Vicmarc VL100 Tailstock...OR...VL150 Quill Assembly

[Scott Kershaw]

I am trying to rehab a couple very used Vicmarc VL100 lathes. Unfortunately, the cast iron that accepted the circlip keeping the quill in the tailstock has broken free and the tailstocks are now useless. I have communicated with Vic and Marco at Vicmarc. I can retrofit the VL150 quill to the VL100 tailstock but that's a large purchase from across the pond. If a wonderful AAW member has a VL100 not being used, a good working tailstock on parted out VL100 or a VL150 quill assembly, please let me know! I would be very appreciative. Attached are some photos of my current issue with the tailstock just for reference and understanding what I am trying to hunt down. DM here or email cutthroatwoodworks@gmail.com

Many thanks!
Scott

 

[Emiliano Achaval]

Talk about a long shot. I can't think of a reason someone would part with what you need. Here we have a great metal lathe worker. He can do magic fixing anything broken on a lathe. Have you tried that if there is one in your area?

 

[Scott Kershaw]

Talk about a long shot. I can't think of a reason someone would part with what you need. Here we have a great metal lathe worker. He can do magic fixing anything broken on a lathe. Have you tried that if there is one in your area?

An exceedingly long shot, indeed! I haven't found a metal worker yet since we are really new to New Mexico. I do have my eyes and ears open for machinists in the my area. I suppose if anyone is going to put lathes, tanks or other heavy machinery to the true test, it might be high schoolers. They really did a number on these lathes.

I imagine the miracle workers of the metal world are few in number. If you have opportunity, Emiliano, would you see if your friend has a connection in New Mexico?

 

[Mike Johnson]

There are several small independent jobber cast iron casting companies that will sand cast one offs if you have a sample or piece that can be used to cast from.
You would need to have the raw casting machined after it is cast. One of these companies posts videos on YouTube that shows how the process works.
If you are needing a tailstock casting or banjo casting to complete a lathe project, you could have one cast and then machine it and paint it and it would look like a stock part.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QBaDRqiZ8U

 

[Emiliano Achaval]

Our guy here worked many years at the Pearl Harbor naval yard. As some of the milling machines were retired, he bought them. He has maybe 5 or 6. They are as big as a school bus, LOL They were used to turn the shafts of the big navy ships. The big warehouse looks like a museum. He can do magic, whatever you ask him. He looks at whatever for a few minutes, in silence. Then he gives you the verdict, yes, or no. I will ask him because he has a place in Arizona. I'll let you know. Aloha