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Some Of My Watch Lathes

david
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david WRT Addict

david

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Beaklini,

I will be glad to answer any questions you have if I can. If you are thinking of purchasing one of these machines keep in mind that without accessories they will not be useful tools. Also keep in mind that the primary function of a watchmaker lathe is to turn extremely tiny pivots which they do well. Watchmaker lathes were designed to make watch parts and do not do as well with heavier cuts and larger parts.  

 The old German and American companies that manufactured these machines have long since gone out of business or, in the case of Derbyshire and Levin, switched to strictly making instrument lathes.

Instrument lathes are  larger, heavier, more powerful, more accurate and more expensive than watchmaker lathes. The motor on my Levin is larger than a watchmaker lathe.  

There are also  machines like Taig and Sherline  that are a larger size than watchmaker lathes which can have some useful applications making less precise parts  but are more along the line of desktop hobby toys.  

david

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david
david

I have been collecting and restoring these machines since 1970. david

RCDesign
RCDesign

Ok, here are some pictures of the lathes i use at the moment!   The lathe I use the most, Boley/Leinen Reform     A sturdy Boley used mainly for lapping details on w

Geo
Geo

I thought these photos would turn a head or two.   I'd like to know what's in the Leica box!

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JewelryEndeavors New Member

JewelryEndeavors

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On 12/16/2016 at 10:25 AM, Tmuir said:

I would personally love if you started a thread on how to restore these old lathes.

I own a BTM lathe that I was given some 30 years ago when I was 13 which could do with a strip down and service before I start to use it and would love a thread covering the basics on cleaning and restoring lathes like this.

Ok, David, just need your address where the lathes are! If a break in occurs in the next few weeks, don’t worry, they went to a good loving home! LOL

OMG this is a crazy collection you have, brother!!!! Hope your family appreciate it when you’re gone!!!!

 Thank you so much for sharing such a great collection!

 If you could post any opinion on Prazima Andra vs Boley quality, it would be great! I’ve noticed the Andra ones are way more expensive but has never heard of them up to a few weeks ago. I see you have a few Boley ones.

 And the idea of starting a thread in restoring these jewel machines is awesome too!! 100% approved!!!

Thanks again!

Edson
jewelry endeavors tampa fl

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