Sold: Simonet Precision Swiss Capstan Lathe
Simonet Precision Swiss Capstan Lathe. This is a high-quality, Swiss-made compact machine of Myford/Boxford size in full working order. It's driven by a 2-speed, reversible 3-phase motor (complete with a 3-phase variable-speed inverter) through an intermediate 2-speed gearbox with integral countershaft fitted with a 3-step pulley that gives 24 spindle speeds. It has very substantial headstock bearings (and a T-slot above the front bearing that allows the fitting of a tool slide). The lathe is mounted on an adapted Myford ML8 cabinet stand fitted with castors for ease of movement - the original cast iron stand (seriously heavy) is available if wanted. The reason for using another stand is that the original, while providing rigid support, offered precious little storage space.The 6-station capstan/turret is auto indexing and has the usual stops to limit stroke. The lathe comes with various simple capstan tooling (it takes tooling with ¾ inch shanks, but I have found 5/8 inch shank tools can be sleeved-up with seamless steel tubing suitably machined - some is supplied - and works just as well.) I used it solely for making brass knurled nuts and that is the tooling shown (note – the knurling tool shown is incorrect – the correct one by C.Taylor of Birmingham is shown separately). It has a lever-operated cut-off slide with the original rear toolpost and a modified Myford rear toolpost at the front. Fitted with lever-operated collet closer and it comes with an extensive range of Imperial collets (Brown and Sharpe, Murad, Crawford, Hardinge) mainly for rounds but with some squares and some hexagons, plus a box full of duplicates and another box with various drill holders. Apologies for the overall views photos – could not get far enough back to get decent shots and the background clutter has (mostly) been edited out! Located in Sheffield – collection only. £895 or offers. For more information etc. contact peter@smithurst.org.