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The way to do it – Drummond lathes

Amongst the many pleasures of attending events and autojumbles, are the friendships we make. I first met John White from Sussex at a VMCC Banbury Run a decade or so ago. Since, we often enjoy a chat at the Kempton Park, Shepton Mallet, Founders’ Day etc autojumbles. Sometimes, John follows up features published in TCM with fascinating insights or pictures. From Wex carburettors to sparking plug test holders, now he has topped this all with a follow-up to ‘DIY motorcycles – 1902 style,’ from TCM, February 2020, p86-91.

Chatting to John recently at Kempton Park autojumble, he handed me a small booklet published by lathe makers Drummond Bros Ltd of Guildford, entitled ‘Lathe Work (fourth edition)’ by ‘Some Amateurs.’

Rather than publish dimensioned sketches and detail procedures, the 28-page booklet, published c1927-30, gives a taste of work achieved by enterprising enthusiasts using either 3½in or 4in Drummond treadle lathes, in some cases assisted by Drummond or home-engineered attachments.

Rather than more of my waffle, here are a few pictures with abbreviated captions.

Mismatched pistons

I decided to give