Bearings for Old Lathe
Bearings for Old Lathe
(OP)
We have a number of old Lefevre Glass Working Lathes that are in need of overhaul. These are large diameter (8"+) through bore headstock lathes used in the glass-working industry. The Lefevre company seems to have sunk without trace. Does anyone know of a source of any information that exists describing the type/sizes of bearings used in these lathes? My particular concern is for the headstock bearings. A similar 14" bore lathe lathe can be viewed at www.heathway.com/lathes.htm





RE: Bearings for Old Lathe
First, have you asked someone from Heathway? Generally, someone is a resident historian of the industry.
Second, when were these made? If in the first half of the twentieth century then they stand a good chance of being poured or babbitt bearings and your choices are different.
Griffy
RE: Bearings for Old Lathe
RE: Bearings for Old Lathe
First I would get all the information one can about the subject bearing/s. Even one mark will sometimes guide a knowledgeable person to a source or reference to the bearing in question, it happened to me several times.
There is such an assortment of bearings available now that you stand a very good chance of finding a replacement even if a different style/type. If you can get close you might use a tolerance ring.
We had several glass working lathes and 2 of them used a set of caged roller bearings in the headstock.
http://www.bmcbearing.com/services.htm
RE: Bearings for Old Lathe
Plain bearings, if that is what was used, will likely have to be fabricated for your particular use.
Dan Price
www.leesbradner.com (President)