Daft question (maybe)

[JonParticipant @jon]

Thanks for confirming that Nigel.

Nick my reference to gearbox was the screw cutting one quite different to the M250 where you have to faff about with change wheels. Seen on M300, flat top Students and larger from circa 1968 ish.

Just so happens had to turn an M10X1 running in to an 1/8!bsp (28tpi) this morning dead easy just select pitch via 4 knobs whether metric or imperial job done nothing more right up to think its 4mm pitch, modular and so on.

Geared head not a problem always changing speeds and retains the torque. Problem is inverter needs to be big 7.5kw its like starting a 9hp+ motor anything above 1200rpm, 2500 rpm forget it takes about 9 seconds with push start light chuck or not. Up and running not a problem can only just hint at it ramping up whereas the 5.5hp rotary convertor dies with minimal clean up cuts in a slowish gear.

[Michael HannahParticipant @michaelhannah24786]

Hi Folks

I am the guy who started this thread and I did not expect it to go in this direction or this long . Some interesting stuff especially on the Harrison. Also interesting on people opinions on the Far East stuff.

My friends has not decided on a definite project but he is heading in the general direction of 1/3 scale traction or 5" gauge Locos.

From what has been written here going far east is not a bad way to go and going second hand is the way to get a good machine but buyer beware.

At the risk of kicking over hornet nest is this a fair summary?

Mike

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Sounds a fair summary

His choice of two subjects will greatly affect what he goes for as a 4" traction engine will require a much larger machine than a 5" loco

[AjohnwParticipant @ajohnw51620]

Because I knew this site would be the easiest for find with the sort of gear both might need I googled this one

**LINK**

Their none hobby site but there are several outlets for industrial items made in China.

But as Jason mentioned a 4" traction engine is bit bigger than a 5" loco.

Personally I would be inclined to look at what Excel have but the smallest lath is this one

**LINK**

They also do some Bridgeport sized millers. That I would suspect is a must for the traction engine.

**LINK**

Seems some will be on live demo at the NEC and available on order with discount.

Out of my range on size and price but each time I have been there machines like these have been on there way out of the door. Several of them usually.

At the smaller sized lathes there is always boxford and also some rather similar Chinese / Far East ones and it seems Harrison. All classed as precision and not cheap either. The problem with the higher end lathes is that companies usually buy big even though most lathe work in say a toolroom is under 2" dia and less than 6" long. – that's why the ends of the bed wear and the cross slide gets stiff once it's wound out a bit. Colchester Triumphs used to be a popular small lathe for general use.

John

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[MWParticipant @mw27036]

The idea of made in UK, in the popular imagination died years ago, i certainly cant think of many things made 100% in this country, it's just bits and pieces mainly,(not as a retail item anyway, more like bespoke) just look at the price and you can see why nobody can afford to, even many things that have a claim to British heritage are on dubious foundations.

Michael W

Edited By Michael Walters on 12/02/2016 03:24:40

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