07-02-2021, 02:13 PM
(07-02-2021, 02:01 PM)merlinart Wrote: Sounds promising then, many thanks.
I downloaded some interesting stuff on lathes.co.uk. This one is called a Little John, not sure if a Mk 1 or 2, and I understand that their best model was simply called the Raglan 5" which came out from 1966-1971. Apparently Myford bought them out to stop production. interesting point is that they were about twice as expensive as a Myford, being close to £400 when a Myford was around £200. Looks to be pretty good, the cross tree was worn slightly dead centrally, but I guess that that screw could be re-made? There is quite a bit of tooling including two more chucks, 2 steadies, loads of collets. Together with a slightly dismantled (condition unknown) Geo Taylor milling machine, the chap wants £750. I have to admit that I don't know much about machining, but need too, as my two local machinists have or are about to retire. My next door chap at the farm where my workshop is, is a blacksmith who makes my 3 wheeler chassis for me, and he has an old Milnes lathe, so he could instruct me as well as use this machine if I buy it all.
Thanks for your help.
Arthur
Never had had a Raglan but I have owned an early type Geo Taylor mill. Small footprint, light weight machine. If it has the original drive arrangement with table feed it could make a decent machine but the collets on mine fitted directly into the spindle and were unique (a bad thing) and the bearings were tapered and plain, limiting speed and making refurbishment challenging.
IMHO buying unknown machine tools when you admitttedly have little experience can be a source of pain and much further expenditure. You can, of course, have a great experience as well!
If it wasn't lockdown I'd suggest taking a knowledgeable friend.