Thread: E C Atkin Brace.

Hi Martin,
Any chance of a photo of your brace?
The No 310 is consistant with the brace having been made for Atkins by John S. Fray Co.
Cheers,
Geoff.

A picture would help, but, if it's a conventional wooden handle on the sweep of a metal-framed brace, it probably turned originally. Try some lubricant - something that won't damage the wood. Maybe mineral oil ("baby oil," which is confusing, because I can never find the oil cups on babies) cut with mineral spirits (or do you guys call it paraffin?).

Are you in a high humidity season? The wood may have swollen and be binding because of that.

Originally Posted by Bill Houghton

A picture would help, but, if it's a conventional wooden handle on the sweep of a metal-framed brace, it probably turned originally. Try some lubricant - something that won't damage the wood. Maybe mineral oil ("baby oil," which is confusing, because I can never find the oil cups on babies) cut with mineral spirits (or do you guys call it paraffin?).

Are you in a high humidity season? The wood may have swollen and be binding because of that.

Hi Geoff, Bill.

Here are a few pics Martin.IMG_20211012_075921.jpgIMG_20211012_075829.jpgIMG_20211012_075912.jpg

Almost certain the handle on the sweep should rotate. I don't believe the wood rotated on the Fray Spofford chuck braces, but it should on that one.

You included a picture of the knob. If it's the knob that's not rotating, you lube it there at the base, where there's a little raised bead. Any light oil should work, but maybe start with penetrating oil, followed by a light oil once you've got it spinning.

Here in the U.S., that type of brace is so common at yard/estate sales that I wouldn't even bother with it unless it was something insanely desirable, but supplies may be more limited in the Channel Islands.

Martin, you said it is the sweep handle that doesn't turn, this brace of yours should definitely turn, here's what I'd do if it were mine. Get a couple of pieces of leather or similar padding and clamp the handle in the vise and then gently try rotating the frame back and forth, if the handle wants to turn in the padding tighten the vise a bit. A bit of penetrating oil might help though I've got results doing this dry. I've never had a handle split by this method but the main thing is to avoid scarring the wood. Yours looks like a Fray or Stanley Rule and Level Co, but as I said yesterday I think 310 is a Fray number. You paid a quid for it, that's less than AU$2, a good buy I reckon. Let us know how you get on.
Cheers,
Geoff.

Hi Geoff & Bill.

It is the sweep handle that does not turn.
I will try and do that in the vice as you say and let you Know.
I did not want to do any thing and damage the handle. I do not
think they are that common over here in the Channel Islands.

Thanks Martin.

Hi all,

Put the Brace in the vice as suggested and wrapped a pair of
Builders gloves on the wood and it moved in just a few gentle tries.
A lot of fine dust has come out, and is as free as bird. Glad I went
down the road of asking a few opinions before trying.

Thanks Martin.

Hi Martin,
A good outcome.
Cheers,
Geoff.