Workshop Equipment
This
is the mainstay of the workshop and I bought it from new in 1969. Although it
has been modified to incorporate new features the bearings are original.
Features added: Gearbox; Alternative clutch arrangement; Quick release and auto
release of screw cutting engagement; rear toolpost; four way toolpost (George
Thomas design); Rear drop-on tool post (dovetail mount); Rear table mount for
long taper turning gear.
Originally I made the Dore Westbury (Mk 1) but found it too limiting on table
space. I replaced this with an Eastern import which I modified but have now
have upgraded once more. The new machine is a better engineered mill when
compared to the Mill/Drill and has the added advantage of a variable speed
inverter and DRO. See Article about the mill
and its first checkout.
The speed inverter has immediately
proved to be a big success and in conjunction with a selection of belt drives I
can now obtain a wide range of speeds and still retain full torque. The only
probem with a variable speed
drive is knowing what the actual speed is!
After several attempts to calculate this using various means I decided to fit a
tachometer. A kit is available from Dan Mauch of
Camtronics Inc.
Despite having zero electronics skills it was relatively easy to follow the
detail instructions and devise a housing for the unit. The results obtained
showed that my previous efforts were well adrift!
This
tool made by Bergman Borr, Sweden, came in my possession because the gears were
missing. I found a local gear maker who kindly made a new set and the drill (3
phase) is used via a phase converter and slave motor with a single phase
supply. This drill has a great range of speeds and the ability of a quick gear
change from slow to fast. This is a superb precision drill press.
I
built the Stent version and it has enabled me to sharpen milling cutters with
ease. The motor drives a pulley which doubles up as a washer for the disc
grinding wheel. This arrangement enables both the disc and cup wheels to be
left mounted on the spindle.
- I would be lost without this machine as it saves
countless hours of work ensuring surfaces are flat and of good finish. The
grinder is very basic and not made to very high standards but performs
adequately to 0.00025in. accuracy. (see tip for wheel dressing)
- Eastern import but worth every penny.
Unfortunately,
as can be seen from the picture, this area is somewhat untidy! Although the
table is relatively large it is usually covered with a wooden top and this is
then used as a general assembly/work area. Seen in the background is the
drawing holder which has a clear pvc cover to protect the drawings from oil and
dirt.