Hi from NW London

[irving2008]

Hi all,

Relative newbie to 'machining', but seem to have acquired 3 lathes in as many months, all in need of some restoration. I have a 'big' one, a 4.5 x 18 Relmac c1924, a 3.5 x 12 Gamages (badged Portass S) c1955 and a Lorch Schmidt 100mm x 400mm c1913.

I last used a lathe in anger 30y ago so this is a bit of a baptism of fire but had some useful help from the PracticalMachinist US forum.

My interests are mainly in manufacturing bits for the car (suspension parts etc) and a few other projects I have in mind. Have an interest in CNC and by profession I am an IT professional with a strong software and hardware background so quite handy with electronics design, PCB design & layout, soldering iron and PIC programmer - although current projects use the FreeScale ColdFire devices as they are automotive related.

Biggest problem... not enough hours in the day and my family think I am 'sad' playing with 'that stuff in the garage' (mind you they said I was obsessed with my car too, doh!)

Looking for lathe experts in NW London and local places that can straighten spindles and supply new bearings.... all ideas gratefully received.

Irving...

My 'toys'