stent

I have been machining the Stent castings which I bought many years ago. The dovetail on the table does not run its full length and I cannot see any reason for this, especially as the rack is shown extended out from the table. This means there will be little support when the table is to the far left. I wondered if later castings were any different. Unfortunately the casting I have has a large blow hole in the middle, so I am thinking of starting again.

You are not the first to spot this apparent design flaw that results in the table nearly falling off the end, and thereby hangs an solution.

To clarify, the ends of the dovetails are open - the table simply overhangs them at each end. Why, I can't see either, but it may not matter unless you are sharpening long-series cutter flutes.

Giles Parker published a simple solution, in MEW years ago - though the magazine used an un-modified Stent for its cover photograph.

Essentially Mr Parker rotated the column etc. 180º on his version, to place the spindle inboard, approximately over the middle of the slide's mid-stroke.

Ref:

Parker, G. Stent Modifications. Model Engineers' Workshop, No.208, Aug/Sept 2005.

I have this MEW article John - PM if you would like a copy

Regards,

IanT

Model Engineers' Workshop, No.108, Aug/Sept 2005.

Just a small correction

JES

Oh yes. 108. Thank you for that.

Wrong glasses on!

If you look at the Clarkson t & c grinder the rack sticks out on that and its one of the best regarded grinders. The stent is really just its baby. I have been using mine (short base ) for 35+ years without any real problems. The only part I did not like was the rear mounted table stops so made the popular design that fits on the front of the machine.

Many thanks for your replies. Perhaps I had better get on with the rest of it, then review it later. Too many years have passed already !