This large and ancient metal lathe is located in Lookout, California, in Lassen County, Big Valley.
This is in the boonies of Northern CA.
The label reads:
The Hendey Machine Co. Torrington Conn. U.S.A.
The size is as follows:
Swing over bed: 18"
Swing over carriage: unknown
Chuck diameter: unknown
Bed length: 10 feet
It may have been built in the 1905-1920 era, from what I've learned so far.
It has a full feed/threading gearbox.
It is equipped with at least parts of a taper attachment.
The original drive, which may have been a lineshaft or an electric motor is long gone. In its place, a modern 1HP motor with an unknown number of poles drives the conehead through a three-speed automotive transmission and a flat belt to the spindle cone. The owner says the motor will start the spindle in anything but highest gear.
It is owned by a fine older gentleman named Willie. He owns a LARGE property full of old tractors, cars, trucks, bulldozers and vehicles of varied and sundry description.
This lathe was still in occasional use. I expect that it could be restored to its former glory by a man willing and able to put a LOT of time and/or money into it. I plan to buy it some day, assuming Willie gets tired of it at some point.
More info on Hendey lathes:
www.lathes.co.uk/hendey/page18.html