By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more
Forum sponsored by:
Forum sponsored by Forum House Ad Zone

Newbie in France Needs Help

All Topics | Latest Posts

Search for:  in Thread Title in  
Trevor Davies 208/09/2011 16:36:02
5 forum posts
Hi
I am returning to Model Engineering after a 35 year break and retiring to France.
After re-erecting my Myford 7-R after 25 years mothballed I am now starting to build my workshop. My first project is to be a 5" gauge Martin Evans Terrier Tank Engine.
However, living in France raises its own problems as to availability of materials and tools at reasonable prices.
 
If there are any Model Engineers out there in France, preferably Morbihan Bretagne I would really appreciate an email. [email protected]
 
Thanks in advance Trevor
 
John Hinkley09/09/2011 13:11:04
avatar
1545 forum posts
484 photos
Trevor,
I see you've yet to get a reply - unless you've been inundated with PMs via your supplied email address. For my part, I live in the west of the Orne department and have found that tooling (milling cutters and the like) are difficult to source locally, at least at a sensible price and, as for materials, I've yet to find anywhere that will supply small amounts of metals at all. I've resigned myself to using what I can get in the local Brico stores (very limited) and the rest I get from the UK from the various suppliers who advertise in MEW. I have, in desperation, had some stuff delivered by airmail, but I normally coincide my deliveries with visits by family and friends and have the heavy gear delivered to them so that they get the hernia and bring it over with them. Actually, I'm off to the UK at the end of the month for a couple of days and hope to have a bandsaw delivered to my son-in-law's for me to bring back to France in our car - saving a whopping 50% or so on what I'd have to pay for one out here! Fingers crossed. I wish you success with your search, if you find a good source, please share it with the rest of us.
John
Versaboss09/09/2011 14:21:39
512 forum posts
77 photos

Hmm - seems you never heard about Otelo?

It is an offspring from the U.S. Travis tools, and located in France. They have also an office in Switzerland. You can get all you want in tools, and also machines, hardware (screws etc), and even stuff like silver steel, ground gauge plate, plastics - you name it. Delivery by post in 2 days (in Switzerland; they deliver direct from France). The latest catalog has over 1500 pages and is 35 mm thick

www.otelo.fr/


Greetings, Hansrudolf


Weary09/09/2011 15:53:38
421 forum posts
1 photos
I guess that you have tried C.A.V. to track down other model engineers in the same area?
 
Regards,
 
Phil
John Hinkley09/09/2011 19:51:21
avatar
1545 forum posts
484 photos
Versaboss,
Thanks for the useful link. I tried a couple of items, just out of interest. For example, a bandsaw, exactly the same as sold by Warco - about £80 to £90 more expensive from Otelo (depending on the £/€ exchange rate) and at the other end of the scale, a 25mm dia. tee-slot cutter, around twice the price of the equivalent from the UK - or China via eBay, even.
 
Weary (Phil),
That site is for steamers. Of no interest to me at all, I'm afraid.
 
Regards,
John

Speedy Builder509/09/2011 20:10:17
2878 forum posts
248 photos
There is an on-line tool shop OPTIMACHINES prices are a bit scarey though.
 
and this one
http://vapeurmecanique.com/brochure2010.pdf
Trevor Davies 209/09/2011 21:34:00
5 forum posts
Thanks to all responces. Before posting here I have spent months trawling the net trying to find sources. I did discover a steel stockist in Pontivy who is very kind and allows me to pick items out pf the scrap bin, but his range is very limited. I will have to get my friends to pick up bits for me or to resign myself to a very reluctant trip to UK. My immediate need is for a decent Milling Machine so am thinking of a quick trip before Christmas. But which one? suggestions appreciated.
 
 
I have found that there is a club near Vannes who meet on Wednesday, so next week I'm going to try and make contact. That will really test my French.
Best regards to all and thanks again
Trevor
John Hinkley03/04/2012 13:23:34
avatar
1545 forum posts
484 photos

Trevor,

I've sent you a PM.

John

Stub Mandrel05/04/2012 21:28:10
avatar
4318 forum posts
291 photos
1 articles

Wow. i founda very ratty 30-year old electronic keybopard (very basic) at my dads and that was excitiong. Unwrapping a well loved lathe after a quarter century must be a fine experience.

Neil

Brian Soukal15/11/2018 13:13:49
6 forum posts
Hello
Looking for model engineers somewhere near Limoges
Peter Harris 315/11/2018 18:02:25
9 forum posts

How about this:

Le Petit Chemin de Fer des Ribières (87)

Peter (in the north of France)

Brian Soukal15/11/2018 18:41:36
6 forum posts
Hello Peter
Thanks. I rang them today and they said to get back in touch in march when they opened up again! This is really for my Dad who is now alone and spending a lot of time in France with us. H? is a retired toolmaker and keen model engineer and is wanting to set up a workshop for himself over here.
We are also trying to find machines and equipment...and advice welcome.i Saw on your thread mention of Confolens and south of Poitiers. We are not far..
Daniel15/11/2018 18:56:41
avatar
338 forum posts
48 photos

Hello Brian,

See the other "France" thread.

ATB,

Daniel

Brian Soukal15/11/2018 21:38:25
6 forum posts
That sounds like a good plan. Axe difficult to hide in pocket when meeting for lunch so you should b? safe.. probably..

All Topics | Latest Posts

Please login to post a reply.

Magazine Locator

Want the latest issue of Model Engineer or Model Engineers' Workshop? Use our magazine locator links to find your nearest stockist!

Find Model Engineer & Model Engineers' Workshop

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter and get a free digital issue.

You can unsubscribe at anytime. View our privacy policy at www.mortons.co.uk/privacy

Latest Forum Posts
Support Our Partners
cowells
Sarik
MERIDIENNE EXHIBITIONS LTD
Shopping Partners
Subscription Offer

Latest "For Sale" Ads
Latest "Wanted" Ads
Get In Touch!

Do you want to contact the Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop team?

You can contact us by phone, mail or email about the magazines including becoming a contributor, submitting reader's letters or making queries about articles. You can also get in touch about this website, advertising or other general issues.

Click THIS LINK for full contact details.

For subscription issues please see THIS LINK.

Digital Back Issues

Social Media online

'Like' us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
 Twitter Logo

Pin us on Pinterest

 

Donate

donate