Seneca Falls 12″ Metal Lathe
July 17, 2007 – 1:20 pmModel: 12″ Quick Change Engine Lathe
Circa: 1915
I purchased this lathe from a gentleman in Lodi, CA who’s father originally had and used the lathe. It is thought to have come from a factory in Lodi that made ‘re-treads’ for tires in the 50’s. I am going to use this lathe to make and repair parts for my wood working machines.
The machine sits on the cast iron ’special legs’ and has the rarer gear box that lets you change the lead screw feed speed easily. I believe it is one of if not the most robust machine that the company made. It has the distinct handwheels instead of the normal ‘faucet’ handles which also stands out.
It is in good running condition with a 3 horse 3 phase motor running to a jackshaft/truck transmission. I plan on doing away with this setup and going to a flat belt step pulley mounted above the machine from the wall.
The lathe came with a few cutters, a 12″ 3-jaw chuck, a tapering attachment, lantern style tool stand and the original adjustment wrenches. It also has a cross feed stop. The overall machine width counting the gearbox is around 80″, much larger than I thought.
7 Responses to “Seneca Falls 12″ Metal Lathe”
What a man! What a lathe!
By Your Wife on Aug 13, 2007
My father has had an old seneca falls lathe with the “STAR” trade mark for 50 years. The last patent date is Jan 11, 1910. I can’t find any other numbers on it. I have taken some pictures and would like to know if this is still a useable piece of equipment that we should sell as such or are people out there who research the old equipment for archives? He is getting older and would like someone who would appreciate it own it.
Thank you for your time.
Tamara Bloom
By Tamara Bloom on Aug 29, 2007
I have a seneca lathe also.
I beleive it is much the same lathe.
It has a pan under the lathe, betwene the
lathe and legs.
Mine looks very much the same, and is in exelent condition.
I would like more close up pictures.
I could also send som pic,s of mine.
I hope to hear from you.
Dan Spohn
dan.spohn@comcast.net
By Dan Spohn on Jan 14, 2008
Hi,
I recently acquired a Seneca lathe- looks similar to yours.
I’m in the process of getting it out of the sellers property and have to dismantle it for the move. Would you have any knowledge or a manual to show assembly or disassembly?
I’ve got pics to share too.
Not very much info on the net for Seneca lathes only the UK one which doesn’t show pictures such as yours.
Would like to hear from you.
Reuben
By Reuben Y. on Feb 15, 2008
I have a metal lathe number 6 sept 21,
seven & 1/2 long with castron legs and heavy,
the motor is about two foot above the chucks
By tom on Jun 1, 2008
Hi,
I recently acquired a star lathe which looks similar–possibly identical–to yours. I was wondering if you had any information on the value of this particular piece of equipment? Mine’s a bit dirty, but still in full working order.
Thanks! You can reply to the email I registered this comment with.
~SK
By S.K. on Aug 11, 2008
I Have an old metal lathe made by Kidd Iron Works in Rochester, NY. Seems to be in working order, and lots of parts and cutting tools. Trying to find more info on it. Any suggestions?
By Tim Dunham on Aug 17, 2008