spit feathers then!

My neighbour has just been across again:
'Do I want these?' (Crown gouge and paring tools)
...I have to say I nearly tore his arm off...

Now a quick update-

After some checks both spindle and motor have no endplay and spin freely, doesn't seem to be any run-out either (used a gauge). The only issue is that I can't seem to drift out the headstock- got the tail stock out with a few taps, so it may be that I'm just being a bit gentle.

I'm a bit anal about health & safety anyway (and have an optician for a wife!- any H&S advice for a regular flea in the ear?) so have ended up with an air filter and a piped dust extraction system (using WellsWood's blastgate switching system thingy- no crimping, all soldered connectors). Which prompts another query:-
I was thinking of using something like Axminster's 'Big Mouth' thingy mounted appropriately and connected to my system- would this be sensible? My alternative would be an axminster WD100, which I generally use for my thicknesser.

And yes Henstridge is in Somerset, just north of the Dorset border.

 

[Different Displays]

There is of course Natasha Henstridge, and Elizabeth Henstridge as well...

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

sounds like you're in good shape....get going

 

[graduate_owner]

Yes indeed, you do seem to be a lucky fella. Good luck to you and enjoy your new hobby.
PS - let us know when another neighbour comes along with a free Sorby Proedge or Tormek for you - just to rub it in a bit more.

K

 

[Stiggy]

Where the heck is Henstridge??

Just up the road from me in Yeovil, Somerset
Unless there is another Henstridge somewhere?

Rob's not great at geography by the way!

:wink: :lol:

 

[Different Displays]

@ K
If only!...besides, if you believe in karma, I will have pay a price somewhere along the line.

As an aside I have ordered a used copy of the Keith Rowley book... So that's bedtime reading for the next few weeks!

I would like to thank everyone that replied for their advice, support and suggestions.