The Old Machine

1920 American Speed Lathe

American Wood Working Machinery Co. - No. 12 Speed Lathe
Circa 1920

Several months ago a friend tipped me off about this machine. It was going for a low price but was over 7 hours away. Finally I was able to go and get it - a decision I don’t regret in the least. It is a great machine - 12″ swing with a 72″ bed, 4 speed on-the-fly speed control, direct-drive.

While at the seller’s house it started raining heavily right when we started pulling wires off. A 4×8 piece of plywood kept it at bay for a little while.

The lathe being unloaded at home.

Cutting and labeling wires in the rain.