Member postings for JG

Hello,

I recently acquired an old Grafton 12" rotary table, I'd guess it's pretty old judging by the style of handle which is pretty flat, but realistically have no real idea. It's 120:1 ratio and the dial is 5" I don't know the weight but it's probably around 55-60 kg using the "arm weighing scales", a little bit of damage but a pretty decent bit of kit.

I'm just wondering who Grafton were, and how old it's likely to be.. a google search doesn't show much.

- just using it to make an index plate at the moment.

Hello Adrian and Neil,

The watch repair is the route I'd eventually like to go down, I only do it for myself at present.

Jonathan

This might sound ridiculous but some ordinary writing paper with oil on it might help to keep the toolpost from rotating.. it basically increases the friction between the two metal parts and allows a slightly greater leeway with surface imperfections. It came up on another forum in relation to clamping machine vices.

Sometimes small old horizontal (unfashionable) mills can be had fairly affordably and thanks to the lower attraction from being horizontal, sometimes aren't worn out. Some of them could be fitted with manufacturer made vertical heads, or people can adapt a self contained vertical head from something else, to the overarm/ support.. a VFD is also quite a popular option for running small 3ph motors from single phase. Some of the jig borers can also do really light milling - depending what sort of milling capacity you need vs accurate locations, some models might be worth a quick search.

Jouke's intention of making horological cutters is appealing.. might be the temptation I need to finally make one (once some other projects are finished).

In terms of the maximum cutting loads / depth, I'll just see how the thread progresses (that's likely to be sooner than I can make one).

Must admit, I'm excited to see the tools which are produced from this thread.. I'd quite like to give one a try but have visions of the tool bit being pushed down in the holder during a heavy cut.

Hello chaps,

I didn't want to say much about my location as there's always the chance I'll post the occasional machinery picture and it's a public forum, but suffice to say Brian H isn't so far away.. I remember a BHI branch tour of a clockmakers workshop in Derbyshire a number of years ago.

Generally I frequent an American machinist forum but this site usually has information on most matters too.

Jonathan

Just introducing myself.. my name's Jonathan, from Yorkshire.

I've done some general manual machining in past manufacturing work, and do a bit in my spare time - mostly connected to watch repair.

I've seen a couple of designations for the HLV from different years and place of manufacture. For practical purposes the options are generally wide bed HLV-H or narrow bed HLV. The handwheel speed change is early, but I can't remember more than that. The lathes website has some information but there's also a lot on an American forum.. I think CNC conversion has come up there as well.