Not Razor related, but really want to know about this lathe!

I agree that the tooling looks like its designed for cutting steel. I was once offered a job at the LIRR in the machine shop, because they were looking for people to replace the retirees, and nobody young had any clue how to run the machine for truing the wheels for the cars. At least thats what i was told. And thats what I thought of when I saw this big puppy. That maybe it was for working big wheels.

Im still unsure about it, and will continue to research, for no other reason than my curiosity demands it.

MY 2 cents.... It is for making large gear casting patterns. A pizza shop I used to go to had 10 or so patterns hanging on the wall. With all those holes they could layout the teeth, spokes, and circles and then spin the circumference to precision specs. Hows that for a guess :<0)

I did some more poking around on the net and see that this lathe has been discussed several times on another forum, notibly the practicalmachinist who would likely have some keen gents with knowlege about big iron machinery.

Skimming through the posts it appears they think it might be a one off item. Purpose built rather than for general use. Anyone interested might want to check out this thread: Cast Iron Pattern Lathe - Boston CL

I don't think we'll ever know what it really was meant to do.... which is a real pity.

Whether it is for wood patterns or direct metal lathing, we may never know.
One thing to think about though is the dimensions of the stock it can work on. What is metal, 72 feet in diameter, less than 12 inches thick, and has a center hole of at least 8 inches? Answer that question and you will know what it is used for.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by criswilson10

What is metal, 72 feet in diameter, less than 12 inches thick, and has a center hole of at least 8 inches? Answer that question and you will know what it is used for.

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72'? :p

I know you meant 72".... I'm just having a touch of fun at your expense!