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 Muller Lathe
Built by
The Bradford Mill Co.
Cincinatti, Ohio
USA
The size is as follows, roughly measured:
Swing over bed: 20"
Swing over carriage: unknown
Four-jaw chuck diameter: 18"
Bed length: 12 feet
Bed width, center to center across the outer two ways: 16”
Maximum workpiece length, center to center: 8 feet
It may have been built in the 1886-1901 era, from what I’ve learned so far.
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. My girlfriend Zoe bought a 1955 Carpenter (1954 GMC based) school bus from him, and he towed it the 17 miles to our Ranch with his old tractor on public roads:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vihuX5mIFSA
Photos of the bus can be seen in another set of mine:
www.flickr.com/photos/darronb/sets/72157635098965316/
Willie also renovates and runs old steam engines. His tools are basic and in, umm, often less than pretty condition.
I believe he told me that despite its condition, having been outside for many years, this lathe was still in occasional use, wonder of wonders. 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 list it for sale soon, online. If nothing else, it makes a magnificent lawn ornament.
Almost all of the images in this set were 3-exp HDRs, processed with Photomatix. The camera was a Nikon D50.
More info on Bradford lathes:
www.lathes.co.uk/bradford
