The assembly is operational, but I can't talk to accuracy or other operating parameters, however there's no apparent lateral motion on the spindle. A Draw Bar is included, along with a # 5 WW Collet. The Collet is Unimat SL compatible, and it protrudes about 1.2 mm from the spindle when tigntened, as do all Unimat Compatible collets on this Rivett Spindle (the only type collet I have). If anyone knows the tech description of the collet that snugly fits this Rivett spindle, please email and I'll add to this description. Thanks.

I don't know much about Watchmakers/Jewlers lathes, and less about this Rivett, which is somewhat different. For example, the total package is heavy at over 16 lbs, the Headstock, alone, weighing 9 lb. I'm assuming the Headstock is ball-bearing, which contributes to the weight, but that's an assumption. Also, there are index gradations around the Headstock pulley, and the knob on top, when turned in its key-hole mount, will engage one of many (hidden) slots for indexing. Further, as you can see, the pulley on this Rivett Headstock is end-mounted, not sandwiched in the center of the headstock.

The locking levers on both headstock & tailstock work fine, as does the thumb screw lock on the top of the tailstock spindle. There are only minor signs of age/use, some paint is chipped on the headstock near the index knob. The chrome or nickel plating, and paint (except for the chips) on all four parts is in excellent, almost new, condition. The Bed is 12 inches long, and the foot is a unique Rivett foot with large mounting base & bolts, etc..

What is offered is the Rivett Headstock, Tailstock, Bed, Foot, Drawbar & one # 5 Collet. The Drawbar transparent plastic knob has a split which had been successfully glued. Note: one picture shows the collet protruding much more than 1.2 mm, however that's because the drawbar had not been tightened.

Any info on this Rivett Lathe section will be greatly appreciated.

Weight: 16 + lb before boxing.
worthwhile small lathe Webb Sites:

http://unimat.homestead.com/

http://home1.gte.net/jaynes/lathes/My%20Unimats.htm

Please send other good, small-lathe links that you may have happened upon, and I'll add to this list.

-- this is the Rivett "1R" watchmaker's lathe, made by Rivett Lathe & Grinder Inc. from about 1946 to about 1950 (sorry for the "abouts" -- I haven't been able to pin it down any further than this.) The proper collets for the lathe are Rivett 1R collets, almost identical to typical WW 8 mm collets except that the thread is a bit smaller than usual. As your ad suggests, it is indeed a ball-bearing headstock, with high precision (ABEC 7) bearings. Also, the bed is stainless steel.

This lathe recently sold on eBay (item 731605379) for $227.50.