I've got an old model A Monarch lathe, and the anchor plate on the tailstock is broken ...probably a number of years ago. It was brazed back together but is starting to crack again. I was thinking about a "new" casting, and was wondering where a good foundry to try is? ...Any recommendations?

I don't have an answer for you, but I will repeat (yet again) the oft-repeated refrain heard 'round these parts: tell us where you are! A recommendation for a foundry that's 3,000 miles from you probably isn't going to do you much good.

P.S.: Sounds like a neat lathe! Enjoy!

Could it be machined cheaper than cast?

I live in Bakersfield, CA. ...The part is small enough I could ship it to anyplace in the U.S. ...Yes I could machine something "new" or re-fix this part again, but I wanted to look into what it would cost to re-cast this part just to keep in line with original construction. Now is this cost effective!?? ...Remember your talking to some "yahoo" that drug a 100 yr.s old lathe out of the junk pile and "fixed it up"! *G*

Machining it out of cast iron might still be the way to go. If the part is simple enough you might find someplace like Mesalands that does an iron pour every year and see about getting the blank cast.

If it is a monarch, then there should be used parts floating around. This may cost less than making.

There is also the original manufacturer
http://www.monarchlathe.com/

Phil

I know some people who have had things cast by taking classes at local community colleges. might be worth checking out if there are any colleges or highschools offering any courses in your area.