Upcoming Event- Field day of the past in central VA, antique machinery, & volunteers needed

[LappingLuke]

Thought I'd spread the word about a show happening on Sep. 15 thru 17th at Redfield farm in Amelia, VA, right by highway 360. Part of the show will include over two dozen pieces of machinery ranging in age from the 1880's up the 1950's. All will be on display, some under power. I will be there each day running demonstrations. The show also includes older cars/trucks, many types of engines (such as hit or miss, gas, diesel, etc.), a civil war exhibit (with firing cannon), a carinval, arts & crafts, a heritage village plus I believe there will be a cosignment sale of machinist related tooling.

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Now, a little back story and plea for help-
I volunteered to help this show after they were forced to move from their old location in Rockville to their new home, which happens to be a short drive from my house. No one else was interested in the shop or the machinery, so I took over that part and made sure nothing was scrapped or lost. As of now, we're lacking in manpower. Many of the machines need some serious TLC before they can be ran again, and I only have so much time to spend of them. The biggest issue is rust. Lots of rust to be removed, bearings freed, gibs and slides cleaned, plus some brazing work is needed.

My endgame is to have a functioning shop with usable machines ready for work for anyone interested, year round- but that is a ways off. For now, a small group of dedicated volunteers would be a big help. I'd welcome anyone with a interest in old machinery and their history. I'm not doing this for financial gain, as I have already sunk a considerable amount of cash into the show. It's more of a love for old iron.

For those curious we have a wide variety of equipment; Lathes up to 48" in swing, several milling machines- horizontal and vertical, many drill presses, metal shapers, a metal planer, a mechanical ironworker, surface grinders, plus a treadle lathe and hand powered shaper. On the wood side we have several spoon-making machines, presses, planers, and a veneer cutting machine, plus many more not mentioned.

For those interested- send me a message and we can get started right away. The next month I'll be moving equipment around, and time permitting I'll try to get another machine or two in running condition.

Attached are several pictures of the equipment we have moved in the past year. Last year we had only three running machines on display, this year will be much bigger.

 

[M.B. Naegle]

There's some nice potential there. I'm a bit far away and buried in similar projects, but happy to see like minded efforts. It seems there's always more iron to save then time in the day or willing and able hands to do the work. I'm in no way trying to be a deby-downer, but i do wish we could get more youth involved in stuff like this. Other than building cars, there are not many avenues for youth to get their hands dirty in machinery unless they have family already doing it. It would be good to see historical organizations to help organize and corroborate efforts to preserve and employ old iron like this. Give the old timers a vehicle to pass on what they know to a new generation with time and strength, and give a step-up into a career in more modern fabrication and machining.

For clarification, are you setting these machines up in a permanent structure of your own or something owned by the fair, or are these being temporarily moved to a fairgrounds for a show then put back in storage? Are these pieces on loan from others? I'd be happy to help fellow enthusiasts sort out machines, but it helps to know how much of it is a public or organization effort, vs. just helping a friend set up their own shop.

 

[ncjeeper]

Looks like you are 4 hours away. Hmm.

 

[LappingLuke]

For clarification, are you setting these machines up in a permanent structure of your own or something owned by the fair, or are these being temporarily moved to a fairgrounds for a show then put back in storage? Are these pieces on loan from others? I'd be happy to help fellow enthusiasts sort out machines, but it helps to know how much of it is a public or organization effort, vs. just helping a friend set up their own shop.

There are plans for a shop building. Several, actually. It's a long story, but for the time being, the machines will be put out for display then tarped, with some being moved into a nearby shed. There were some plans to run 3 phase service out to the shed as well, but that and the shed is on hold until after the show. I make sure to check on the machines semi-regularly to prevent any more damage being done. On the plus side, erecting the building should go quickly once OK'd. The frame is on the grounds and no grading is necessary, as we're on a old pulling track.

About 2/3rds of the machines belong to the show. I own the rest. The grounds are leased from the landowner, a farmer, so we have several open fields for the show. The management is very relaxed about off-season use of the grounds and machines, actually they encouraged me to try to build a community with seminars or weekly meetings once the shop was built. I know, it's a lot of "what-ifs," but there is some potential here if things work out.

Also,only a handful of us know what to do with the machines, so many of the decisions/repairs gets left up to us. There were more volunteers when the show was in Rockville, and there was a older fellow who worked the shop. Afraid he passed away some time a go. Wish I could have talked to him more. Everyone had a place and a job up there, and they did it well. Now that we're starting over, it will take time to reestablish ourselves. Everyone is sort of doing their own thing.

