DESCRIPTION This handbook contains descriptive data and instructions for operation and service of the Regal Lathe, manufactured by The R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company, Cincinnati 8, Ohio. HEADSTOCK The feed reverse and compounding feed gears are incorporated within the eight-speed, selective geared headstock. Gears are steel throughout; all gears and shafts splash lubricated. TAILSTOCK The entire tailstock is movable on the ways along the length of the bed to accommodate pieces of varying lengths between centers within the capacity of the machine.
The tailstock is kept in alignment with the headstock by a V on the rear way of the bed and can be clamped in position with the tailstock clamping bolt. FEED ROD The feed rod transmits the power from the quick change gear box to the apron. The feed rod is connected to the final drive through a safety device. Should the carriage meet with any obstruction on the bed or run into the chuck or face plate, the safety device will release and prevent damage to the feed mechanism of the lathe. As soon as the feed is disengaged at the apron, or obstruction is removed, the safety device engages again and resumes turning the feed rod.
LEADSCREW The leadscrew is used for thread cutting, and it is driven by the leadscrew gear and feed rod gear located at the quick change gear box ahead of the safety clutch. BED The bed is the foundation of the lathe. On it are mounted such assemblies as the headstock, tailstock and carriage. APRON The apron is a double-walled, one-piece casting in which all shafts and gears are supported at both ends. The lathe apron contains the controls, gears and other mechanism for moving the carriage along the bed. QUICK CHANGE GEAR BOX The mechanism within the quick change gear box transmits motion from the main spindle in the headstock to the feed rod and leadscrew.
The feed gears may be shifted while the machine is in motion. By use of the quick change levers, any thread or feed on the feed plate may be quickly obtained. Metric translating gears as well as special gears for odd threads may be obtained. MOTOR DRIVE The motor is mounted on a hinged plate on the back of the leg below the headstock. The motor mounting plate can be adjusted by screws in the leg to regulate the tension on the V- belts which drive the lathe. Belts are enclosed in a belt guard. The drum reversing switch--on machines without apron spindle control--is mounted on the headstock cover. All wiring is protected by metal conduit. This switch starts, stops and reverses the spindle.
With the apron spindle control the drum switch is mounted on the rear of the bed under the head and is operated by either of the two spindle control levers: the one at the right of the apron, or the one at the quick change box. CARRIAGE AND COMPOUND REST The carriage travels along the lathe bed and is guided by an inverted V-way in front and a flat way in back. The movement of the carriage is by means of the gears in the apron to which it is attached. These gears transmit their power to a rack secured to the bed. The compound rest supports the tool post in its various positions, and can be swiveled to any angle in the horizontal plane.
TOOL POST The tool post, attached to the compound rest, supports the cutting tool and provides a means of raising or lowering the cutting edge. To get the most out of your Regal you should be thoroughly acquainted with what it will do. To assist you in this respect, complete specifications for all six size Regals are contained in the Tables section at the back of this manual. Refer to these specifications frequently so you will know exactly what to expect when running a Regal. 7