Author Topic: Restoration project  (Read 5268 times)

Ryan Davenport AWGB

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Restoration project
« on: December 30, 2014, 09:39:40 PM »
I have seen this lathe and was thinking it would be a good restoration project, any views more than welcome.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wadkin-RS-Lathe-/271705206575?pt=UK_BOI_Building_Materials_Supplies_Carpentry_Woodwork_ET&hash=item3f42e46f2f

Offline Paul Hannaby

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2014, 09:48:04 PM »
It looks a bit short - Do you know if they make bed extensions for those?  ;D

It looks like the motor is three phase so the switchgear will all be three phase too but as long as you are prepared for that it shouldn't present a problem.The additional shaft at the bottom might add another layer of complexity too.

Ryan Davenport AWGB

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2014, 09:53:50 PM »
It would be converted to variable speed single phase, I have restored alsorts of things from a GT750 kettle to a metal copy lathe  ::)
   

Ryan Davenport AWGB

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2014, 09:56:41 PM »
The other thing I can't make my mind up on....
I keep thinking about building a cnc router table/lathe.

Offline bodrighywood

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2014, 10:32:57 PM »
I am not sure if it is a Wadkin RS. If it is there is a heck of a lot missing.

Pete
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Offline Bryan Milham

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2014, 11:34:47 PM »
It would be converted to variable speed single phase, I have restored alsorts of things from a GT750 kettle to a metal copy lathe  ::)
   

I've not heard of one of those kettles for a long time. Are there any still going?
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Ryan Davenport AWGB

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #6 on: December 31, 2014, 09:15:07 AM »
They came out of production years ago, it's one of the old Suzuki 2 strokes, came as boxes of bits

Offline seventhdevil

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #7 on: December 31, 2014, 10:59:36 AM »
it does look like an RS but pete's right, there is alot missing...


here is a brochure as to what you should have.


http://www.turnersworkshop.co.uk/WadkinRSBrochure.pdf

Ryan Davenport AWGB

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #8 on: December 31, 2014, 11:02:07 AM »
Ok thanks for the heads up, I think I'll view it first to see exactly what's missing

Offline Bryan Milham

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #9 on: December 31, 2014, 05:04:12 PM »
Was it not one of these Richard Finley bought and uses now, as a member of this forum he might be able to provide some assistance end information towards spares availability and repairs.
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Offline ken crittle

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #10 on: December 31, 2014, 09:42:16 PM »
I have a Wadkin rs 8 ,this one looks like an rs10 if that's an 8ft sheet behind it.
The rs10 will turn 78inches between centres and 10inch centre hight and turn
32inches with the gap removed.As a basic lathe the motor is missing a odd one fixed on? Would need               a face plate and tool rest.
The three phase motor should be attached to the shaft
Look at www.lathes.co.uk Tony has some useful info

Ken

Offline Richard Findley

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #11 on: December 31, 2014, 10:18:19 PM »
Hi

As stated I have an RS8. Looking through the images here, you would have the core of the machine, ie headstock, bed and legs for the tailstock end. The tailstock looks complete as does the banjo. Your issues look to be the toolrest - but these can be made up easy enough and the Wadkin one is a bit of a strange shape. The motor is the biggest issue. That isn't an original so would need checking to see how good it is. The original may have been replaced for a single phase or evs version. The trouble is the wieght of the original is what tensions the drive belt, so if the new motor isn't heavy enough you will struggle.

Depends how much you are into your restorations to find out if this is worth your time. On UKWorkshop forum there is a guy known as Wallace who restored one, posting detailed info on how. Look it up. There's also a Canadian guy that did one with some videos on YouTube.

Daltons in Nottinghsm are the Wadkin dealer and brand owner, so are a good place to start BUT.... these machines haven't been made since the mid seventies and as far as woodworking machinery goes, lathes aren't a popular machine, so parts are like the proverbial rocking horse sh*t!! I'd love a spare banjo if anyone sees one!

HTH

Richard
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Offline Richard Findley

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #12 on: December 31, 2014, 10:32:18 PM »
Just looking again. The motor should drive a large 4 stepped pulley but I don't see it. Potentially this is a massive issue. There appears a single pulley which does suggest the evs route was taken, but it really limits the speed options. I guess it could be turned pretty easily but it would be costly I should think.

Richard
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Offline ken crittle

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #13 on: December 31, 2014, 11:07:21 PM »
Hi Richard you're looking for a banjo,on my wish list a elbow tool rest
Holder for turning with the gap removed

Ken

Ryan Davenport AWGB

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Re: Restoration project
« Reply #14 on: January 01, 2015, 12:01:08 PM »
Thanks for all the great info and advise, it is greatly appreciated.
Hope everyone has had a good New Year.
All the best.