Craftsman Nine Inch Wood Lathe

Operating Instructions

Important Lubrication

The two oilers in the headstock should be lubricated frequently with light machine oil to ensure maximum life of the bearings. The tailstock spindle and screw should be oiled occasionally.

Setup and General Operation

Each Craftsman lathe is packed in a separate crate, with the motor and any extra attachments packed separately. Carefully check all papers during unpacking to ensure no parts are missed.

This lathe is designed for use with a 1725 R.P.M. motor, providing four speeds: 714, 1305, 2287, and 3952 R.P.M. Using the smallest step on the motor pulley results in the slowest speed.

For setup, use a good sturdy, level table. If the legs do not rest at all points, place shims or washers under them. Clamp the lathe securely to the bench with lag screws or machine bolts. Failure to do so may result in a twisted bed.

The motor rotation direction must be clockwise when facing the pulley end. If it is otherwise, use the other end of a double-end motor or reverse the direction according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the motor pulley on the shaft with the smallest step toward the motor and tighten the set screw. Align the motor pulley with the spindle pulley so the large step on one corresponds with the small step on the other. Use a long straight-edge for accurate alignment. Adjust belt tension until it is just tight enough to prevent slipping, then clamp the motor securely. Excessive belt tightness can lead to undue wear on the bearings.

Wood Turning

Mounting Between Centers: For work like table legs, locate the center points by drawing diagonal lines across the ends. Make two saw cuts, about 1/8" deep, at the headstock end where the grooves will intersect at the center. For hardwood, drill a small hole (approx. 1/8") at each end for center points. Drive the spur center into the saw-cuts with a mallet. Never force the work against the spur center by advancing the tailstock.

Mount the spur center in the headstock and the cup center in the tailstock. Set the work against the spur center and bring the tailstock up close to the end of the piece. Clamp the tailstock securely to the bed. Screw the cup center into the work using the hand-wheel until it provides a firm bearing. Revolve the work by hand to check for free turning. Apply a few drops of oil on the rim of the cup center.

Beginners should practice on scrap stock. The tool rest should be set parallel with the work and at a height where the turning chisel makes a slight angle with the horizontal, with the cutting edge slightly above center. (See Figure 1: Diagram showing the correct angle for a cutting tool, with the cutting edge slightly above center.) Clamp the tool rest slide firmly and tighten the tool rest clamp screw. Always revolve the work by hand to check clearance after setting the tool rest. Never adjust the tool rest while the lathe is running.

Use the slowest speed for starting and higher speeds for finishing. Generally, the tool motion should be parallel with the grain. Cut from the center toward the ends of cylindrical work. Move the tool rest forward as the work diameter decreases.

Gouge Chisel: Used to "rough down" stock to slightly larger than its maximum finished diameter. The ground face should be flat or slightly curved outward, never hollow ground. Hone the gouge freehand until a feather edge is felt, then remove it lightly on the inside with a slip stone.

Figures 4A and 4B show the proper method of holding the large gouge chisel. Grasp firmly, one hand on the handle, the other on the blade just behind the tool rest. Move the gouge evenly along the work, with the point ahead of the handle end. Take light cuts at slower speeds, especially when the stock is irregular. Figure 4C shows an incorrect position that quickly dulls the cutting edge and can cause rough work or split the stock.

Parting Tool: Used for sizing cuts and cutting off waste ends. It is a double wedge, wide at the center for clearance. The point is ground to be on the exact center line of the tool. Figure 5 illustrates its use for cutting grooves. Cut grooves nearly as deep as the finish diameter, allowing 1/16" to 3/32" for finishing. Do not cut too deep. Figure 6 shows the correct tool position for parting.

Skew Chisel: Used for finishing straight and convex work. The cutting edge is angled, and both side faces are ground to permit cuts to both right and left. Figures 7 and 8 show the proper way to hold the skew chisel. Lift the handle enough to allow the edge to cut, so the lower ground side rubs lightly on the work, preventing "hogging-in". For long work, an 18" Hand Tool Rest is convenient (See Figure 3: Diagram showing the setup for wood turning between centers, with a spur center in the headstock and a cup center in the tailstock).

