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Mandrels |
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The word "mandrel" can cause some confusion. Strictly it refers to a rotating spindle, but it is widely used to mean the brass lathes common in the 19th century, as illustrated below.
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Swiss MandrelThis kind of lathe was used for cutting sinks, holes etc. in watch plates and other parts. It is quick to set up and efficient in use. |
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English MandrelThe English style of mandrel was used in the same way as the Swiss. It was usually driven by a cord rather than gears, and commonly had a short bed with just a hand rest. This is a fine example, made in Lancashire in the mid 19th Century. It is shown with its compound slide and with the hand rest in position. |
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Click the images for full size pictures
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Copyright (c) 2006 Ian Coote. All rights reserved.
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