South Bend Lathe (TM) Series Production Dates

Design changes and modifications of South Bend lathes
were noted by a Series letter after the year  1935.  
The tables below are rough approximations of production dates,
with descriptions of the major differences.  The underlined table heading will take you to specifications for that series.  There is a little confusion as to whether the Series R and N are the same models, with different swings, but as more information is uncovered, it will become clear.
The 9" Workshop pages have been updated, as well.
Series O:  February 20, 1928 - March 21, 1930
Swing size in inches Headstock Apron Compound Rest
9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 Bronze Box Bearings Single Wall with Screw-type tumbler clutch shift Straight Gibs

T-bolts to lock swivel
Series N:  March 21, 1930 - January 25, 1935
Swing Size in inches Headstock Apron Compound Rest
9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 Bronze Box Bearings Double Wall

Sliding Knob Clutch Shifter

 

 Tapered Gibs

T-bolts to lock swivel
9" Workshop:  1935 - 1968
Model Name Headstock Apron
Model A:  1939-1968


Model B:   1939-1968


Model C:  1935-1968

 Integral Cast Bearings
Quick Change Gearbox

Integral Cast Bearings
Standard Change Gears

Integral Cast Bearings
Standard Change Gears

 Friction Clutch Drive


Friction Clutch Drive


Plain Geared Screw Feed
Series R:  January 25, 1935 - June 2, 1936
Swing size in inches Headstock Apron Compound Rest
9, 11, 13, and 16 Bronze Box Bearings Double Wall

Plunger Type Clutch Shifter

 

 Straight Gibs

Improved round compound rest swivel with locking screws on side of base

 
Series S:  December 20, 1939 - June 29, 1943
Swing size in inches Headstock Apron Compound Rest
10, 10L, 13, 14, 16 Integral Cast Bearings

Super Finished Spindle

 Double Wall

Plunger Type Clutch Shifter

 

 Straight Gibs

Improved round compound rest swivel with locking screws on side of base

 
Series T:  June 2, 1936 - December 20, 1939
Swing size in inches Headstock Apron Compound Rest
9, 9L, 13, 16 Bronze Box Bearings Double Wall

Plunger Type Clutch Shifter

 

 Tapered Gibs

Improved round compound rest swivel with locking screws on side of base

 
Current Series:  June 29, 1943 - Present Day (circa January, 1945)
Swing size in inches Headstock Apron Compound Rest
10, 10L, 13, 14, 16 Integral Cast Bearings

Super Finished Spindle

 Double Wall

Plunger Type Clutch Shifter

 

 Straight Gibs

Improved round compound rest swivel with locking screws on side of base

 
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