Pye MM

[Retired]

Hi,

What a disaster Alan; it's a good job you aren't working for the army bomb disposal gang.

I'm sorry but I didn't make any sketches of the spindle as it wasn't needed having the original spindle in my hand to copy. If I had such a sketch I'd have posted it ages ago.

This demonstrates just how weak these spindles really are; they break at the slightest touch hence all my previous warnings. Well it's now finally removed so you have even more fun to look forward to in making a new one. One thing I would add is that I never withdraw shafts or spindles without ensuring the exposed parts are not cleaned first and checked for burrs; it doesn't take long to wrap a bit of abrasive paper around and polish before withdrawing after adding a drop of lubricant. It only takes a small burr to lock everything up solid.

I agree Alan about stainless being difficult to work; this also applies to silver steel as bought as it too is tough stuff. Precision ground mild steel is readily available and cheap enough but like you Alan I thought brass would be more in keeping given the age of the set.

I took great pains whilst making the spindle ensuring it exactly matched the original; the flats took a lot of time to add because I used a micrometer to ensure they were at the the correct depth by constantly measuring the remaining thickness as waste was removed; the flats were also made to exact lengths of the originals.

Drilling holes either clearance or tapping size needs a lot of care as there isn't a lot of material to play with. Adding the square at the spindle end was also entertaining as it is difficult to obtain an exact square and easy to end up with a strange shape.

I was sure that the spindle I made had a circlip groove but as it was so long ago I could be mistaken as I have made a number of spindles over the years; if the groove is not required it saves considerable work in not having to grind a special lathe tool.

One thing is for sure Alan; if ever you need to do another MM you will be experienced and do the job much quicker. Now that it is out have you noticed as I did that a lot of the dismantling was not needed?

Making the spindle for me was straightforward enough just taking a lot of time and it was easy to install. What caused me a great deal of trouble was getting the tuning gang to align and it drove me around the bend; I wondered if the factory used jigs to align the frame members?

Hopefully the hardest part is now over and once the new spindle is made you will make rapid progress.

Good luck Alan my fingers are crossed for you.

Kind regards, Col.