Member postings for Peter Williamson 2

A kind member has emailed across a manual for the mk2 which from the look of it shares a few similarities with my mk1. There seems to be no fill-to mark on this version. I think it might just be trial an error. Shell-Mex R-1 no longer made so ISO 32 to 68 I guess, I use 32 for my compressor but seems a bit thin so might try the latter.

Lubrication is splash by the gears only, no pump. The cover has some channels but some oil holes seem to sit under sides that don't, very odd. Externally there are many oiling points, flat with a sprung ball bearing inside. Is there a special oil can that fits these? Not come across this type before.

The gear head is what drew me to it over some of the belt drive models, more like a mini Colchester student (the only lathe I've ever operated). It all looks original going by period photos I've found. It could look quite smart with new paint. It's missing an on/off control, you just plug it in to start it which seems a bit sketchy from a safety standpoint.

Do you know anyone on the forum that has a mk1? There's so much I don't know, like how much oil it takes, what taper fitting the tail stock is, etc.. I'm also worried about breaking something that cannot be replaced when stripping it down. Having some documentation would really help. There's a little history on lathes.co.uk but not much else.

Hi John,

The guy I bought it from did say it was likely from an air base up in Lincolnshire. I'm assuming it's the low speed that's the issue with using inserts? It didn't come with any tooling so I was going to purchase some 12mm holders (the height from the post to centre looks to be 1/2". HHS would be nice but I don't have the skills yet to make them (or even a suitable grinder).

A DRO is a possibility down the road but not right now.

I've just noticed the type-o in the thread title. It should me a mk1: can a moderator change this?

Hi. A new lathe owner and first post on the forum.

After a few years on the lookout for a lathe, I took a punt on a old Denham that was fairly local to me. The price seemed reasonable so bought it sight-unseen. From what little research I’ve done, it’s a Denham Junior Mk1 made in 1929 and according to the info plate, reconditioned in April 1949. It’s somewhat rough but overall it seems to work so the plan right now is to restore it into a good a working condition. Basically just go through it, clean and repair anything that needs it and give it a coat of paint.

Is there any fellow Denham owners on this list who can share their knowledge on this model? I’m also looking for any documentation: Service manuals, operating manuals, parts list etc that will help with the process.