Photo Index - L. Robbins - 11" Swing Speed Lathe

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
L. Robbins
Worcester, MA

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Wood
Machine Size:	11 x 30"
Submitted By:	Donald Rogers

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	11" Swing Speed Lathe
Date of Manufacturer:	late 1800's
Serial Number:
Last Updated	1/16/2005 10:41:15 AM

Comments:

I bought this small lathe on Ebay. The legs have the name L. Robbins, Worcester, Mass. cast into the crosspiece. The bearings, which are in excellent condition, are phosphor bronze. This lathe is listed in their 1894 catalog which is owned by the Worcester Museum. I also own a lathe made by the P. Blaisdell Co. from Worcester, Mass. The casting and milling of the beds are almost identical. The beds of both machines, have raised rails milled into the top of the bed. Both the head and tailstock have grooves milled into them, and glide smoothly along the bed, with the rails holding them very straight. I have never seen this in any other wood lathe. Since both these companies were in Worcester at the same time, I wonder if they were connected in some way. Both this lathe and the Blaisdell will be running very soon. I produce colonial reproduction furniture, and the legs are produced on vintage machines. I recently bought the Blaisdell lathe from Mark Vinbury who has already posted pictures.

Photo 1:

Comments: L. Robbins Lathe
Source: digital camera

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Photo 2:

Comments:
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Photo 3:

Comments: Lathe after restoration - The powder coated grey is matches the grey found under the black paint.
Source:

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