Pillar Drill Part

I've recently started the clean, stripping and re-painting of a nice Champion No.1 pillar drill. Nomenclature it's my strong point at this time but I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on what the part/material is shown in the photos. It seems like some sort of soft, red washer.

Thanks,

Will.

Could be a polyurathane bump stop/ shock absorber depending on its position which is not very clear. Other than that no idea sorry

regards

+1 on the bump stop - I had a pillar drill with a black rubbery (neoprene?) washer in that position. Does it go up and down with the quill and not rotate? If so, most likely a bump stop, and if it is, the one you have looks like it would still do the job OK.

Rob

Edited for missing letters - must get new batteries in wireless keyboard

Edited By Grindstone Cowboy on 04/09/2023 14:34:37

Ah brilliant! Thank you both, that must be what it is. It does indeed move up and down with the quill but not rotate. I'll give it a clean and pop it back in once the new prime and paint job is done

Will.

Hello Will, I have a Champion No.1 which I'm about to refurbish (with a similar bump stop).

I have never seen one with an indexing depth dial like yours.

Is there any chance you could post a few more photos?

I feel another project coming on!

Cheers, Steve

Hi Steve,

Sounds interesting! Mine was a recent purchase so I can't claim the modifications were of my own doing. The seller said that it was Geo Thomas' and was modified by him. I didn't enquire further on that point so can't say for sure but the modifications seem to be very nicely done and finished. The drill is currently in pieces so I only have some 'before' pictures that I can share but if you'd like I can provide some more in depth part photos/dimensions at some point if you'd like.

My drill is missing a base plate so will need to fashion something for it but all the rest of the drill is there so I was very happy to get my hands on such a nice little machine.

Will.

Thank you Will, That's a nice piece of kit. I like the vernier plate on the table.

It looks to me like you have a Champion No.1 headstock, a George Thomas table and a nicely home made table bracket (forgive the nomenclature).

Here are some equivalent photos of mine-

And a drawing-

Looking forward to seeing pictures once it has been painted etc.

Cheers, Steve

Edited By Steve Crow on 05/09/2023 17:23:38

Hi Steve,

Looks like you may well be right! It's a nice addition isn't it.

Nice little project you have for yourself there too. I especially like the drawing. Unfortunately my mechanical drawing skills aren't at that level, I'm more accustomed to digital software modelling, though I keep gradually drifting more analogue so maybe one day I'll be able to produce something similar.

My drill now has it's first top coat on so well on it's way, will post some more pictures once complete.

Will.

If that pillar drill really was GHT's then it was a find for sure Will. And what's been modified or added to sure looks like the attention to detail and craftsmanship he would have done. Much of that is very similar to what he also used on his UPT design.

That's a really nice drawing Steve. Illustrations like that would be nice in ME as they can capture the essentials often better than a photo.