I am the proud possessor of a “Myford Super Seven” lathe, a superb tool but one that suffers a few well known problems with regard to Model Engineering because we expect our lathe to be a universal machine tool and demand it performs duties at the extreme of its capacity. One well recorded problem is the strength of the tee slots on both the lathe cross slide and that most useful accessory, the vertical slide. Over tightening of bolts set in the slots results in distortion at the least and - shock, horror, the breaking out of the slot at the worst. To remedy this state of affairs, several people have devised for the cross slide at least, various forms of sub-table to fasten to the same but in a way which will not impose serious strain to the weak tee slots. Perhaps one of the better solutions was by Martin Cleeve in the “Model Engineer” who composed a mild steel structure incorporating stronger tee slots in that material.

If you possess Geo. Thomas’s “Model Engineers Workshop Manual”, you will find that he has some interesting thoughts on the subject of securing work to the cross slide, etc. Well worth careful study and close inward digestion!

For some time I have resolved to take action to protect my lathe cross slide from the excesses of over zealous spanner work and at the recent Model Engineering Exhibition at Leamington I purchased a piece of mild steel bar about 4 ½” x 1” x 9” long, second hand but cheap which I envisaged would make a sub-table to meet my requirements, namely a slab to drill and tap to receive bolts or studs as required.

A member of one of my Model Engineering Clubs is also a very respected professional toolmaker, whose products are held in high regard by serious model engineers. Every year he offers club members a drill and cutter grinding service with profits to go to Club funds. He has already renovated to as new condition, a 1”, 3 M.T. drill for me. I asked him if he could surface grind the metal that I had acquired, to which he replied that he could and so I visited his works where we watched over a cup of tea, my metal licked into shape on his surface grinder. During this process it was discovered that across the 4 ½” width, it was some 10 thou out of parallel in thickness but this was of no account because all that I required was a slab of metal of indeterminate thickness into which I could drill holes, tap them and drill and counter bore appropriate holes for cap screws to hold my sub-table to the cross slide via tee nuts in the slots.

I wrote last time about lateral thinking, this time in a parallel universe. Well, I have got in the parallel bit (see above) but “There’s more”, as the Irish comedian said. Earlier in the year at the Harrogate Exhibition, I purchased from Warco, I believe, I am not sure now as several firms supply these, two blocks, one square and the other hexagonal, both hardened, ground and bored to receive 5 C Collets which I thought had some potential. I had seen something similar but could not think where! Well in an idle moment I picked up one of my myriad of books on engineering - model and otherwise, namely “The Watchmaker’s Lathe” by Donald De Carle. A very useful read on any account and there on pages 55 and 56 is illustrated the utility set by the Levin Company of Los Angeles, USA, showing a square block fitted with a collet holding a rod and resting in a vee block on the lathe cross slide (rest) and a saw fitted on a mandrel between centres. The whole device cutting a square on the end of a shaft.

Now if you are a Traction Engine man and you wish to build a Living Van or other trailer to accompany your model, the chances are you require several, maybe hundreds of square headed bolts. With a lathe the size and power of the Myford or similar, an arbour fitted with two saws suitably spaced apart, heads left on round bars can be quickly squared. Likewise using the hexagon block and a vee block with angles to enable the hexagon to stand with sides vertical will enable screws and bolts with hexagon heads to your requirements be produced in double quick time.

Further reading of Mr De Carle’s book will show you several ideas that can be applicable to our hobby - again parallel use.

Having, I hope, planted the germ of an idea in your head, maybe you can come up with something that will help a fellow member and also give your Editor additional material for the “Oily Rag”. It now only remains for me to wish you all a Peaceful and Merry Christmas and a “Guid New Year from I’m up North”.

Alan Westby
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