Moore & Wright Automatic Centre Punch Cat No 280

Can anyone tell me the diameter of the ball bearing that I believe is part of the triggering mechanism of this unit, I managed to lose it when in a moment of madness I opened mine up to see how it worked! would have been a good move to make sure I was right above the bench......duh

Wade VK4WM

I would have told you, but the ball shot straight over my shoulder !! And then I saw that mine was an ECLIPSE model 171. Anyone tell me the diameter of the ball bearing that I believe is part of the triggering mechanism of this unit !!!
BobH

Hi All,

I have a box with about 8 or so of these M&W and Eclipse centre punches all needing new points and some needing ball bearings as well.

Any thoughts as to sourcing these would be most welcome.

Regards,

Martin

I've too have just discovered that taking a centre punch apart isn't a good idea! My unbranded punch has a rounded rod thing rather than a ball bearing. Sorry to be no help at all.

73

Dave

I have a couple of Eclipse 172's somewhere but given what's happened to you folks I'm not inclined to take them apart! Eclipse/M&W are still around so I'm sure they can supply the part or provide the spec.

Well don't keep them in suspense! How big are the ball bearings?

Neil

Let's start a tote.

My guess is 5/32"

Take one to bits inside a plastic bag. Then let us all know.

They don't all have a ball bearing.

Edited By Vic on 30/06/2016 18:36:37

I only have an Eclipse 171. Had it apart 30 odd years ago to regrind the point. I'll open it up when I get home later if no one has sorted it by then.

Regards

Vic is right. Here is an exploded view of the 171 (1950s vintage). No Ball Bearing.

Suspect it was the small Detent /Spring that flew out. Should not be difficult to make and harden a replacement.

If you want the dims of the part, I'll put them up here.

Afraid I can't help with the Moore & Wright version(s)

Regards.

**LINK**

I had to have a look how they worked!

Mine is the 'Sweet Patent' type in the animations. A very simple arrangement.

Neil

I wonder if the "ball bearing" was actually the bullet-shaped trigger cam wotsit. In my version of the punch, it's the silver cylinder with one end rounded and a hole drilled in the other. (Component is top left in both pics.)

When I took the punch apart yesterday bits flew about. Today it's completely tame. Very strange.

Dave

I've made my own points from silver steel

Roy

Having failed to get my ancient one working I'm buying a new one. Less than £5 for adjustable type .Should last me with little use.

If you can find one the E172 model is very good and you can change the point easily as it screws in. The proper? Price is £50 - £60 but I bought one at one of the model engineering shows for £10, boxed brand new.

Well ! what a response, I did see something about Eclipse Auto Punches somewhere (sorry but my M&W 280 was my main concern so did not bookmark the page) the missing part is most likely the little detent spring Richard S2 mentioned, one bloke found a spring that fitted and got his working ok, in my case I hope the ball is a standard size, I have had a look at Moore & Wright's website but could find no reference to the 280 at all and of course obtaining a couple of replacement balls from them and sending them to Australia to boot, a comedian could develop a very good joke out of that!

Martin King 2, are the M&W centre punches in your collection (dare I say it) all minus their balls, if not could you as was suggested pull one apart in a plastic bag so you could measure a ball? I have checked out any old ball races I have in my workshop but all too big, not sure yet what local suppliers carry, I can buy a replacement auto punch made in China but it is against my engineering principles to have a first class tool out of action because of my momentary stupidity, might be time to make a ball turning attachment and tackle some silver steel then harden the right sized ball when found, then I can post the size here!

Thanks all who took the time to reply.

Wade VK4WM

Wade VK4WM

I don't know if you ever got an answer or if you made your own ball but I've just taken my Moore and Wright 280 punch apart and the steel ball is 3mm in mine.

Hello, sorry to bring up an old post. I recently inherited an Eclipse 171 which is not working. Going on the above picture I am missing a spring? The other puzzle is that there is a brass ferrule that has internal thread that appears to be somewhat larger than the pin that is secured in the top half. I also seem 5o be missing the collar with the two holes as pictured above? Where to from here pls? Anyone advise where I might source the missing parts?