Have you thought of using an Air grinder tool there are some slim powerful tools available. The CP 91042 Chicago is my favourite and with a base makes a great micro router. The only draw back is the compressor you woukd need could be prohibited with noise and cost.

David

Edited By David George 1 on 02/02/2020 08:04:07

I've muttered about dental handpieces before – high speed one's would probably need coolant (for mere timber you might get away with air coolant) but low speed ones might well do the job albeit air hoses can get in the way. Wires for mains 'dremel' type tools could be a nuisance too. Lidl had some cordless dremel like stuff recently and their warranties are good….
I guess the choice would depends a lot on whether you chisel the outline and use the router just for depth or whether you plan to cut the outline with the router.

.

Phil,

Could you please post some photos of the David Dowling cutter grinder, for reference

… much appreciated

MichaelG.

Hi Michael

I had a blonde moment earlier, the engraver is actually a model 731, I have contacted Alan and arranged to scan my paper copy of the manual to PDF tomorrow.

I will take a few photo's of the 858 cutter grinder and post them up later.

Phil

Without wishing to derail this thread any further off topic than necessary, I, too, have a David Dowling 848 engraver. When I bought it last year, it came with the original typed operating instructions and a couple of pieces of period adverts for the 858A and 595 cutter grinders as well as some of the David Dowling accessories. I've made the whole lot into a combined Word document and pdf version and tidied it up somewhat. PM me if you want a copy.

There are a number of ER11 CNC spindles both with and without power supplies available on eBay for around £50 to £60. They have mounts which, from the pictures, seem to be eminently suitable for grafting onto a DD engraver.

My engraver:

John

P.S. I have been in correspondence with this company, based in Leeds, regarding cutters . They have an extensive range of products.

Pantograph Services

Many thanks for the pictures, Phil

Impressive kit

MichaelG.

We used to own the full size engine back in the 70's, so I was on good terms with its new owner and he lent me one of the original emblems off the engine for a while.

I got a full size copy cast from it, and then used that as the pattern for the 1/4 size version on the engraver.

The model now belongs to yet another new owner of the full size engine, but I still have the full size copy of the emblem hanging on my wall as a memento.

I think we seem to have wandered of thread a bit with all this reminiscing about old times, sorry.

Phil