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Smart & Brown  Model A Lathe
Model M Mk. 2   Model M Mk. 1  Model A    Sabel    Model 1024  Model L

Smart and Brown concentrated on toolroom-class lathes. Their early post-WW2 designs leant heavily on German G.Boley practice - their very first lathe believed to be the 1946  M-Type - but they quickly developed a range of  indigenously designed machines that found favour in toolrooms and research departments all over the world. All Smart & Brown lathes were superbly finished, built to the very highest standards and included many thoughtful touches to help the operator.
In these pages are basic details of the entire Smart & Brown range; the Model A, 1042, Model M,  Model L and the best-ever copy of the popular South Bend 9-inch lathe, the lovely little "Sabel" model.

Early Smart & Brown Model A Mk 1 4.5" x 18" (118 mm x 508 mm) circa 1947 - 1957
Like all the larger toolroom S & B lathes the speed-change gearbox of the model A was mounted inside the base of the cast-iron cabinet stand and the drive transmitted smoothly to the plain-bearing headstock by a flat belt. The apron contained an automatic oil pump whilst the headstock bearings, and gear drive to the screwcutting gearbox, were lubricated by a hand pump - the plunger handle of which can be seen protruding through the headstock cover.
The maximum collet capacity was 0.75" (19 mm), the spindle nose was 1.75" x 8 t.p.i and the headstock bore 63/64" (25 mm). The centres were No. 2 Morse taper, the 12 spindle speeds ranged from 39 to 1430 rpm. and the machine weighed 1736 lbs.
Pictures showing the Model A in greater detail HERE

Smart & Brown Model A Mk 2 4.5" x 18" (118 mm x 508 mm)
The Mk. 2 Model A, announced in 1958, was initially supplied on the original style of stand (above). By 1961 it had been provided with improved electrical controls and fitted to a stand with much cleaner lines.
The Mk 2 was a thoroughly reworked machine, with the apron and tailstock being almost completely redesigned.

A rare glimpse inside the factory's development department as it was in the summer of 1968. Although little can be seen of the machine tools the fact that the staff are wearing crisp white shirts and ties tells you a lot about the era.

Above and below: a Mk. 2 Smart & Brown Model A

Smart and Brown Model A Mk2
An interior view of the the beautifully constructed apron with built-in oil pump

Smart & Brown Model A motor installation


Home    Machine Tool Archive    Machine Tools For Sale & Wanted
Tony@lathes.co.uk


Smart & Brown  Model A Lathe
Model M Mk. 2   Model M Mk. 1  Model A    Sabel    Model 1024  Model L