I know what direction I'd like to take the show. It's just a matter of willpower, time and help. That's also why I'm here, I need the contacts. I'm also young and inexperienced in a lot of fields. Having the knowledge base from several others to draw from could save our butts.

You also talk about getting the youth involved. I went out of my way to get my hands on the treadle lathe and a hand operated shaper to attract the younger crowd. I'd say the "hands-on" approach is the best method. It's all about building that spark of interest and creating memorable experiences. They need to be exposed to the trade and understand that there are more choices in life besides the typical MCjobs.

 

[animal12]

Thats a real cool thing your doing there Luke . We need more people that arn't in it for themself's.
Good Luck with your project's .
animal

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

The McCabe double spindle lathe is a unique machine not seen especially often.

 

[LappingLuke]

The McCabe double spindle lathe is a unique machine not seen especially often.

This particular lathe has changed hands several times the past decade. I brought to Amelia from Tappahannock not that long a go, from a older fellow, "Billy" who shared an interest in big equipment. He told me that he had hauled off it from another location few years back. I believe before Billy got his hands on it, it had been sold on ebay to someone who got more then they bargained for. Just speculating.

The lathe pictured is a early 1900's model with the 48" swing. It did come with the riser block, original handles, most, if not all of the gears and a 20"~ four jaw plus a similar size face plate. I think someone had cut the end of a shaft off that I believe held the change gears for the feeds. I'm not completely sure, as I haven't had the time to play with it. Spindle still turns with some effort. Billy had mounted a crude bracket along with a small 2HP motor with a built-in transmission, and used the lathe at some point. She is heavy. I'd say about 5 tons. The spindle nose has straight threads. I'll be on the hunt for a larger chuck for the 48" spindle.

 

[M.B. Naegle]

This particular lathe has changed hands several times the past decade. I brought to Amelia from Tappahannock not that long a go, from a older fellow, "Billy" who shared an interest in big equipment. He told me that he had hauled off it from another location few years back. I believe before Billy got his hands on it, it had been sold on ebay to someone who got more then they bargained for. Just speculating.

The lathe pictured is a early 1900's model with the 48" swing. It did come with the riser block, original handles, most, if not all of the gears and a 20"~ four jaw plus a similar size face plate. I think someone had cut the end of a shaft off that I believe held the change gears for the feeds. I'm not completely sure, as I haven't had the time to play with it. Spindle still turns with some effort. Billy had mounted a crude bracket along with a small 2HP motor with a built-in transmission, and used the lathe at some point. She is heavy. I'd say about 5 tons. The spindle nose has straight threads. I'll be on the hunt for a larger chuck for the 48" spindle.

Sounds like It's set-up to use the small-swing spindle? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but to use the large-swing spindle on these, doesn't it take a special back plate with a spur gear around the ID of the plate and a pinion gear threaded onto the small-swing spindle? Such that the large-swing spindle is idle and driven by the small-swing spindle and giving more gear reduction. Hopefully those parts are still with it, but it could make an interesting project to replace if needed.

These McCabe's are cool machines. We always think about "if only these machine's could talk, the stories they could tell," but machines like the McCabe's really could have some stories. One-size-fits-all machines generally tend to leave you wanting, but to erect a proper 4' swing lathe is such a massive investment that it wouldn't make sense for the occasional job, especially back in the turn of the century railroad and mining shops on the dwindling Frontier, and the McCabe fit that need.

 

[LappingLuke]

Sounds like It's set-up to use the small-swing spindle? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but to use the large-swing spindle on these, doesn't it take a special back plate with a spur gear around the ID of the plate and a pinion gear threaded onto the small-swing spindle? Such that the large-swing spindle is idle and driven by the small-swing spindle and giving more gear reduction. Hopefully those parts are still with it, but it could make an interesting project to replace if needed.

On this lathe there is a gear train connecting both spindles when engaged. Just a simple lever and detent. The smaller spindle is always moving when under power. The back gear is placed in the front for easy access.

See attached. Orange circle being the spindle gear linkage. The red circle is the shaft that was broken/cut. Right below it is a gear on a lever that would engage the feeds. I should be able to fix that.

Also, I found a old thread about this same lathe. See posts #5, #8 and #11 for more information. Seems to be a 1902 model.

