JACK DE VOS LATHE
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Before Jack passed away September 2016 the Wandi club received a phone call from him asking if the club would like his lathe. Jack was always a very thoughtful guy and he wanted to donate his old war horse to the club, he just felt it was the right thing to do for a group that had given him so much over the years. The lathe was an early Vicmarc manual variable speed machine that had seen so much service that it was covered from top to bottom with Jacks favourite timber finishes. This lathe saw the development of so many outstanding turned items in service that in a way it was a pity to clean it up but it will be used by club members as was Jacks wish, so should be refurbished to start its new life inspiring beginning turners.
I have one regret writing this article and that is I didn't take a photo of Jack's lathe in his workshop before it was removed. Many who knew Jack would understand he hated dust and all his machines had a variety of home built dust extraction devices attached to them. This lathe was built into a wall of his shop, the floor where he stood had a steel mesh grill over a hole in the concrete floor, the shavings fell through and were able to be cleaned out at a later date reducing the fatigue on his legs. A special shoot was made to collect the shavings that fell through the bed and over the back of the lathe that also fed this hole in the floor reducing the amount a time spent cleaning up while turning. I said the lathe was built into the wall well maybe not at first but over the years to keep every thing he used at arms reach shelves were installed around the lathe housing the really important items he needed for turning, abrasives, finishes, tools, chucks, cloth and special devices made up to clean out deep hollow forms. 
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Photo above: Allan left and Dorothy right both members of Wandi spent a good day cleaning Jack's lathe and replacing rubber motor mounts. The next step a lick of paint a dedication plaque and the lathe will be back in service for members to enjoy.
Thanks Jack the lathe will be put to good use by all in the club. Lathe unveiling 3/05/18
Allan and Dorothy have spent another very productive session restoring Jacks lathe. It's amazing what a lot of elbow grease and a couple of spray cans will do. Part of the restoration is the addition of two brackets on each end, wheel frames will hook on making the lathe easy to move. With the addition of a plaque and a suitable location the lathe is now ready to use again. Well done Allan and Dorothy I'm sure the club is grateful for all the voluntary hours put in. |