Aladdin's cave of machines to dispose of - help needed

Home Model Engine Machinist Forum

Help Support Home Model Engine Machinist Forum:

davidUK

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2022
Messages
69
Reaction score
8
Thanks Mike. How does it differ from the Autolock in function?
 

Mike Ginn

Well-Known Member
HMEM Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2020
Messages
290
Reaction score
113
Location
UK
They both do the same job. I can't explain why there are so many of these chucks - I must refer to more knowledge members for the answer.

BUT if it is 3MT then its for the Westbury. Unfortunately (and sadly) we will never know the thinking behind your BiL decisions apart from the fact that he appreciated quality products and worked to a very high standard.
Mike
 

davidUK

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2022
Messages
69
Reaction score
8
He was a naval architect by profession so was used to working to military standards. For instance my SIL was explaining this morning that every window in the house has a key on a hook to the right. This was ingrained from the navy always considering the risk of fire and escape routes. I'm guessing he had thought about strain and rigidity of the milling head and went for a more robust solution?
 

Mike Ginn

Well-Known Member
HMEM Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2020
Messages
290
Reaction score
113
Location
UK
David
It is likely that there are drawings of the spindle and casting mods either on the original copies or separate. From what I have seen I am sure he would have kept the documents which really should go with the mill.
I'm a chartered Engineer and "suffer" from the same tidy affliction. You will be interested to know that everything (1500 items) in my workshop are listed in a spread sheet and I have a full photographic folder of, for instance, all the items which should be sold with the lathe whenever that time comes. I was thinking of writing a post describing and encouraging others to do the same. We are all getting older and such a document would help the executers move on the equipment. I would like to avoid the problems you have had and I am aware that none of my relatives have a clue about my model engineering kit - sad but a reality!
Mike
 

davidUK

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2022
Messages
69
Reaction score
8
Mike, you're a mind reader! We found his "Westbury" folder...

20230601_142126.jpg


Including working instructions...

20230601_142354.jpg

20230601_142441.jpg

20230601_142502.jpg

20230601_142151.jpg


Also, note the option of MT3 here...

20230601_141933.jpg


This is a great resource for the buyer.
 

Mike Ginn

Well-Known Member
HMEM Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2020
Messages
290
Reaction score
113
Location
UK
David
That all makes sense now. I didn't know that a 3MT was an option - I have never seen one for sale. It makes sense because I consider modifying a 2MT spindle within the quill to 3MT to be very difficult (impossible?). The drawings clearly show the 3MT

So You can sell it as a Standard Dore Westbury Mill with (very rare) upgraded spindle to 3MT with matching Autolock and similar chucks plus cutters. Optionally a really good quality vice. If you have a rotary table that could also fit the mill as an additional option.

Best of Luck on Friday

Mike
 

davidUK

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2022
Messages
69
Reaction score
8
Thanks Mike, and Charles for your comment, made me chuckle.

The auction house has been. They were exceptionally careful and expert at partly dismantling the lathe, wrapping it, and removing it. Very courteous and efficient, I can't fault them at all. They also put the Westbury in my car for me to deliver tomorrow.

They were from Gildings auctioneers in Market Harborough, machines, model railway stuff, engines, tools, etc. We used them when my dad died a few years ago, not for machines, just general stuff.

I'll update the thread when we know the auction date, probably a couple of months time. My SIL, wife and I will attend the auction on the day to watch all (or at least some) of the items go through.

It's been so helpful to post here and we're really grateful for your expert knowledge. Best wishes to all.
 

Mike Ginn

Well-Known Member
HMEM Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2020
Messages
290
Reaction score
113
Location
UK
David
It was so good that you reached out (to use an Americamism!). So many people try to struggle along very much in the dark. It has convinced me to make a posting about planning for the future and how to make it easier for those who remain!

Best wishes and keep us posted on progress - a digital catalogue would be fantastic

Mike
 

davidUK

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2022
Messages
69
Reaction score
8
Yep, auction will be online too so I'll post a link. I wonder how many here are interested in model trains as opposed to model engines? There are hundreds of the former, a few of the latter, and as we know... plenty of machines!
 

Latest posts

Top