1950s Boxford model B lathe restoration

The Renaissance of a Boxford Model B Lathe: A Journey from Forgotten to Flawless"

Why, you might ask, did I set my sights on a Boxford Model B Lathe? Well, fate, Facebook, and a fortunate find played their parts. The lathe was nearby, sensibly priced, and just the companion I needed for my initiation into the world of chip-turning. And its state? Far from perfect, but perfect for the grand revival planned on my YouTube channel, where we celebrate the beauty of restoration.

Part 1 on Youtube

Dismantling Dance: The first step in this grand adventure was a methodical dance of dismantling the lathe piece by piece, treating each part of the machine as an individual module – the head, the main shaft, the gearbox, to name a few. This approach transforms an overwhelming task into a series of small, tangible victories. During the teardown, I kept a keen eye out, noting each flaw, such as the motor plate's missing lug – a casualty of past use – and marked it for repair. Then, each component bathed in a cleansing ritual involving alcohol or another cleaning agent, leaving me with a workbench proudly laden with parts primed for renewal.

Cataloguing Components: As the components lay bare, a laundry list of necessities began to unfold. Undercoat, topcoat, tool post, and the DRO unit were among the items on my shopping expedition. Some parts required the heat of creation – I was to become both shopper and blacksmith, sourcing and crafting what this project demanded.

Prepping for Perfection: The lathe's side door presented itself in a sorry state, filled past the brim with filler and dotted with battle scars. It was time to strip it down to its aluminum essence, reconditioning it until it required only the slightest filler touch-ups. This same dedication to the art of preparation applied to every piece, ensuring that when the time came for painting, each surface was a blank canvas awaiting transformation.

Part 2 here

Gearing Up for Challenges: The heart of the lathe – the gears – had suffered a toothless fate, likely from overzealous chuck-removal attempts resulting in dental distress. With patience akin to that of a master watchmaker, I replaced the missing teeth, embedding pins for bronze weld to grip, and painstakingly shaping them back to their original glory.

Rebuilding with Reverence: With the painting phase complete, the joy of reconstruction took center stage. Gears, shafts, and levers found their places with ceremonial precision. The marriage of carriage to apron was secured with bolts of unwavering commitment, a union made to last.

Digitizing the Read-Out: The DRO – my nod to the digital age – brings a bounty of benefits, allowing zeros to be set with ease and offering a reliable visual reference for even the most intricate tasks.

Part 3 here

Circuitous Undertakings: Rewiring the lathe was less a chore and more an exercise in resurrecting its electrical spirit. From a dubious 13-amp plug setup, the lathe's circuits were reborn, culminating in a new switch and a refreshed motor with its own shield against the invasion of metal swarf.

Tailoring the Tool Post: A modern quick-change tool post promised efficiency, but not without some custom tweaks – an endeavor happily penciled in as one of the lathe's first new tasks.

Mending the Motor Mount: When adversity struck in the form of a broken motor mount lug, it wasn't the time for despair but for ingenuity. A new lug, born from steel and toil, rose from the ashes, adding to the story of this machine's rebirth.

Part 4 here

Admiring the Masterpiece: Now, as I stand before the finished Boxford Model B Lathe, it’s hard to contain the pride. It stands resplendent, the embodiment of precision and reliability – a testament to the path from neglect to respect.

And that’s the tale, dear friends and fellow crafters! Every worn gear, every stroke of paint, each turn of the wrench contributes to the narrative. Follow along with Mend Make Rejuvenate for more stories of transformation and join our community of renewal. And now, for the next chapter, click these delightful links! 😜🔗

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