how not to move a machine

[wallace]

Thanks a lot chaps. Danny I think we have the same size machine. They came in 24", 20" and 15" the size designation goes by what will fit through the thicknesser. I like the geared fence on your machine. What else have you got in there looks interesting. Heres some info on them http://www.ktproductions.co.uk/woodwork ... ochure.pdf

 

[Argus]

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Shame about the casting, but you're right - it could have been much worse from the machine's point of view.

I seem to remember that, years ago in the days when when we did some engineering in this country, there was a technique of 'stitching' broken castings that involved a complex of drilling and pegging either side of the fault that reunited the cracks - rather like sutures.

I don't know if there are still any practitioners these days, but it would be interesting to find out about it.

All best with the back and the repairs.

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[wallace]

Hi Argus, I have seen the technique you mentioned. I think Jack from Canada did it on a machine. I have had some quite good success with my mig welder on cast.

 

[Cheshirechappie]

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Shame about the casting, but you're right - it could have been much worse from the machine's point of view.

I seem to remember that, years ago in the days when when we did some engineering in this country, there was a technique of 'stitching' broken castings that involved a complex of drilling and pegging either side of the fault that reunited the cracks - rather like sutures.

I don't know if there are still any practitioners these days, but it would be interesting to find out about it.

All best with the back and the repairs.

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It is seriously annoying to read negative comments like this about Britain's engineering capacity. YES - we do still make stuff, repair stuff and above all, design stuff in Britain. Industry has changed, as the world has changed. We don't have rows of capstan lathes each with a bored operator in overalls and a donkey jacket making the same component four hundred times a day every day, we have high-speed CNC machines with in-process gauging and automated bar feed, swarf disposal and product collection. So engineering employment patterns have changed - very few semi-skilled and labouring jobs, but a smaller number of higher-skilled ones. We lost some heavy industries to overseas competition (shipbuilding, for example), but we still have plenty of high-end manufacturers making just about anything you can name. By the way, on the subject of shipbuilding - Cammell Laird are not only still going on the Mersey, they are thriving - they specialise in lengthening ships by cutting them in half and welding in a new bit. They are the acknowledged world leaders at that.

As for metal stitching (and another global company based in Britain) try http://www.metalock.co.uk/


Wallace - repair of cast iron by welding is a well-established technique. It's best to get a specialist to do the job, as the best results need pre-heating and the correct consumables. Another solution may be to replace the cast component with a steel fabrication, which may be a better option if it takes a high load in service.

Edit to add - Cammell Laird's website - http://www.clbh.co.uk/

 

[wallace]

I think the problem with peoples perception of what we have left of engineering is maybe a bit misguided. 5 miles from where I live used to be the hub of train building and then 15 miles the other way is where wadkin bursgreen were based and then not but 1 mile from my home B&D once boasted the biggest production line in the world. All those things and many more are gone. So I think people believe we have nothing left but like you said we are doing the clever stuff which does not employ thousands of people.
When welding cast it should be heated to at least 400degrees and nickel rods should be used, I don't have a stick welder so sue a mig. You have to let the piece cool down slowly to stop it cracking.

 

[Bigdanny]

Hi Wallace,
I dont think its a geared fence but more cantilever. Seems to work nice nice needs the whole restoration thing. My blades are skewed but I dont think I have the Shaping facility like yours. As I said its a heavy beastie. I got it off another Brit who lives here and swapped him a trailer for it. A big trailer mind you.

I've a few other machines packed in there as well. Waiting to be cleaned and installed. Everything is still on pallets as still have a little more to do for the renovation. Have Multico Wallsaw, Sagar Spindle Moulder, a Danish Spindle, I think Moretens. and a 16 inch Wilson Planer and Danckaert Table saw 2 metre sliding table. All good cast iron stuff apart from the Moretens. I've started taking apart the Danckaert. It needs a couple of split pins replacing. I dismantled everything and just needs light greasing or boeshild and maybe a spray over with paint. Hopefully October I should be able to crack on with a few of these machines.
At the moment Im busy building a garage and have some other building work to do for people. That should pay for me to do the workshop.

 

[dickm]

When welding cast it should be heated to at least 400degrees and nickel rods should be used, I don't have a stick welder so sue a mig. You have to let the piece cool down slowly to stop it cracking.

Might be interesting to write your guide to welding cast with a Mig in the Metalworking section? I'm certainly intrigued as to how you do it, tho' have successfully welded one or two castings with standard arc.

On the topic of engineering work, up here round Aberdeen there are a whole lot of small specialist metal workers doing one-offs for the oil industry. And, of course, a lot of very high tech support services for the same. Not British owned, but Schlumberger are pretty huge round about, just to mention one. But no more shipbuilding.

 

[Cheshirechappie]

I think the problem with peoples perception of what we have left of engineering is maybe a bit misguided. 5 miles from where I live used to be the hub of train building and then 15 miles the other way is where wadkin bursgreen were based and then not but 1 mile from my home B&D once boasted the biggest production line in the world. All those things and many more are gone. So I think people believe we have nothing left but like you said we are doing the clever stuff which does not employ thousands of people.
When welding cast it should be heated to at least 400degrees and nickel rods should be used, I don't have a stick welder so sue a mig. You have to let the piece cool down slowly to stop it cracking.

All is not lost on the engineering front. Things change, and always have done. A lot of famous names went to the wall in the 1930s, but others replaced them. It's still happening - the Nissan car plant in Sunderland, for example, and the new Hitachi rail rolling stock factory that's going up in Newton Aycliffe.

By the way, another tip when welding cast iron is to do short (about 1") runs, and peen them to stress relieve them. That helps to reduce the risk of cracking, apparently. It does mean that a full weld may take quite a while to complete, but better a slow job than a ruined job.