Look what I've inherited!

Slim · 19 Mar 2006

Hi Guys.

My Grandparents have just announced that they will be moving in to a small house. My Grandfather is a master carpenter and turner, and much to his dismay, he has no room for a workshop in the new house. As I am the only other family member who dabbles in woodwork, the tools are going to me. Yippee!!

One of the tools is this

A TS. Harrison & Sons Union Jubille lathe, 54" between Centres.

I have never had a lathe, and see this as my opportunity to get started in turning.

Are there any tool historians out there who would know anything about this lathe? Is it any Good? I googled it to see if I could find any info. It appears it was made between 1948 and 1960. It is in very good condition, as my grandfather took great care of it.

Cheers All.

ike · 19 Mar 2006

Gosh, you lucky devil. That looks a lovely bit of kit!

trevtheturner · 20 Mar 2006

Hi Slimjim,

The Jubilee, and the larger Union Graduate were the Rolls-Royce of lathes in their day, with many of them still in use. It should last you for your lifetime, too. Nice to have inherited it within the family - and with an expert tutor on hand there's probably no need for me to wish you luck. :wink:

Cheers,

Trev.

Alf · 20 Mar 2006

Sheesh, lucky fella, but unlucky grandfather.

You'll let him have a play occasionally, eh?

For info try here.

Cheers, Alf

Slim · 20 Mar 2006

Have got the lathe in my workshop now. I felt a bit like a burglar when I took it this morning. I could see my grandfathers heart breaking. But I'm sure he'll get a lot of pleasure from teaching me.

Thanks for your comments guys. I cant wait to start learning the art.

Argus · 30 Mar 2006

That is a magnificent lathe, certainly one of the best, and British through and through.

I learned to turn on one of those with Oliver Plant - admitedly the short bed version, but yours at 54" is the top of the range.

One caution, from a point of view of safety though; if the machine is 50 odd years old, I would certainly renew all the electrics, cables, and the micro switches, if I were you. The starter on those were designed to be stripped and the contacts cleaned.

Enjoy it, they don't come much better than that.