06-03-2017, 07:26 PM
I don't actually know what it is...
I don't think it's a Van Norman, most probably an Italian "Dormac" - the motors are Italian and have 1962 date stamps! It was advertised as a "Herbert Widdowson", not a maker but an importer - who were sole UK importers for Dormac in the 60's and 70's
It's missing the overarm and arbor support, has an universal head with a 40 taper (but no quill), 18 speeds 40 - 2000 RPM, power feeds and rapids on all three axes and a 45-0-45 48"x11" swivelling table. The feed / rapid motor is a HP on its own, I haven't got in as far as the main motor but I'm guessing it'll be 3 - 4 HP? I've budgeted 5 for the machine and have almost all the parts for a 7.5 HP 415v phase convertor to power it (waiting on some contactors and socketry).
My guess is it was a fairly serious mill when new, judging by the features, e.g. it has magnetic clutches and brakes for both the spindle and feed motors, everything seems pretty over-engineered and there's even some flaking left on part of the ways (not all, sadly!) which I discovered when I started cleaning it up - most of what looks like rust is actually a mix of machine oil and hardwood sawdust from the PO's woodworking business, which seems to be a damn good rust inhibitor :)
Dave H. (the other one)
I don't think it's a Van Norman, most probably an Italian "Dormac" - the motors are Italian and have 1962 date stamps! It was advertised as a "Herbert Widdowson", not a maker but an importer - who were sole UK importers for Dormac in the 60's and 70's
It's missing the overarm and arbor support, has an universal head with a 40 taper (but no quill), 18 speeds 40 - 2000 RPM, power feeds and rapids on all three axes and a 45-0-45 48"x11" swivelling table. The feed / rapid motor is a HP on its own, I haven't got in as far as the main motor but I'm guessing it'll be 3 - 4 HP? I've budgeted 5 for the machine and have almost all the parts for a 7.5 HP 415v phase convertor to power it (waiting on some contactors and socketry).
My guess is it was a fairly serious mill when new, judging by the features, e.g. it has magnetic clutches and brakes for both the spindle and feed motors, everything seems pretty over-engineered and there's even some flaking left on part of the ways (not all, sadly!) which I discovered when I started cleaning it up - most of what looks like rust is actually a mix of machine oil and hardwood sawdust from the PO's woodworking business, which seems to be a damn good rust inhibitor :)
Dave H. (the other one)
Rules are for the obedience of fools, and the guidance of wise men...
(Douglas Bader)
(Douglas Bader)