Lathe Production Dates
Design changes and modifications of South Bend lathes were noted by a Series letter after the year 1935. The tables below are rough approximations of production dates, with descriptions of the major differences. The underlined table heading will take you to specifications for that series. There is a little confusion as to whether the Series R and N are the same models, with different swings, but as more information is uncovered, it will become clear. The 9" Workshop pages have been updated, as well.
| Series O: February 20, 1928 - March 21, 1930 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing size in inches | Headstock | Apron | Compound Rest |
| 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 | Bronze Box Bearings | Single Wall with Screw-type tumbler clutch shift |
Straight Gibs T-bolts to lock swivel |
| Series N: March 21, 1930 - January 25, 1935 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing Size in inches | Headstock | Apron | Compound Rest |
| 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 | Bronze Box Bearings |
Double Wall
Sliding Knob Clutch Shifter
|
Tapered Gibs T-bolts to lock swivel |
| 9" Workshop: 1935 - 1968 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model Name | Headstock | Apron |
| Model A: 1939-1968 |
Integral Cast Bearings Quick Change Gearbox |
Friction Clutch Drive |
| Model B: 1939-1968 |
Integral Cast Bearings Standard Change Gears |
Friction Clutch Drive |
| Model C: 1935-1968 |
Integral Cast Bearings Standard Change Gears |
Plain Geared Screw Feed |
| Series R: January 25, 1935 - June 2, 1936 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing size in inches | Headstock | Apron | Compound Rest |
| 9, 11, 13, and 16 | Bronze Box Bearings |
Double Wall Plunger Type Clutch Shifter |
Straight Gibs Improved round compound rest swivel with locking screws on side of base |
| Series S: December 20, 1939 - June 29, 1943 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing size in inches | Headstock | Apron | Compound Rest |
| 10, 10L, 13, 14, 16 |
Integral Cast Bearings Super Finished Spindle |
Double Wall Plunger Type Clutch Shifter |
Straight Gibs Improved round compound rest swivel with locking screws on side of base |
| Series T: June 2, 1936 - December 20, 1939 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing size in inches | Headstock | Apron | Compound Rest |
| 9, 9L, 13, 16 | Bronze Box Bearings |
Double Wall Plunger Type Clutch Shifter |
Tapered Gibs Improved round compound rest swivel with locking screws on side of base |
| Current Series: June 29, 1943 - Present Day (circa January, 1945) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing size in inches | Headstock | Apron | Compound Rest |
| 10, 10L, 13, 14, 16 | Integral Cast Bearings Super Finished Spindle | Double Wall Plunger Type Clutch Shifter | Straight Gibs Improved round compound rest swivel with locking screws on side of base |