Gunsmithing Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

[jaychris]

I'm looking at a Monarch 10EE lathe and right now, all I have to go on is a pic and a S/N. I have been trying to do some research on what the specs for this guy might be, just based off of other Monarch lathes that look the same, and it looks to me to be a 10"x20". It's a pretty long drive to get where it is and I was hoping to have a pretty good idea about whether it will do what I want it to before making a trip.

I am looking for something to do barrel chambering and other light machine work. I want to chamber through the headstock, but I don't know what the spindle bore on something like this might be.

I'm hoping that some of the lathe experts here with a lot more knowledge of older lathes than I have might be able to look at the pic and tell me something about it.

EDIT: The only mention I have found regarding spindle bore is 1 13/32 (a little over 1.4"), which I think would work, but I don't know if that varied among 10EE models/sizes.

 

[671RTO9513]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

I used to operate one of those about 20 years ago. They're a good stout little machine but I don't remember the spindle bore size.
It's a variable speed that I think was done electrically so you may want to have that checked out because that may run into some money if it has problems.
It all depends how much work it's done.

 

[RADcustom]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

You will want a 4 jaw chuck too.

 

[royboy]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

Most people who have these love them.
I looked at one but it was just toooooo heavy to move.

 

[TCA4570]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

Try and get some better pics of the front Vee.
It may be really worn on the front one.
Tailstock doesn't look like it has moved in years.
Where is the solid stop?
There appears to be a mark for it.

Depends on how far to pick-up, and what you can tell by just looking at a pic.

Big knobs lead me to believe there may be belts or change pulleys under that cover to the left.

Three jaw chuck is cleaner than the rest of the machine.

Top jaws appear to be aluminum.
Check US Shop tools for parts.

Basic iron can't be beat.

I ran a couple Monarch CNC mills and they were like tanks.
Only lathe was like the red-headed step child. (manual)

Royboy.
Usually cheaper to buy than move!
That is why some go for scrap prices.

 

[671RTO9513]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

The gauge tells you the RPM and the knob below and left a little is twisted to increase/decrease the speed. The small lever to the left of the spindle is stop/go. At least that's how I remember it (been a long time...)

 

[cav has been]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

Double E's are a variable speed lathe. They used at least three different drive systems depending on vintage. It's a bit late and my assisdraggin otherwise I would brave the blizzard and hike up to my shop and measure the spindle bore on mine. From your pictures it would appear that this one has some differences in the controls from mine. Just gotta love 4000# of American iron though.

 

[jaychris]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I'm trying to get more information before I decide to make a trip.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

what was said about the electronics is purty important. Most of the Monarchs are a solid state type drive, you aren't going to find parts for those everywhere. If you do make the drive, make sure it is under power and available for you to run thru the paces.

On the good side, very stiff and strong machine, a if not worn out, holds tolerances well and cuts good. I've been looking for a good one now for a while. Found a clean local one, very very little use, on a large oak pallet. Owner couldn't wire it up, wouldn't guarantee it would run. Ten k, I walked, not worth the headache or risk.

There are some machines out there with a more modern drive, that doesn't look like one. Most of the spindle bores are 1 13/32".

You might also look for a Hardinge lathe, a little bigger spindle bore, very tight machines. Also high dollar, in demand.

 

[cav has been]

Re: Help Identifying Monarch Lathe

Older EE's had an ac motor turning a dc generator driving a dc motor to get the variable drive. Mine is that type. 1949 vintage. A bit noisy but very trouble free. Almost instant stop and reversal with out a brake.