SOUTHBEND SOUTHBEND MANUAL LATHE

Technical Description

The South Bend 16" x 60" manual lathe is a precision engine lathe designed for general-purpose machining operations on medium to large workpieces. With a 16-inch swing capacity over the bed and 60-inch distance between centers, this machine accommodates a wide range of turning, boring, and threading applications. The lathe features a dual-speed spindle capability at 1760/870 RPM, selectable via back gear engagement, providing both high-speed finishing operations and low-speed, high-torque heavy roughing cuts. The three-jaw chuck enables quick workpiece clamping for efficient setup and changeover. Powered by a 220-volt, three-phase, 60 Hz motor, this lathe delivers robust performance suitable for production and tool room environments. Manual speed adjustment is accomplished through belt and pulley manipulation within the gearbox, allowing operators to optimize cutting parameters for different materials and operations. The machine incorporates both power carriage feed and power cross-feed capabilities controlled by lever-actuated systems, with adjustable feed rates to accommodate various turning and facing operations. The gearbox features precision-cut gears and ground shafts for maximum accuracy and quiet operation, while the lead screw includes annular ball and precision thrust bearings to eliminate end play. The headstock is hand-scraped to ensure accurate spindle alignment, and special quality alloy steel construction throughout provides rigidity necessary for carbide tooling and heavy cuts. Conveniently positioned controls minimize operator fatigue while maintaining the precision required for both large awkward jobs and small detailed work.