In the autumn of last year i bought a milling machine from one of our club members. Nu-tool similar to Warco Major 3024YZ.>>

I messed about with it trying to make things, but only getting frustrated with it.>>

By chance I had the book by Harold Hall bought as a present, 49 in the series. I looked at all the things he has made with the same machine and decided i have to make the thing easier to use.>>

So last week i started to make some alterations. Firstly i changed all the cheap ratchet handles for good ones – Elesa, and removed the column locking nuts for some 1/2" ratchet handles. That made a great difference, no spanners needed! >>

In time i will take the column out and machine a keyway in it and fit a key to the rear of the rack, I get fed up having to reposition things when l raise or lower the column. >>

Next, I ground a flat on the front of the stop hole bracket to create a land to fit a forward facing bracket to mount a digital vernier on. I had a spare 6” one which would fit nicely, just below the top guard. I machined a couple of Ali brackets and hey presto a vertical readout. What a difference they make, no more guessing depths of cut or hole depths.>>

This then made me think about the x and y, so now it also has a y axis readout and again what a fantastic difference. >>

This is probably old hat to some of you but to me it’s a giant leap forward.>>

This coming week I am going to fit an old Parvalux motor gearbox I have onto the y axis and power it with an inverter. Cant wait, as my right arm is dropping off with winding the handle.>>

Cheers>>

Brian>>