I though about that, but would be really hard to machine the bearings when the lathe is in bits, you would also need to machine a new spindle. This lathe replaced an old Advance lathe built back in the 20's, had split cast iron bearings in the head, adjusted with a bolt, had a lead screw to move the carriage for and aft, this is what wore out and was going to cost in excess of $1000 to have a new lead screw and block nut made.Just going back a bit to when you fitted the taper bearings.
I have not seen anyone going the other way and fitting solid phos bronze ones.
You may laugh and scoff at what looks like a step back in time, but when you see the results from plain bearings, you wouldn't.
I noticed straight away when I uprated my Atlas 10F to a Timken head from a plain bearing one. With plain bearings you could get finishes like they had been ground then chrome plated, they were fantastic, with the head with bearings, they come out like most machines nowadays, where you are chasing a better surface finish.
If ever I went to decorative work, the first thing I would do would be to pick up a mini lathe and fit solid bearings.
Not trying to deflect the post, just attempting to show people that sometimes we go backwards when going forwards.
John
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