Emco Unimat - photos

Dog Star

Western Thunderer
I have been given an Emco Unimat that I believe to be of the mk.2B type... just the lathe and tools, no manual.

I feel that sight of a relevant manual may be a good thing before using the lathe, anyone able to lend me a copy?

I am in no rush to use the machine - there are no drive belts! Your nominations, please, for recommended stockists of spares for this lathe.

thank you, Graham
 

phileakins

Western Thunderer
Hi Graham

I've got one - with a manual which I can scan.

Regards.

Phil

PS Look on ebay under Unimat - loads of suppliers, it's a very popular machine. You were lucky to be given one - they go for £200 +
 

daifly

Western Thunderer
Hi Graham
I have an Emco Unimat 4 and have an e-manual if it helps. Not sure what mk.2B model you have!
Dave
 

Dog Star

Western Thunderer
Guys... a "history" of Emco Unimats can be found here . My reading of the text is that the lathe is a mk.2B because...

1/ the bed is cast iron rather than mazak;
2/ the top surface of the bed is concave rather than convex;
3/ the headstock / bed are machined for the alignment button (the button is absent!).

If I am close then the lathe on the folding table was made about 1955-60. The general condition suggests that the tool have not been used in earnest and I cannot detect any slack in the headstock bearings.

Dave, thank you, please send to me via the S7 Ordinary e-mail contact address - if the content is not appropriate then I shall be knocking on the door Phil (BTW, which model do you have?)

thanks, Graham
 

Dog Star

Western Thunderer
Unimat 1... 2... 3... 4... the "history" website noted earlier helps to identify the different versions of the lathe, too much to hope that the history notes what parts / spares fit which models. For example:- lots of stuff for Unimat 3 on ebay, what might be compatible with the Unimat DS/SL mk.2 models? (Or maybe, what Unimat 3 spares are not suitable for earlier models)

... a nice gift :)
Yes.
 
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Overseer

Western Thunderer
Unimat 1... 2... 3... 4... the "history" website noted earlier helps to identify the different versions of the lathe, too much to hope that the history notes what parts / spares fit which models. For example:- lots of stuff for Unimat 3 on ebay, what might be compatible with the Unimat DS/SL mk.2 models? (Or maybe, what Unimat 3 spares are not suitable for earlier models)
Very little, if anything, is common between the Unimat 3 and earlier models. The Unimat 3 has M14 x 1 thread in the chucks while the SL has M12 x 1 threads. The tool holder heights are also different. I don't know about the pre SL models. Sherline sell suitable small 3 and 4 jaw chucks with M12 x 1 threads and some of their other accessories might be usable.
 
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phileakins

Western Thunderer
I have the original Elliot badged SL which I bought new when I lived in High Wycombe - I'll leave you to work out how long ago that was Graham.

I've bought tools and accessories from RDG and have had excellent service. The have an e-bay shop; one thing to look out for is a widget with a 12mm internal thread and a 14mm external thread so that you can mount the later chucks on the earlier machine - they tend to be a little cheaper.

Assuming that it is an SL/DB (which was the American version) do you also have the post to turn the machine into a vertical mill/drill?

Phil
 

Dog Star

Western Thunderer
I have the original Elliot badged SL which I bought new when I lived in High Wycombe - I'll leave you to work out how long ago that was Graham.
Your secret is safe over here... only you, me and my son know the answer!
Assuming that it is an SL/DB (which was the American version) do you also have the post to turn the machine into a vertical mill/drill?
I do not have the post... nor the alignment disc... nor the bars for tightening / loosening the 3-jaw on the mandrel - hence my reason for asking about a manual, ought to give me some indication as to what is missing.

I shall try to take and post a photo.
 

phileakins

Western Thunderer
I'll see your picture and increase with one of mine. :)

Sorry I don't know what you mean by the alignment disc. The bars are pretty straightforward - a blunted 4" nail will do and the missing alignment peg is easy with an appropriate nail (you can even turn one down!).

I'll wait until you've posted the picture just in case we are talking at cross purposes.

Phil

PS Please don't tell my wife how long ago it was - I've lied about my age!
 

Ian G

Western Thunderer
Phil

Was that when the cinema was in Frogmoor, and oceans was above the bus station?

Ian G
 

Dog Star

Western Thunderer
Was that when the cinema was in Frogmoor, and oceans was above the bus station?
I think somewhat earlier when there were two cinemas in Frogmoor... and another up towards the station... and another along Desborough Road...
 
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