The Monster is Complete - Finally

I finally got the big lathe up and running. After 3 months and a lot of sweat, (not to mention a couple of grand) the beast is up and cutting wood. I thought I'd post a note to thank the many people who contributed advice or ideas. The specs:

• 51" tall
• 39" X 47" footprint
• 3 1/4" spindle at 47 1/2" height
• 95" maximum swing
• 3 HP 3ph v.s.r. motor w/control unit speed 0-3600 rpm, 30 rpm has plenty of torque 3 floating bearings in hd pillow blocks
• Approx. 1400 lbs empty
• Unit breaks down into 8 pieces for moving, no individual piece weighs more than 250 lbs.
• Tubular headstock and legs can be shot/sand filled- total weight filled should be 2100+ lbs.
• unit can be bolted to substrate for additional stability adapter head to fit 1-1/4" X 8 TPI accessories to spindle
• floorstanding tool rest for really large pieces, bolt-on bed with tool rest base for pieces to 48"
• Assorted faceplates, chucks, etc. total investment of approx. $2400

Unbuilt as yet - a similar frame with a tailstock ram that will turn the current unit (faceplate work only) into a spindle work lathe capable of doing architectural turnings up to 20 ft. in length.

Before anyone asks - I've already been asked to build 3 more- I've declined. One was plenty for me - I'd much rather be working with wood than metal, and I've hit my ration of welding for the next few years. (Anyone else ever get a severe "sunburn" from welding?) I have taken a few pictures and scanned them in. Thanks to everyone who contributed- I never would have gotten it built without your help. Michael

Pictures follow: