I have an old / small Goodell-Pratt lathe which was my father's and
came to me many years after his passing. I inherited it as a set,
including a vintage drive motor, countershaft, drive belts, mounting
board, etc. But -- no instructions, drawings or any other form of
guidance in how to set it up. I'm now tackling that problem and have
encountered a fundamental question. It's very basic, but I've never
used a metal lathe before, so need to ask anyway.
When I arrange the motor, countershaft and lathe in the most
convenient way, for use of space, the lathe spindle and chuck turn
clockwise when viewed from the tailstock perspective. But that would
seem wrong, given the way in which the cutting tool would contact the
workpiece. I'm thinking the spindle has to rotate CCW, so the tool
will bite into the workpiece and cut properly. Can someone advise
which direction is right?
Thanks much.