Member postings for Nick Grant

I was lucky enough to get a beautiful old brooke vice thrown in when I bought my pillar drill and I would like to take it apart and refurbish it completely. Im having trouble working out how it actually comes apart and wondered if anyone had any experience with similar vices?

The large slot headed screws may have something to do with it but I cannot get them to budge with the tools I have. The largest screwdriver bit I own is nowhere near big enough and was starting to damage the slot when I applied pressure. I have seen something called a drag link socket on US websites that looks perfect but I cannot find anything similar this side of the pond.

Heres some photos, I can post photos of the underside or any parts in more detail if requested.

Thanks!

Edited By Nick Grant on 10/03/2015 14:04:49

I have used salt before but that was for an espresso machine with huge tolerances for accuracy and not what id call engineering. It works but i doubt the wall thickness in the bend was consistent or anything

I have only ever dealt with spring steel in rod form. Is it harder to drill than stainless generally?

Thank you, thats an interesting group.

I just wish shapeways would launch in the uk! Its a pain ordering stuff from america and I haven't found anyone offering a similar easy to use service over here.

While researching VDF inverters and control pendants I came across some vague mentions of them sometimes using asbestos insulation in old motors.

The Crompton Parkinson motor I have on the drill says it has class E insulation. When I’ve looked that up online it doesn’t mention that asbestos was ever used for class E so I assume that means the motor is 100% safe?

We had some trouble with finding and having asbestos professionally removed in this house so I have been over paranoid about it ever since. Spent a fortune removing the stuff so I do not want to run any risk of introducing any more.

I nearly bought a floor standing progress no.1 recently, they look like lovely machines. These old drills had some beautiful curves you just dont get today.

Having cleaned off more dirt I see the motor now lists 380/440v and below that says 220/250v so I assume it is dual voltage after all?

Im in no hurry to get the drill working, id rather take my time to explore the options and learn the skills needed to get it right first time. I'm planning a long slow restoration to get it looking better than new. I enjoy restoring things as much as using them to be honest!

I am not at home with anything beyond basic electrics but I do have an ex engineer next door and an uncle thats an electrician so I have help at hand. The pre wired packages on eBay look good and it removes the problem of adapting the shaft size of a new motor to fit the old pulley.

Thank you for the thread link Ian, that really does look fantastic. Makes me want a three phase grinder now too!

Well I think you have convinced me an inverter is the way to go. The 500rpm low speed on the Fobco star had concerned me so being able to dial that down electronically would be fantastic.

Its a 380/440 brook crompton motor. I was under the impression you lost a lot of power with an inverter? Im more at home with mechanicals and paintwork than electrical so forgive my ignorance.

It was indeed from Axminster, a Jet JDP-15. They actually replaced the first one and the second was just as bad so I returned it for a refund (Axminster customer services were great). I hope they didn't sell them on again to anyone, they are not fit for purpose in my opinion.

Hi, I just picked up a three phase Fobco star that I intend to fully restore and convert to single phase. Im currently shopping for a motor and I'm wondering what people would suggest?

Ive seen Tec, Marelli and lots of no brand mentioned motors at various price points but I'm not sure if there will be much difference between makes?

Im thinking a 0.55kw will do but Im hoping this drill press and motor will last me many, many years so I'm happy spending a little more if a more expensive motor will give me less vibration and noise.

I made the mistake of buying a JET drill press a few months ago (it was soon returned!) that had a motor that practically wobbled the vibrations were so bad so I'm a bit on edge about getting a good one for this fantastically solid Fobco drill.

Thanks all