Clutch issue - Woodhouse and Mitchell Junior 70 lathe

[Mayhem]

I recently picked up an old Woodhouse and Mitchell Junior 70 lathe from a deceased estate. The clutch lever doesn't move. I'm not sure if the previous owner has just overtightened the clutch or the selector ring has moved, given the drawing appears to show this sitting up against the clutch body.

If anyone out there has one of these lathes, I'd really appreciate it if you could remove the circular access plate on the back of the headstock and take a photo of your clutch for me. Both of the clutch (disengaged and engaged) and the position of the clutch lever when the clutch is disengaged.

Otherwise, all comment welcome.

 

[Martin-Sy]

Welcome to the forum. I'm new here too but its great forum. Sorry, but I can't help with your clutch issue. I had to look up Woodhouse & Mitchell on lathes.co.uk. it gets a good write up so probably worth sorting out. Does the clutch have any markings on it? Quite a few lathes have Matrix clutches, so perhaps looking at one of those might help.

It would be nice to see some pictures of the machine.

Good luck
Martin.

 

[Woody.v8]

 

[pressbrake1]

Looks over tightened, the damage caused by a unsuitable tool shows it’s been messed with. Even a few thou too much preload will stop the detent locking

 

[Mayhem]

Thanks for the responses. I've reached out to Matrix, as it looks like one of their clutches. I didn't see any markings on it other than the arrows showing which way to tighten/loosen. The lathe is mostly in pieces at present. The guy who brought the house tried to move the lathe before I could get there to do it properly and tipped it over. Fortunately, the splash guard, the motor and the wall of the shed took the force of the fall. In order to get it back on its feet, I took off the compound, tailstock, splash guard and coolant tank. It now has the top cover off the headstock and the saddle and apron off as well. I didn't get into the shop today but hope to next weekend.

 

[Mayhem]

Receive a reply from Matrix UK:

We have reviewed the photo and we are not 100% certain that this is a Matrix product. I have had a look but we no longer have any C type clutch literature I could send you.

 

[ir9074]

I have a w&m junior. They are lovely lathes. My clutch has always been fine and the lathe is 1000 miles away! I'm familiar with these clutches, though. I think yours could be overvtightened. Back off until there's about 40 thou clearsnce between adjuster and first plate. See how it feels. Adjust it so the lever just nicely "clicks" into place. It's like you feel it going over the ramp... these clutches sre strong. If it's fallen over, check the motor mountings. They break easily!
Ian

 

[Mayhem]

Thanks for the reply Ian. I've had to pause work on the late, as other issues have arisen that require my attention. Motor mountings looked fine (as did everything but the splash/chip guard). Will report when I get back into the workshop.