Bench Mounted Engraving Machine

Has anyone built the Bench Mounting engraving Machine described in Model Engineer May 1955 Vol 175.

I am confused as to whether the motor pillar should be tight or allow the motor to pivot in unison with the cutter head/pantograph. If it is swivelling I am not sure how the tension stays on the drive belt. Any thoughts?

My first thought is why, when you could build a CNC machine, but then my second thought was that's probably unkind as people do like making old style machines.

regards Martin

Edited By Martin Kyte on 12/06/2020 20:49:21

I haven't looked up this article but often there is a belt tension rod between the cutting head and the motor.

There is an updated/ modified version published May to November 1995 which includes drawings, pictures and some "simpler to build" modifications of the original 1955 Duplex machine. This one is by H A Holland. This has a tie rod that " maintains the distance between the motor pulley and the driven pulley so that the belt tension remains constant as the cutter head swings. It is made in two pieces so that it can be adjusted to suit the length of the belt". I would assume this is similar to the Duplex version. (I don't have my 1955 copies handy but If I can get to them I will confirm for you.

Hi Bizibilder

The article I am working from is the one you refer to and the machine does have the two part rod you mention. My confusion arises as when I bought the part built machine the motor pillar was not quite tight and being a purist I tightened it and now I am not sure I did the right thing.