Alexander engraving machine

Hi, thanks for the reply to a recent post. The Tom Senior with all its bits is now all set up in the new workshop. The verticle "S" head all clocked as is the milling vice, so ready for work. As my respondant wrote" the column is the heavy bit", must be 3- 4 cwt. The base was inscribed inside "if you are reading this the worst is behind you!"

My new problem is the Alexander engraving machine (again I have the manual) It seems impossible to remove the working table. Although what I am seeing means there was no way to assemble it - both ends of the feedscrew have turned shoulders on the outside of the feedscrew bearing plates. The feedscrew handle is reversible end for end. On the inside of the bearing at one end are two C spanner nuts for adjusting the backlash of the screw. It is a real puzzle how it was put onto the machine, and obviously how to get it off. The problem iis one of mass. THis is too heavy to move on the industrial sack truck. I have tried and I think it will be a trip to A and E! Does anybody know how to get the table off an Alexander engraving machine????

The Tom Senior is very similar to the Omnimill Juniormill whose column weighs 110Kg.

You might try polishing the two shoulders on the leadscrew and wiping with a little acid to see if it shows up wher the taper pin has been put in and turned flush.

From what I remember with my Alexander No.1 engraver, you take off the X and Y axes together. The Y axis leadscrew nut is held by 2 allen screws which are accessed from under the knee. It does require lying on the floor with a torch but once they are undone you can slide the whole assembly off.

If you then put the assembly on a bench and turn it over and look at the underside of the x axis you will find that the end of the leadscrew without the dial has an extension pinned on, with the pin accessible inside the table casting.

Hello folk, unfortunately due to the weight of my Alexander's engraving machine, it tipped over when i was trying to move it to the workshop, damage was minimal, but where on earth can I get a bearing that has snapped, it was under a black cap, I've stripped it out and find the casting has broken, it's about 40mm long, there is a bearing journal ground at both ends, it's like a top hat held on with 3 cap head screws, any help much appreciated,

Kind regards Ian Mackay

Ian

you could try speaking to Pantograph Services. www.pantograph.co.uk . They were very helpful to me when I needed assistance with my Taylor Hobson engraver. Even if they don’t have what you need, they may know someone who can help.

mMike

Thanks for the reply, i was hoping to post a few pics tried the camera icon, no joy, anyway, it's all new to me so i will try the above, thanks again.

Photos. Find the 'albums' tab on the top green bar to first upload some photos. Then you can select them withteh camera icon.
If it is only small you can make another from 'billet'.