Dalton Mfg. Co. started building lathes (we think) in about 1910. First the "OT", then on to the "Lot 2", and "Lot 3" lathes. We think the first Lot 4 came out in 1914, as that would coincide with the first of Hubert's patent dates. Lot 5 lathes came out in the early twenties with many improvements over the Lot 4 that it shared many parts with. The Lot 6 is a mystery as to when it came out. We think it was in the teens but do not know when for sure. The TL lathe came out in the early twenties as it has a patent date of 1922 that covers the special hinge on the end door. This patent is present on later machines of different Lot numbers but the door was only used on the TL. The combination machine was built from the late teens up till the end of production in 1929. We know very little about the 9 1/2 inch lathe that could have been gotten with a four-foot bed. None have surfaced yet. Dalton never did make the switch to a quick change threading gear box and only the combination machine had power cross feed. It looks like Dalton Lathe Company was located in NY from 1914 to 1925. Some time in 1925 all production of lathes was moved to the South Beach plant. Dalton Tool Company failed in the stock market crash of 1929.
-------Compiled by Dennis Turk May 2006-----
The intention of this group would be more or less a self support group for Daltons owners ( Hi. My name is Ron and I own a Dalton Lathe). As we use or restore these wonderful old machines, I am sure we all have questions such as “where can I find replacement gears”, “how tight should the spindle thrust bearing be adjusted”. This would also be a great place to share information (this is how I solved this problem). Maybe someone has an extra part that that they would be willing to give up or swap.
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Hi PK The tool post is an indexing 4 way and looks much like the ones SB sold in later years. Mabye they got the idea from Dalton. Great old machine but god
Thanks for the reply. I've posted some pictures under Pat's Dalton Combo on this forum toward the bottom of the list. If you look at the one of the tool post
Hi John and Kelly Well all the information I can give you is lots of oil. Good grade of spindle oil not motor oil. Motor oil has chemicals in it to keep
Thanks Dennis, My 1928 Southbend is measured that way, it has an 8 foot bed. So that wa sthe standard of the day. I have a big old Hendy I'll have to measure
PK, I have a combo also. I would be interested in pix and to hear about your adventures. I never have figured out how to use mine. I'm no machinist by any