Carl has been working on restoring a Rivett 1020S lathe over the past few years.

In the 50s the Rivitt 1020S was the most expensive toolroom lathe made in the U.S.A.  It cost 40% more than a Monarch 10EE. As a result, Rivett had a difficult time selling against that price differential.

In 21 years Rivett only sold 294 of these lathes.  Monarch, in the meantime, sold approximately 10,000 of their 10EEs'.  Rivett probably never recouped their engineering costs. The 1020S is very likely the most beautifully made toolroom lathe ever manufactured. It is 20" center to center, will swing 12", and also weighs 4000 pounds.

Click here to read Carl’s riveting account (pun intended) of his restoration project or click on any picture below to see the full size view.