another lump of old iron

[wallace]

Hi all, got this lovely old thing delivered this morning. It has 16" tables and must weigh the best part on a tonne. It has been used in the same workshop for the last fifty years.

 

[Fromey]

WOW! :shock: Have fun fettling that!

 

[Mcluma]

That is really nice

 

[wallace]

I'm undecided if I should do a full resto or a clean and keep it in its working clothes so to speak.

 

[marcros]

it is a tough one. personally i prefer the working clothes, but the other things you have done have been top notch and look straight out of the factory. decisions decisions...

 

[Bigdanny]

Nice machine. I guess the motors are external. How heavy are they? :lol:

 

[wallace]

Hi Dan, I reckon the machine must weigh the best part of a tonne. It has been converted from line shafting at some point with a brook motor which isn't that big really it is only 3hp.

 

[Frank S]

Whenever I see pieces like this,my hands itch, as I would love to restore something like it, but lack the space. would like to see some WIP pics please.Good luck with the project, I envy you.
Frank.

 

[wallace]

Hi Frank you dont have to restore big lumps to get the same thrill. I started on a little wadkin 6" planer which was really easy to do. wadkin-planer-restoration-t52559.html I think I'm going to get to know this machine before I decide what to do with it.
Mark

 

[Andy RV]

Have you got it off the pallet yet?!

 

[Steve Maskery]

Wonderful!
I restored a 1963 Meddings drill a few years ago. Not the same scale, of course. But it was very satisfying and the end result was a joy to use. I just hope it's still where I left it.....
S

 

[wallace]

Andy I have not tried to get it off the pallet yet. I was hoping to try and make a trolley for it to stand on with castors so it can be moved into the centre of my workshop for doing long stuff.
Mark

 

[condeesteso]

I am beginning to feel I would like to come and see your workshop - like your previous, under the crud it looks good and they were made so well anyway. As you know I loved what you did with the Wadkin... so just do that. Again. :lol:

 

[wallace]

Why thank you Douglas praise indeed, I intend to totally strip the spindle moulder I got because that's an unknown quantity and needs checking. But with the planer everything has a lovely patina where it looks rust coloured but when you touch it its really smooth with years of use. I am going to ponder it for awhile and just use it and get to know its quirks. Your more than welcome to visit my home of old iron.
Mark

 

[condeesteso]

Mark - your comment about the patina - looks rust coloured but is smooth?
Now let's talk tractors. A while ago I was collecting a Myford (like we do) and the seller had 5 Fergusons (before Massey). All in fine working fettle, but the one he loved most was (I think) a '37, petrol. And the engine cover was steel sheet, rust coloured but super-smooth. I can only guess: decent steel, heat, oil vapour, years. Anyway, he explained a bit to me about the lengths some restorers go to to replicate that burnished oxidised finish (and fail, he said). Sounds like you have a bit of that finish on the Sutcliiffe... it looks good enough to be in the Saltaire Gallery