08-20-2013, 01:51 PM
These Mills are often known as "Keyseaters" designed primarily for use by semi skilled operators for War production they were set up by a toolsetter to cut keyways and such like operations using lever operated tables and holding work in fixtures, often doing only one job on a production line for years at a time.
The "Lop sided" design was not uncommon prior to the standard idea of what a Milling machine should look like, came about with the success of the Bridgeport and Cincinnati machines. After the war, lots of these sorts of machines were picked up by hobbyists which is why some of the early home made mills have similar lop sided pillar designs, the Gingery is just one example.
I like it just because it's different, and it will do good work as long as it's owner uses some imagination, spindle speeds will be low though and these are not designed to drill holes as mass production drilling back in the day was done via drilling lines and jig plates. I s'pose that is why the ole BP was so successful, it can mill and drill
Regards
Rick
The "Lop sided" design was not uncommon prior to the standard idea of what a Milling machine should look like, came about with the success of the Bridgeport and Cincinnati machines. After the war, lots of these sorts of machines were picked up by hobbyists which is why some of the early home made mills have similar lop sided pillar designs, the Gingery is just one example.
I like it just because it's different, and it will do good work as long as it's owner uses some imagination, spindle speeds will be low though and these are not designed to drill holes as mass production drilling back in the day was done via drilling lines and jig plates. I s'pose that is why the ole BP was so successful, it can mill and drill
Regards
Rick
Whatever it is, do it today, Tomorrow may not be an option and regret outlasts fatigue.