New Member Intro

Hello All.

Just to introduce myself as a new member to ME. I am a Chartered Electrical Engineer, specialising in motors, variable speed drives and control systems for industrial and renewable energy projects.

Am now a Freelance Engineering Consultant; see www.opusds.com for more info. I have a small home workshop used mainly for my business, making small test rigs and the like. Have a 1950 Colchester Master lathe in good order, a New Progress drilling machine (bought for £7.50 and restored) together with an elderly power hacksaw which requires some TLC. My Dad was a tool maker so engineering runs in the blood.

Currently looking for a small vertical milling machine for an exciting ongoing R+D project requiring the manufacture of some small alloy parts. Already looking at a couple for sale but would prefer a small turret type, ideally with a quill feed for reasonable money. Otherwise a solid benchtop type with belt drive would do. Location close to Lancashire would be ideal to simplify collection.

That's all folks ! If anyone needs advice about motors of all types, VSD's, three phase to single phase conversions etc. just give me a shout.

Adrian

Hello and welcome Adrian, I hope you know what you are getting yourself into!!!

I would guess that electrical or as I prefer, electrickery, is one of the areas that most of us need help with, so your offer is most welcome.

What sort of space requirement will be needed for your mill? That would greatly help in suggesting machines.

Brian

Thanks Brian and no issue with advice and help on the electrics. Been involved with the design and application of VSD's and motors for 37 years so happy to give something back !

Re the mill, I've no real space issues as I've a large double garage to play with. More concerned with weight, lifting and transport together with reasonable money.

There is a VMC 626 turret mill in the classifieds which is of interest although it is right down on the south coast and I'm in Lancashire which could be an issue. This is a nice to have but a simple belt driven Clarke CMD1225 or Sealey SM25 probably would be good enough for current requirements.

Adrian

Welcome Adrian!

You are likely to get a lot of questions about VFDs and variable speed lathes on here!

That should make you even more welcome!

You will join the huge rank of folk on here with specialised knowledge in their field.

Howard

Thanks Howard. Always good to be part of and help out within a knowledgeable community.

Adrian

Hi Adrian, Welcome to the forum, the pool of knowledge here increases with every new member. Tom.

Welcome! There is a vast pool of experience here, its good to add yours to it.

Although the VMC is a bargain as you say it is a bit of a long haul to Lancashiire. However normally the problem is all the good machines are way up north so you will find something esle coming up I'm sure.

Hello Adrian, welcome to the forum from another Lancastrian

David

Welcome to the forum, Adrian.

Neil