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Conversion to Metal Lathe Kit
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Last 109 Model

In 1935 the first Craftsman wood-turning lathe with a comprehensive metal-turning kit was marketed. With many similarities to the following year's metal-turning lathe (made by Atlas) this was a very different machine in comparison with the cheaper lathes in the range.
The kit was very comprehensive and included a leadscrew, changewheels, tumble reverse assembly, a proper carriage, compound slide rest and a complete backgear assembly that, in conjunction with the 8-speed countershaft, gave the lathe 16 very useful speeds  from a low of 28 to a high of 2540 rpm. The only drawback was that by the time the complete kit was fitted, and the lathe upgraded, the price exceeded that of the contemporary metal-turning lathe by more than 50%..

1935 12-inch wood-turning lathe fitted with the complete metal-lathe conversion kit.

Wood-turning lathe headstock equipped with backgear to provide low speeds for large-diameter metal turning and screwcutting.

Part of the Screwcutting Attachment - the changewheels, guard and electrical switch.

The rest of the screwcutting conversion - twin-arm banjo to carry the changewheels, tumble-reverse mechanism and the left-hand leadscrew hanger bracket and leadscrew itself.

The full carriage for the conversion to a metal lathe.
A choice of two slide rests was offered - a simple cross slide and combined tool post, or a compound slide rest - illustrated below.

The two tool slides which fitted the full carriage model.
Top: the compound slide with swivelling top slide.
Below: the simple cross slide with integral tool post.

Fixed steady (with, surprisingly, screw-feed adjustable fingers) and the thread-dial indicator.

Self-contained countershaft  unit and motor bracket

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E-MAIL   Tony@lathes.co.uk

Conversion to Metal Lathe Kit
  Craftsman 9" & 12"   Dunlap   Craftsman AA109   Craftsman Model 80
Early Craftsman 6"    Craftsman 6" Mk. 2
Craftsman Home Page   Conversion to Metal Lathe Kit