new from the other side of the globe

[janvanruth]

hi,

One of the members pointed me to this site.
I recently acquired a hercus 9. flatbelt, short bed no qcgb.
It was owned by the dutch Navy at some time in the past.
After that it saw a lot of neglect and it left its marks in the spindle, its bearings and the backgear.
Also a gear is missing from the reverse mechanism.
The bed however is in very good shape, as are the leadscrew and halfnuts, they never saw any real work done apparently.

On taking it apart i found there were no spring loaded felts in the spindle oil reservoirs like there are in the south bend 9 series.
I wonder if they were fitted when new?
Also there were no shims in the headstock adjustement slits.

I had never seen a Hercus before overhere in Europe and i probably own the only one overhere.

Now i will start reading the topics regarding the 9.
That should keep me busy for a while i guess.

cheers

jan van ruth

[ventureoverland]

Welcome!

There are lots of people on here that can offer excellent advice.

If / when you need parts, speak to Mal at Australian Metalworking Hobbyist

Jon



Thx
Jon

[neksmerj]

Hi Jan Van Ruth.

I'm pleased that you took my advice and decided to join this forum. I've not seen a flat bed Hercus, can you post some photos?

As mentioned earlier, Mal is the goto man for parts, new and used.

Ken

[janvanruth]

hi Ken,

its a flatbelt not a flatbed.

I found out by reading that the Hercus like the SB has the spring actuated oilfelts in the headstock.
As the hole is missing to retain the spring when inserting the spindle how does one hold the felt down on installing the spindle?
Or should i just drill the hole myself in the same place the SB has it?

cheers

jan van ruth

[pipeclay]

I wouldnt be drilling any holes unless the Headstock dosent have any side oil ports in it.

If it dosent have the side oil points then drill in where there location would be and tap for 26 tpi Brass.

If it does have the side oil points remove the oil pots , after lubricating and inserting the spring and felt push the felt and spring below the surface of the bearing area and insert a suitable piece of material through the oil pot hole to retain the felt and spring below the surface of the bearing area untill the spindle is in place,then just remove what ever you have in the oil pot hole.

I use a small welding rod ground with a fine sharp point.

[neksmerj]

Flat belt not flat bed, I must get my glasses fixed.

Ken

[Tiptoeturtle]

Maybe you could find the serial number on the lathe, it could be on the ways near the tailstock.

Here are some pictures of the headstock arrangement from number 1624, of 1946, which like yours uses a flat belt, has no small holes in the headstock for inserting little wires to retain compressed springs with felt, and has side mounted oilers that can be unscrewed.

Hercus Headstock Slideshow by Tiptoeturtle | Photobucket


Donald (in Faaborg, Europe, at present)

[janvanruth]

I wouldnt be drilling any holes unless the Headstock dosent have any side oil ports in it.

If it dosent have the side oil points then drill in where there location would be and tap for 26 tpi Brass.

If it does have the side oil points remove the oil pots , after lubricating and inserting the spring and felt push the felt and spring below the surface of the bearing area and insert a suitable piece of material through the oil pot hole to retain the felt and spring below the surface of the bearing area untill the spindle is in place,then just remove what ever you have in the oil pot hole.

I use a small welding rod ground with a fine sharp point.

thanks i will give it a try

[allterrain50]

Hi Jan,
You are definately the first I've heard of from that area of the world. There are also Hercus machines in New Zealand, Canada, USA, New guinea, Fiji and one in Serbia. I would be interested in the model and serial number of your machine, as I keep a record of all remaining machines still in service(or not). If you post some photos from all around the machine the members can soon tell you if something doesn't look right.
Mal
Australian Metalworking Hobbyist

[janvanruth]

I found the number on the bed.
VB973 and
RGE or BGE

its a 9 change wheel srew cutting, plain bearing,flat belt, 40 inch bed

cheers

[allterrain50]

Hi Jan,
That makes it a 1944 model. The RGE we believe is the intial stamp of Reginald Excell, who's name appears on a lot of the inspection certificates.
Mal

[billrule]

Flat belt not flat bed, I must get my glasses fixed.

Ken

I've got a flat-bed Hercus, old and kinda cute. Only 8", but does have a gap.
Bill

[janvanruth]

As i see it it could have ended up in Holland two ways.
Firstly a dutch immigrant to Australia took it back when he went back to Holland.
Secondly it was acquired by the dutch navy in the war for use on a ship stationed in Australia.
I found out that several ships had there base in Australia after the japanese invaded indonesia.
Amongst others a couple of submarines.
The size of the model 9 would make it suitable for the limited space a sub would have.

Anyone know more about the subject?


cheers jan