Wadkin jta bobbin/disc sander

I have a question aimed at those Wadkin Guru types who can decode numbers on machinery tags.
I have a JTA that is in need of more than TLC. Its missing the sanding disc and guard and the Bobbin is missing its working platform. I am not too worried about the missing platform as I can easily fabricate one from steel. The disc looks like I can get one from a member here.


Now for the decode......the tag reads "Machine JTA 448"
"Test 34927"
Nothing on this machine is dainty. The main casting that everything else attaches to is "stout" to say the least it is heavy duty!! I was surprised with the "sandyness" of the surface. It seems that Wadkin out sourced the castings so some were quite smooth while others were "textured" (see how I am avoiding the word rough)

I have dismantled it and cleaned up the surface and given it a coat of grey. This colour is a little lighter than was on it originally

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chambezio

...the tag reads "Machine JTA 448"
"Test 34927"...

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Test 34927 would have been carried out at Wadkin's Green Lane works in 1949. Can we have a photo of the tag please?

Cheers, Vann.

Some pics of the machine would be nice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chambezio

. . . . I was surprised with the "sandyness" of the surface. It seems that Wadkin out sourced the castings so some were quite smooth while others were "textured" (see how I am avoiding the word rough)

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A lot of old, even quality, machines have that sand like casting finish. They often just used a couple of thick layers of paint or even builders bog to give them a smooth finish. When I did an old Atkins full size pedestal grinder up back in 2015 it was like that. I was flap sanding way for a while before I realized was probably dealing with full on leaded paint.

Sorry for the delay with tag photos. I went to use the camera ....flat battery, grocery shopping...yada yada yada.
I apologies for the poor quality of the pic. Being a dark day (rainy outside) I had a lot of trouble getting the light to fall so you could see the tag and read the numbers

I will take some photos of my progress and put them up here as well