Can you identify this lathe?

[rileytoolworks]

Hello all.
I need a little help and hopefully someone will know the answer.
I'm looking at this lathe, but cannot seem to find any info about it.
Does anyone know what it is?

lathe

Thanks.

Adam.

 

[Chrisp]

Try these guys,
http://www.lathes.co.uk/
They have a section on Wadkin lathes history etc, I didn't see that model there but they are a font of lathe knowledge!
Regards
Chris

 

[rileytoolworks]

Thanks Chris.
I've asked on lathes.co.uk, but thought I'd ask here too.

Hope it's a fairly decent lathe as it looks like I'm the winning bidder :shock:

All the best.

Adam.

 

[Bodrighy]

Two speed? seems odd but as it is three phase yo can get it set up with variable speed. If it is a Wadkin then you at least know it is a good solid machine

Pete

 

[toolsntat]

I will check my Wadkin catalogue Adam.
Sorry can't do ought about your workshop space as he bought a different boat :roll: :lol:

Cheers
Andy

 

[rileytoolworks]

Thanks for the replies.
I've had an extensive look on the net, and can't see anything like it.
I've got a feeling it may be a *******ised headstock, but hopefully not.
The listing says it has a manual brake on the outboard end of the motor. Is that a common feature? Never seen that before, and as it's only got a 6" swing I can't imagine it's really necessary.
Before I read the listing i had thought it was a lever operated collet closer.

Gonna pick it up next weekend anyway.
For what I'm paying it's worth a punt.

I'll post some pictures when I get it assembled again.

Adam.

Andy - not to worry mate. I suspect if the boat HAD gone, the rent would have increased beyond an affordable level anyway.

 

[rileytoolworks]

The seller just informed me the model no. is RBV 440. Still no info on the net. :?

Adam.

 

[rileytoolworks]

Well, this is turning into a real mystery!
I've spoken to Tony at lathes.co.uk and he's searched all of his literature and can find no mention of this lathe.
Sent an email to Daltons (Wadkin) but it's the weekend.
I've scoured the net but can't find anything even remotely close.
Most Wadkin lathes I've seen have a heavy casting to the floor at the headstock end.
This one has a cast (at least it looks like it) headstock, but the bed rests on legs.

What are the forums thoughts on the speed selection lever? Any one seen that setup before? Or the 'brake'?
Unfortunately I can't pick it up til next weekend but I'm chomping at the bit to find out more information about it.

 

[Chrisp]

any chance it might be a metal spinning lathe?

 

[rileytoolworks]

Oooh. Hadn't thought of that Chris. (I presume you mean spinning and not turning?

Still, it's not in any Wadkin literature. (that I can find )

I'll investigate.

Thanks.

Adam.

 

[toolsntat]

Well, according to the Wadkin catalogue No 790, it is quite likely the 6" R.T. model 8)
Andy

 

[CHJ]

Well Found Andy, looks like the Catalogue is as well made as the machines.

 

[rileytoolworks]

Wow Andy. You've come up trumps there mate.
Thanks for that!
I'll give the details of this thread to Tony at lathes.co.uk, if that's alright.
I'll post some pictures and a little review once I get it up and running.
Thanks for all the help. I'll get the first round in next time your out my way Andy. Cheers.

All the best.
Adam.

 

[rileytoolworks]

The machine can be arranged for direct current with a modified method of control

Sounds interesting. Can't wait til next weekend!

Adam.

 

[rileytoolworks]

Picked up the lathe today.
It's a 3 phase machine, unfortunately not star/delta so an inverter is out of the question as is replacing the motor (it's integral to the headstock)
I have 3 phase in the workshop so it's not the end of the world (if I can work out the wiring!)
I would have liked to have variable speed though. I can't help feeling 2 speeds is a bit limiting.

Also I need to source a 'proper' toolrest/banjo.
I'll upload more pics when I get it set up in the 'shop.



As for the wiring, here's the wires coming from the lathe into a rotary isolator

and here's the incoming wiring (into a switch at the moment but this will be replaced with the isolator)

Any one know how to wire this together?
The lathe motor has 3 wires and earth, the incoming has 4 wires, the isolator has 4 connections and earth and neutral connection.

I'm confused already.

 

[Richard Findley]

Looks like a nice bit of kit. Shame it's only2 speed. I have only ever seen one like it on eBay and I couldn't find reference to it either. I'd be interested to know the year of that brochure, I have a couple of early ones in PDF form but I guess thy we're before this?

As for wiring, I am no expert (not even close in fact ) but as I understand it, you can have a motor rewired from star to delta (or which ever way round it needs to be to work) because on the Wadkin RS you have to do this before adding electronic variable speed. You need to speak to a good motor rewinds place and they will be able to advise you. I haven't had my RS done as it is an 8 speed model anyway but I know of a couple of people that have and it was no big deal as far as I'm aware.

HTH

Richard

 

[rileytoolworks]

Thanks Richard.
Sounds promising.

All the best.
Adam.