FS: JJ McCabe Double Spindle Lathe in Virginia

Posting as a favor to the seller. This one really should be saved. Link to Ebay Auction

www.practicalmachinist.com

 

[M.B. Naegle]

On this lathe there is a gear train connecting both spindles when engaged. Just a simple lever and detent. The smaller spindle is always moving when under power. The back gear is placed in the front for easy access.

See attached. Orange circle being the spindle gear linkage. The red circle is the shaft that was broken/cut. Right below it is a gear on a lever that would engage the feeds. I should be able to fix that.

Also, I found a old thread about this same lathe. See posts #5, #8 and #11 for more information. Seems to be a 1902 model.

FS: JJ McCabe Double Spindle Lathe in Virginia

Posting as a favor to the seller. This one really should be saved. Link to Ebay Auction

www.practicalmachinist.com

Ok, so If I'm reading post #5 right, the spur gear faceplate drive was a later improvement and was optional for slower RPM's, not required to use the large-swing spindle.

 

[LappingLuke]

More pictures for the curious. On the first picture, look closely within the red circle. The broken shaft again. Nothing else looks damaged. Just a lot of rust to be taken off. Compare the Mccabe to the 1953 Monarch that we brought in just before. The forklift had much more trouble lifting the Monarch.

I was told that the 1953 Monarch CM, 30.5" swing, belonged to the Norfolk & Western railroad up in the Roanoke shops. This lathe has a hydraulic tracer and a very large 30 HP motor. Part of the bed next to the headstock had been ground on to accommodate larger parts. Inside the cabinet by the tailstock are many tubes and relays linked to a control pendant. The tailstock is hydraulically controlled, and the cross slide feeds can be powered by headstock, or variable speed motor. If desired, the machine can be used manually.

 

[boomerang69]

More pictures for the curious. On the first picture, look closely within the red circle. The broken shaft again. Nothing else looks damaged. Just a lot of rust to be taken off. Compare the Mccabe to the 1953 Monarch that we brought in just before. The forklift had much more trouble lifting the Monarch.

I was told that the 1953 Monarch CM, 30.5" swing, belonged to the Norfolk & Western railroad up in the Roanoke shops. This lathe has a hydraulic tracer and a very large 30 HP motor. Part of the bed next to the headstock had been ground on to accommodate larger parts. Inside the cabinet by the tailstock are many tubes and relays linked to a control pendant. The tailstock is hydraulically controlled, and the cross slide feeds can be powered by headstock, or variable speed motor. If desired, the machine can be used manually.

How about a picture of that old kempsmith,by the way you forgot the brace ,I'll pick it up for you next week

 

[LappingLuke]

How about a picture of that old kempsmith,by the way you forgot the brace ,I'll pick it up for you next week

Right, here is the Kempsmith Horizontal No. 3, universal mill. Approximate date, 1918~ looking at the patent dates on the side plate. It has a Brown & Sharpe taper with a threaded spindle nose for use with attachments. Originally line shaft driven of course, but now has a Gullman electric motor conversion (3HP) from the 30's. For it's age, the machine is in very good condition with the ways having few scars and minimal rust. I'm planning to make chips with this mill at the show as it's ready to go.

When I bought this machine, included were the original dividing head set up by Kempsmith with plates, the brackets and gearing for making helical gearing, the vise, a very stout vertical head, many arbors, overarm supports and just about every gear cutter ever made. Also included was a extension intended for large shell mills that was mounted using the threaded spindle nose. There was one last attachment I was unsure about (see picture #5, circled in red). Any ideas? I know it mounts to the spindle and drives something- possible the vertical head? The attachment has matching threads to the spindle nose just like the shell mill extension.

 

[boomerang69]

Right, here is the Kempsmith Horizontal No. 3, universal mill. Approximate date, 1918~ looking at the patent dates on the side plate. It has a Brown & Sharpe taper with a threaded spindle nose for use with attachments. Originally line shaft driven of course, but now has a Gullman electric motor conversion (3HP) from the 30's. For it's age, the machine is in very good condition with the ways having few scars and minimal rust. I'm planning to make chips with this mill at the show as it's ready to go.

When I bought this machine, included were the original dividing head set up by Kempsmith with plates, the brackets and gearing for making helical gearing, the vise, a very stout vertical head, many arbors, overarm supports and just about every gear cutter ever made. Also included was a extension intended for large shell mills that was mounted using the threaded spindle nose. There was one last attachment I was unsure about (see picture #5, circled in red). Any ideas? I know it mounts to the spindle and drives something- possible the vertical head? The attachment has matching threads to the spindle nose just like the shell mill extension.

thats the drive gear for the vertical head,there should be a threaded sleeve to attach it to the spindle if my memory serves me.The shell mill attaches to the vertical spindle the same way,should be 2 threaded sleeves,Again if my memory is worth anything,it has been 30 something years.

