Keil Key Cutter

[Dieselman 63]

Part of the casting has cracked. There is a rod seized inside and I still can't free it. I've put it back in the bath to see if anything comes, then I hope I can use jb weld to glue it back together. A bit of a blow to be honest.

 

[Dieselman 63]

Moving on from the mini-tragedy, I have been cleaning more parts and getting basic functions restored. This little carriage has both X and Z axis functions from two little screws. It took a long time to get it apart; a lot of vinegar, wire brushing and oil were involved but eventually it all came to bits and cleaned up pretty well, too.

The hex key nut on top was fully seized and had to be cut to take a flat blade screwdriver on the impact driver, thankfully it didn't shear off. The machine is adorned in beautiful metals. Part of the carriage is made of bronze, previously smothered in silver and green paint. So pointless...

Slowly, the machine is getting cleaner. I have found a few places where brass shavings have come out - shadows of former jobs performed. It's become clear that the machine was actually green originally, but was then repainted a different shade of green. It's very rusted under all of the paint however, so a total strip will be in order, and then I will repaint her in black as I feel it suits the colour better!

You may have noticed the old school map on the wall - one of two I saved from the bin at a primary school near my old house. The one beside it has all the main features of Northern England and is fascinating, to me at least.

Cheers

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Tough screw, can of pipe freezer spray direct onto the screw with have a good effect to loosen them.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Were the cast was cut or cracked it can be brazed. The trick is to keep the heat localized. Plus use a low melt rod.

Post like this reminds me how I rejected stuff like this in the past as junk.
Keep up the good work.

 

[Dieselman 63]

Thanks for the kind words, and all your advice, it really does encourage me! I think my next job will be to clean and paint the base, as parts are starting to become ready for reassembling.

To be honest, this really was pretty close to junk. I've really had to try to get it all apart without causing too much damage. I knew when I saw it that it wouldn't last another few years with all that rust, and fancied giving it a chance of a lifetime - either I'd get a cool machine or a pile of expensive scrap metal. As of yet I'm still uncertain which I'll have!

 

[slim_boy_fat]

These projects are always worthwhile. I'd bet if you put a modern machine away in worse than 'ideal' conditions and tried a similar exercise 50 years hence, there'd be nothing left to find....

 

[Dieselman 63]

I have hit a dead end on trying to separate these parts. It has been in the vinegar for over a week and this has highlighted what is iron and what is steel, so I know I'm not trying to separate a single casting. This rod was slid in at some point but will not budge one bit.

A shot of the cast that got cracked by me not being careful. The thing is, the rod that is now exposed was already rusted so I'm thinking it might have rusted inside the cast. I do not have a blow-torch to try and free it by heat, nor do I weld. I only have hammers, punches and a vice for freeing parts.

Any suggestions welcome because I'm stumped! In less confusing news, the key cutter wheel has been de-rusted and cleaned. Not too impressive but one less thing to do.

*Also* Some metal parts have this funny golden-brass chrome on them, under the paint. It's very hard to remove which makes me suspect it was electroplated on, clueless as to why though if it was painted anyway. Any ideas?

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Does it have to be separated for the restoration?
Or ,like me you want to separate it for the restoration.

You could uses pipe freezer spray on one end, then plunge the other end boiling water.
It may help.

Strong Citric acid?

 

[Dieselman 63]

The rod travels through this cast part and is locked in place via means of a grub screw on the base. The casting should be able to freely rock back and forth but it isn't, so it is essential (though I do enjoy taking everything apart and getting it clean!). Good ideas, I will try them tomorrow. I was hoping the bath would leach into the rod like capillary action but that hasn't happened.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

@Dieselkid 63
Have you tried electrolytic rust removal set up?

I have used it in the past to get to rust in blind holes in the past.
I am trying it with near boiling water.
Might be an idea.

 

[Dieselman 63]

A battery charger is another item on my 'lookout' list... I have the awful habit of spending the funds on rusted up cast iron though! It's definitely a good idea though.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Old computer PSU?

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

@pdg.
Thanks for the memory jog, I had forgotten about them.


http://www.instructables.com/id/Wire-Coil-Zinc-Copper-Battery/?ALLSTEPS

As you got the acid all ready, try that.

Years ago I made something like that, but using Para cord, each one gave me 0.94V

 

[Dieselman 63]

Thanks for the help. To avoid cluttering this thread I will start a new topic on my quest for an electrolysis tank. I have a huge Record 53 wood vice which could do with a facelift, too.

 

[Dieselman 63]

Due to recent acquisitions and space/funds becoming low, I have sold this in its unfinished state. Thanks to all who helped me out