Member postings for Michael Minas

Thanks for your help gentlemen.

I will keep you informed of my progress. Will probably start on it next year.

Thanks for all the information guys. I have plenty of time on my hands so thats not much of a factor. To be honest the machine hasnt cost much at all and like I said it came with a Victor vertical head. It will be a fun project and theres always times when you need to mill something horizontally. Not sure what but Im sure there is.

If I run belts between the back gear shaft and the main shaft, how would I be able to tension the belts? In theory I could fit a motor just under the back gear shaft run a belt straight up and then another belt will run across to the main shaft. With a VFD rpm will be controlled somewhat so no need for lots of belts and pulleys. Do I still need to run a belt from the rear of the main shaft to the lower shaft? The one in the photos with the bronze bushing and no shaft running through it.

A diagram of what you suggest would be great.

Thanks again Nigel. Im slowly getting my head around it.

The more I think about the two holes on the base the more I believe that this casting could have been made or modified for a lathe. In all my research I have yet to see a horizontal mill with only two holes in the base.

Could you tell me what is supposed to fit into the hole with the bronze bushing located at the rear of the column, near the bottom just off centre. The hole runs through to the front cavity just behind where the knee would be located. I will attach photo.

I believe the two holes on the left hand side of the casting at approximately 45 degrees, in line with the shaft are for oilers?

Im not sure where the previous owner had located the motor but I believe it was below the back gear shaft. Is this the best place for it? Or does someone have a better suggestion? I will be fitting a 2.5hp DC 3phase motor with a VFD. Just trying to reduce the array of belts and pulleys.

I could also try and remove some of the pulleys and replace with gears. I have a few large and small ones tucked away somewhere. Is that a better option? Would like to see some setups.

Heres some more photos. Starting to think that maybe this machine was actually made here in Australia. See attached a picture of a lathe with a similar base/column. Apparently machines where made her by companies, sadly there is not much information available.

I have no idea how these shafts and gears will all go together but im sure will figure it out as I go along.

Thanks again for all the information. All those machines are close but still there are distinctive differences. I was wondering if anyone has seen a base like mine with only two holes that have a small raised section around each on another machine? Lathe, tool grinder etc. It could be an indication of a manufacturer.

Nigel I will have a look at shafts and fixtures tomorrow and take some pictures. What do you mean by drop bracket? Forgive all my questions but not quite familiar with this type of machine.

Heres a few more pictures.

Thank you so much for all your replies. I believe I am one step closer to finding out what make it is or one step closer for stopping my search.

I think Clive is spot on. Probably a generic machine marketed under various names. Probably why the name is on the door. The more prestigious manufacturers of that era had names cast on the machine, Cincinnatti, Browne and Sharpe etc. Im curious to know why you think this machine was made in the USA? For sure this was a line shaft machine and the pulleys a later addition.

Still, the overarm support and vertical bolts are defenitely unique. Not sure how many manufacturers in that era used box ways. Machine threads are all UNC. I have yet to locate any numbered parts.

I would like to begin assembling the machine but thought I would try to find a manufacturer to get it right. I would appreciate some guidance if possible. Not sure how the belts, pulleys etc are all organised.

To be honest I didnt need another machine but I purchased a small surface grinder and this machine was thrown in for $200 AUS (about 100 pounds sterling. Plus it has a Victor Universal head that fits to the drive shaft. I couldnt say no and now it has grown on me. A horizontal mill would be a great addition to my little home hobby shop. The history is also fascinating.

Greetings from a new member over here in Australia. I am hoping the collective knowledge on this site can help me identify an old milling machine I want to restore.

I have tried forums her and in the US with not much luck. I have also thoroughly looked at vintage machinery and lathes UK but no luck. This is getting harder than I thought.

I will attempt to load some photos and see what happens.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Edited By JasonB on 17/11/2021 07:28:20