Can anyone help identify this Lathe?

[AceOfHearts]

I have just bought this lathe and would like to find out a bit of history / information on it as it is obviously old although in great condition. Can anyone here help identify it? It doesn't have any obvious markings unless they are underneath.

[AceOfHearts]

MDMA . said:

ianrb said:

Does your wife know that you've got that in the living room?

Sorry, no help.

presuming he is married

looks like there is a plaque on the top box, any info on there ?

Fiancee but she is coming home tonight so will see the reaction. She is used to it though I think:




I will have another look later for markings and report back. It did come with a load of cutting tools, knurling tool, a box of gears and a 4 jaw chuck + extras. So ill get a picture of all that in case it helps. The previous owner was under the impression it was American. Not bad for £100 I think. Need to sort out the dangerous wiring though!

[AceOfHearts]

Thanks that website has loads of info but definitely makes the task more daunting!

The motor is Delco Remy (?) But i doubt is the original for the lathe. There is a a space for a plaque on the front of a lathe but it has been removed Biggest clue so far is that I cleaned up the chucks and both are F.Pratt and Co. but reading online it looks like their chucks were more common than their lathes.

Any more thoughts. I will hopefully get a chance to give it a good clean up at the weekend and look for any more markings.

[AceOfHearts]

Thanks guys I will take a look. Yes this came with loads of cutting tools, screw cutting gears, knurling tool, chucks etc so should keep me going for a while. I need to re-wire the motor though as it is currently quite dangerous (speaker wire!)

Edited by AceOfHearts on Tuesday 28th June 23:08

[AceOfHearts]

Bit more info, I would assume it is European as the cross slide moves 2.5mm per revolution.

Another forum has mentioned it looks like a Zyto lathe but I am not too sure as all of te pictures I can find have differences and Zyto cast into the main body.

[AceOfHearts]

Slightly off topic but I also got this Smiths hand held tacho from the same guy which I thought was a nice little bit of kit.

[AceOfHearts]

I think Zombeh is onto a winner!

I did a search for Portass lathes on google and found this picture:



Not sure what model it is but thank you all for your help so far

[AceOfHearts]

Ta da!

http://www.lathes.co.uk/portass-s/