Flat Work (e.g., Lamp Bases): Mount on the face plate using small flat-head wood screws inserted from the back through provided holes. If screws might project, glue the work to a backing piece of soft wood. Use paper between the backing and work for easier separation. (See Figure 2: Diagram illustrating mounting work on a face plate using wood screws.)

For facing operations like hollowing bowls, set the tool rest parallel with the face. The face plate threads accommodate both right and left-hand threads for turning large flat work that cannot fit over the bed.

For finishing and sanding, use a speed one step faster than general turning, but not so fast as to burn the wood. Never wrap sandpaper around the work. Tear paper into strips and hold the ends only, or hold one end and the other against the bottom of the work with fingers. Hold paper lightly. Always remove the entire tool rest before sanding.

Indexing

The spindle pulley has 60 indexing holes engaged by a knurled pin on the upper right end of the headstock. These are useful for spacing, fluting, reading, etc.

Indexing Table

Wood Turning Speeds in R.P.M.

Metal Turning

This lathe can be adapted for metal turning by equipping it with the compound tool rest.

When preparing work for insertion between centers, locate the center points with dividers. Drill holes using a centering tool to accommodate the centers. Slip a dog over one end and insert between 60-degree metal-turning centers using the face plate for driving. (See Figure 9: Diagram illustrating the setup for metal turning, showing the compound tool rest positioned for a cut.)

With the compound tool rest in the extreme right-hand position, clamp the carriage to the bed so the tool is to the right of the cutting point. Set the tool holder so the tool bit is on center (see cuts below). Clamp securely. To take a cut parallel with the work, feed the cross feed handle to the desired depth and use the longitudinal feed handle to take the cut. For facing operations (cuts at right angles to the spindle), use the cross feed for feeding and the longitudinal feed for setting depth. Important: Use only the slowest speed and take light cuts. (These slower speeds can be obtained via the Jackshaft, sold separately.) For long, slender work, the Steady Rest (available in the catalog) is invaluable for preventing chatter and springing.

Cutting Tool Bits

For unskilled workers, purchasing pre-formed tools is recommended. Tool bits are not expensive and offer a satisfactory solution. The angle of the cutting tool to the work varies by metal hardness. Figures 11, 12, and 13 show general proper angles for different metals: Brass or Soft Metal (Fig. 11), Mild Steel or Cast Iron (Fig. 12), and Carbon Steel (Fig. 13).

Cutting speed also varies by metal and cut type. Brass can be cut faster than steel, and a light cut is faster than a heavy one.

Adjusting Spindle End Play

If end play develops in the spindle, loosen the set screws in the collars on the left end of the spindle. Secure the collar adjacent to the headstock bearing until snug against the headstock face. Bring the other collar against the first and tighten both set screws securely. Important: Do not tighten so much that the spindle binds when turned by hand.

Parts List and Ordering

How to Order Parts for Craftsman 9-Inch Wood Lathe

All parts listed can be ordered through any Sears retail store or the mail order store serving your territory. When ordering, always provide:

1. Part number
2. Part name and price
3. Model number (101.06242, found on the rear bed plate)

All Parts Are Shipped Prepaid

Headstock Parts

Tailstock Parts

Hand Tool Rest Parts

Miscellaneous Parts

Compound Tool Rest Parts Assembly

Sample Order:

Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Enclosed find my check for $3.20 for which please send me by parcel post the following parts for my Craftsman Bench Lathe, Model Number 101.06242:

1 each L2-53 Tool Post Slide $2.75
1 each L2-18 Clamp .45
Total $3.20

Yours truly,
John Marten,
Box 128, Richmond, Ind.

Note: All Prices Are Subject to Change Without Notice.

Notice: This is NOT a packing slip. The parts shown and listed include accessories that are not necessarily part of this tool. Standard parts, such as bolts, nuts, washers, etc., are not listed above as such parts can be obtained locally. On assemblies such as the headstock assembly, only the complete assembly can be supplied at the price shown. Variations from standard assemblies cost more to make than savings from omitting parts.