Bantam

I went to Project Machinery, at High Wycombe, today to collect my Bantam and a 240V Startrite bandsaw. Both are now installed in the workshop.
On Monday I hope to speak to Dave first, then go up to Nottingham, to Direct Drives, and buy a digital inverter/converter. Wire up - position the Bantam and then really begin to learn to turn metal.

Yesterday I did a job for a client which involved modifying a gun stock. Even just with the little Myford, it was so nice to be able to put a bar into the chuck, turn it, and fit it into the woodwork

It is strange being nearly 70 and having the excitement levels of a 15 year old.

Richard Brown of Project Machinery gets my endorsement.
A grand chap to do business with. When I'm ready for a mill, I certainly give Richard a ring first.

Jack,

Hope you enjoy your Bantam. Mine works off a converter from the same source and runs well. Solid and straightforward, it should live up to your expectations if it has been cared for in its previous life.

I see you have wisely got yourself a bandsaw. Although not quite 70 I found out long ago that the joys of the hacksaw were much over-rated!

Have you any projects in mind?

John

Hello John. Thank you for your encouragement.
The selection of an appropriate converter does fill me with some trepidation. I understand the physics of electrical processes, but have no practical experience. Unless it is mind-blowingly simple, I will employ a suitably qualified electrician to wire the machine/converter into the domestic supply.
I'm confident with domestic household electrics, but 420V kills.

It appears that I have, inadvertently, misled you with regard to the bandsaw.
Though the Startrite that I have bought will cut (sheet & some non-ferrous) metal, it is primarily a woodworking machine. I do a lot of woodturning and the bandsaw is required to cut up green logs and seasoned planks.

I have an inverter tha'ts doing nothing if you are interested

As I understand it Ennech, I need a converter - because the Bantam motor is two speed, so 2 / 1Hp windings.
Apparently not every inverter will meet the requirements of the lathe.

If you would like to PM me the details of the unit you have available, including the price you are asking for it, I would be very happy hear from you.

KR
Jack

Jack,>>

FWIW, I got a Transwave static convertor manf. by Power Capacitors rated at 0.37kW - 3.0kW for mine. It works well. You do have to turn a switch occasionally on the front to match the load. usually on low speeds seems to need more torque and therefore you dial it up a bit and vice versa. It is really not a big deal and your ear will tell you when it needs a bit more or less. I chose it at the time as it allowed me to keep the original two speed ranges on the original motor.>>

After a bit of head-cratching I wired it in myself and I'm no genius with 3 phase setups. The literature that came along with it was scant on the wiring but if you go that way ask the company for help.I found them helpful.>>

Re the bandsaw, depending on model, you may be able to make up a layshaft to reduce the speed for metal cutting. I have a Startrite Bandit but the motor is sort of built in in such a way that it would require a fair bit of tinkering to set up a layshaft so I went for another option. There's info on the Forum here about bandsaws. I would still suggest you aim for some sort of mechanical way of cutting metal. Sell the hacksaw!>>

I have a copy of the American owners book for the Bantam. It is good on dismantling and setting up which is almost completely absent in the English version. I can PM it if you need it. (It no help on the wiring)>>

John>>

John, I have found your "Transwave static convertor manf. by Power Capacitors rated at 0.37kW - 3.0kW", on Google.

I will have a read through during the evening, then phone them tomorrow
I'm also going to phone Dave at Direct Drives tomorrow. I'm sure that I'll be able to sort something out during the week.

As to the bandsaw, I have found, encapsulated within the covers a mass of info for cutting a host of materials.
Including up to 2" steel.

Jack,

Did you speak to Direct Drives?

Bob

Hello Bob.

Yes I went up to Direct Drives in Kirkby. Met Dave, and the very gracious lady in reception.

I came a way with one of their D2 range and it is now fitted, with an isolator unit in the workshop.
I am waiting for an electrician from the Northampton ME club to arrive on Thurs/Friday to complete the circuitry.

All being well, by the weekend, I will be up and running.
Though I suspect that I will have to get in the queue behind a number of people who want to try it out

My Bantam is now fully installed, leveled, wired up, and working.

I now have no excuses. Oh, except that I have a lot to learn.
I've purchased a set of imperial open end/ring spanners, and a set of imperial Allen keys.
The tea strainer fits almost perfectly in the suds outlet opening.

Now all I need to do is find something to make. And convince my wife that my time in the workshop is infinitely more important that the activities that she has planned for me.
I think a sliding bolt on the inside of the workshop door may be the answer.

Thank you each, and all, for guiding me through the purchase and set up processes. It is much appreciated.

Edited By Peter Tucker on 02/08/2014 20:21:25

A set of Actetal replacement handles for some saucepans did the trick for me

Oh dear, my wife's been waiting fifteen years for an 'acorn' for the bathroom pull switch...

Neil

One of the most "valuable" products of my Bantam was one of those wooden telescopic toilet roll holder spindles. Pretty much justified the presence of that particular half ton of cast iron in the garage!

Interesting ! Never had a bantam lathe but my first make was a cigarette lighter for my wife, many years ago. Never thought of it as bribery.

Jack,

Any chance of some pictures of you setup, and your arrangement for the power feed.

I do not need excuses, my wife is happy for me to be out of the house making a mess in the workshop than taking over the kitchen table or worktop or at least she will be again once I get the place built.

Bob

There is a Colchester tea strainer on ebay now. I wonder if they read the site or is it just coincidence.

Aaagh Jack this is where you've been hiding this year, hahah

Fine at woodwork and a great photographer that wouldn't picture me.

One of my first tasks was to make a small knurled, 5mm threaded knob for her sewing machine. I thought that would be an acceptable bribe. However, the response was "Oh, at last, I asked for this 15 years ago."
Which interpreted, means, that I could have safely gone out and spent £2K on a Bantam 15 years ago.
How stupid am I ?????

I have a box full of wooden light pulls Neil. All my offcuts of timber get made into light-pulls, barrettes or pens.

I'll gladly put some photos up Bob. Will do it tomorrow.
I'm having a lot of fun finding out what the Bantam is capable of. I've made 5 small pieces [including Val's knurled knob] that various neigbours have requested. I have a spacer to make for the Volvo handbrake cable tomorrow.
I've even made a fairly peurile attempt at screw cutting. You would be horrified - but it looked like a screw thread to me.