Photo Index - Enterprise Co. - 4-speed wood lathe, model unidentified

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Enterprise Co.
Columbiana, OH

True Manufacturer:
Enterprise Co., Columbiana, OH

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Wood
Machine Size:	10" x 48"
Submitted By:	D.L. (Larry) Felton

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	4-speed wood lathe, model unidentified
Date of Manufacturer:
Serial Number:
Last Updated	12/9/2016 12:51:31 PM

Comments:

This wood lathe was posted for sale in the Vintage Machinery classified ads on 12/1/2016. When I could find no other examples of The Enterprise Company wood lathes mentioned in the VM Manufacturers Index, I contacted Susan Kahler (AstraGal), who posted the ad; she graciously gave me permission to use her photos and description in this index entry. I subsequently updated this entry with additional photographs and details Susan provided during later email discussions.

Ad Title: Enterprise wood lathe in good working condition
Manufactured By: Enterprise Co.
Price: US $300.00
Item Location: Columbus, Ohio

Item Description:
"This is an Enterprise Company wood lathe in good working condition. Can handle up to 10" x 48" stock. Was gang-shaft driven but converted to a 1 1/2 hp General Electric 110V single-phase motor many years ago. Machine works well and comes with several face plates and tool rests, as seen in the pictures. No chuck - it was never used with one. It has been used in a contractor shop in Columbus, Ohio, for at least 50 years. Leather belts are in very good shape. It is extremely heavy (400-500 lbs?) and will require you bring help and equipment to move it. Dollies can go with lathe if needed for an extra $20. The shop has a loading dock."

Approximate Dimensions and Weight:
Length = 6'
Width = 2'
Height = 4'
Weight = 400-500 lbs?

Dec. 3, 2016 - Additional information from correspondence with Susan Kahler:
"...The lever does just shift the belts, which has to be done on the fly. My evidence for it being gang-shaft driven is the guy who owns it (part of his 110+ year-old family company) watched the guys who removed it from the gang shaft and adapted it, years ago.... They had (still do) a wood shop/mill in Columbus, Ohio, run on a gang shaft, until the day a young OSHA official came in for an inspection and about had a heart attack.

He has great stories about how they would hone their lathe tools and pocket knives right there on the gang belts and how you had to count to time it so the belt knuckle wouldn't fling the tool out of your hand. There are still red and green marks on the wall from the rouge they used on the belt. He has spent many hours on that lathe, but just doesn't do big spindle work any more. We have an Atlas duplicator and several midis that will do everything we need to do nowadays.

He also has a huge old band saw... and several other old machines like saw filers and stuff - two of which are still run by the original Packard motors. Very cool. It's pretty much a working tool museum...."

Photo 1:

Comments: Front; details of belt change lever, badge.
Source: Photos from Susan Kahler

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Photo 2:

Comments: Headstock details
Source: Photos from Susan Kahler

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Photo 3:

Comments: Rear w/ belt cover open, detail of belt change mechanism.
Source: Photos from Susan Kahler

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Photo 4:

Comments: Drive mechanism & motor (modern)
Source: Photos from Susan Kahler

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Photo 5:

Comments: Cabinet under right end of bed.
Source: Photos from Susan Kahler

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Photo 6:

Comments: Tailstock & accessories
Source: Photos from Susan Kahler

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