Description
The Hercus 9-inch Model A lathe is a classic Australian-built toolroom machine, well regarded for its rigidity, accuracy, and practical gearbox-driven feed system. This model is fitted with a factory quick-change gearbox for screwcutting and feed selection, along with an automatic power-feed apron.
Specifications & Features
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hercus |
| Model | 9″ Model A |
| Type | Centre Lathe |
| Swing Over Bed | 9″ (approx. 225 mm) |
| Swing Over Cross Slide | Approx. 5″ (125 mm) |
| Distance Between Centres | Approx. 20″ (varies by bed length) |
| Spindle Bore | Approx. 3/4″ (19 mm) |
| Spindle Nose | 1½” × 8 TPI |
| Thread Cutting | Metric & Imperial (via gearbox and change gears) |
| Screwcutting Pitches | 40 pitches via quick-change gearbox |
| Additional Threads | Coarse threads 4–7 TPI via gear transposition |
| Leadscrew | Splined for power feed, threaded for screwcutting only |
| Power Feeds | Longitudinal and cross feed via apron |
| Apron | Worm-driven with friction clutch |
| Safety Features | Interlock prevents half-nuts and power feed engagement together |
| Construction | Cast iron bed and headstock |
| Typical Use | Toolmaking, maintenance, general machining, small-batch work |
| Country of Manufacture | Australia |
The gearbox provides 40 screwcutting pitches, selected by shifting two levers using the clearly marked direct-reading index chart on the gearbox face. Additional coarse threads in the 4 to 7 TPI range can be achieved by transposing a single gear in the change-gear train.
The power-feed apron delivers both longitudinal and cross feeds, driven via a worm drive and protected by a friction clutch. Power is transmitted through a spline machined along the leadscrew, with the leadscrew threads themselves reserved solely for screwcutting. A built-in safety interlock prevents simultaneous engagement of the half-nuts and power feeds, reducing wear and minimising the risk of operator error.
This configuration makes the Hercus Model A particularly well suited to general machining, toolmaking, maintenance work, and small-batch production, and it remains a highly sought-after lathe in Australian workshops.
Hercus Manuals
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