Author Topic: Eclipse Lathe  (Read 3966 times)

Offline NormanV

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Eclipse Lathe
« on: April 08, 2013, 08:44:26 AM »
I recently bought an Eclipse lathe that has been "well" used. Although it is a substantially built machine it lacked rigidity and the top of the compound slide was only 10mm below centre height which made the mounting of tools very tricky. I obtained a block of cast iron and labouriously machined it down (.3mm per cut) to replace the compound slide and mounted a quick change toolpost. This has transformed the lathe I can now take much heavier cuts without chatter. I am very happy with my modification, I can always refit the compound slide if I wish to machine a taper. I know it is a very simple job that I have done but I am very pleased with the result. The next task is to make new nuts for the leadscrew and crossslide as they are very worn. Attached are before and after photos.
Norman