 

[LappingLuke]

thats the drive gear for the vertical head,there should be a threaded sleeve to attach it to the spindle if my memory serves me.The shell mill attaches to the vertical spindle the same way,should be 2 threaded sleeves,Again if my memory is worth anything,it has been 30 something years.

I know I have atleast one sleeve. I'm going to need the forklift to put that heavy head on the mill. It'll be waiting for you come show time.

Here is the c.1900 horizontal Cincinnati that Field days owned up in Rockville. This one needs a fair amount of cleaning. Notice the motor conversion on this one as well. It's close to the same size as the Kempsmith- I believe it's a no. 4. Was used in demonstrations several years back, so hopefully no major problems to fix. Sorry for the lousy picture.

Also, I found a forum post from another site about the Rockville Field days machine shop, written a while back. Several of the machines belonged to the Shortt machine shop in Richmond up until the 90's before being donated to Fdotp. The picture plaque explains more. Seems like several machines were lost to the scrappers.

 

[LappingLuke]

Three weeks to go. Moved nearly all of the machinery by the track. Even with a large forklift, I could tell some of the machines weighed a lot, especially the Hendey shaper. Was interesting moving the Ironworker and No.4 Cincinnatti. Just under 30 machines this year.

Now thing something a little different- hand powered machinery.
E.N. Boynton hand crank shaper with 6" stroke, adjustable feed. Runs very smoothly. You need a very sharp bit and well adjusted gibs to remove much metal. Recently acquired, looks like the previous owner had done a partial restoration.

L.F. Grammes & Son treadle lathe. Has back gear, and longitudinal feed (very aggressive, about 0.02/rev.) Missing a belt tensioner currently.

Hand powered post drill. Did not see a name on the casting. A modern jacobs chuck will be used for the show since I have so many straight shank drills.

All three will be there for live display for anyone interested in operating them.

 

[LappingLuke]

One more week until the show. The extended forecast looks great so far; mid 70's and dry. There will be a 3 phase generator on site for power. At the end of the old pulling track on the top of the hill, I will have a tent set up. Inside will be the hand powered machines and a table full of odds and ends- a "show and tell" of interesting stuff I've found over the years.

Attached are ads for the Barnes treadle foot powered lathes and the McCabe from the October 1899 issue of American Machinist.
The two other machines uploaded are-

A spoon handle machine which uses a special blade to cut a short spoon out of a block of wood. It has lead screw and half-nut to feed the part, which is held by a clamp. The rate of spoon production is about 180 per minute.

What we call the "broom handle machine." This machine turns 1x1" wooden square "blanks" into 7/8 diameter handles. A set of rollers grips and feeds the part into rotating teeth. Works best with seasoned hardwood.

Also, a friend of mine donated a 1920's Black & Decker air powered drill. This one has a "V4" piston arrangement, with a MT3 taper. Plenty of torque, but limited speed. Be sure to have lots of air on tap.

This will be my last post until after the show. I'll be back with more pictures. See you soon!

 

[LappingLuke]

Well, it's done and over now. Pleased with the result, there was a lot of interest this year. Had many people come by, asking questions or telling their stories about machining. Found several looking to become volunteers, and some other people wishing to sell/donate machinery to the cause. I'd consider it a success.

The kids really liked the manually operated machinery. I'm definitely going to expand that exhibit whenever possible. Any ideas on what else to look for, machine wise? What would be a interesting part for a kid to make, then take home?

We had 7 machines under power. I did very simple displays this year, making chips, not parts. Next year I'll come up with interesting parts to make, and will place a sign next to each machine, explaining what it does. "What does it do? What does it make?" was constantly asked, and it's a little difficult trying to explain some concepts to people who are not mechanically inclined- but that is my job to educate.

I simply ran out of time to apply some of my ideas, but it's not bad for the 3rd year at the new location. Last year we only had three machines on display. With more people, next year should be interesting. The show needs more time to grow back to what it was.

The next important step is putting up the permanent structures. There is a complete building ready to be put up that is already onsite, and another, maybe two, at the old grounds in Rockville ready to be moved. As for power, the best bet at the minute is to use generators.

Here are a few pictures from the show-

 

[ncjeeper]

Awesome to hear it was well received.