Wadkin RS8 2 speed switch - To strip or leave alone?

[merlin]

I seem to have obtained another RS but at the moment it will have to be for spares as the gap bed is missing, a real shame as I would like to restore it. ( has anybody got a spare ? )

For the time being I am going to swop the motor and switchgear onto mine to make it 8 speeds.

Starting with the 2 speed switch it is a bit mucky and a bit stiff so do I strip it to clean and lubricate it or leave well alone as I don't want it to end up all round the workshop.

It works and is quite robust but while it is off do I just get on with it - Bob and Wallace - do you have any experience with such things?

Cheers, Merlin

 

[wallace]

It looks very similar to the one the RT has. They look rather complicated, I would leave well alone assuming its working ok. Maybe just clean the contacts.

 

[Vann]

It looks very similar to the one the RT has...

I was thinking that too.

...They look rather complicated, I would leave well alone assuming its working ok. Maybe just clean the contacts.

I was thinking that too :wink: . I didn't do anything to that switch on my RT - but then again I wasn't doing much at all, just getting it up and running. I can't recall whether it's possible to get to the contacts without dismantling it, but I wouldn't dismantle that switch unless I had a good clear space (yeah right); a whole day; and the wife and kids were away (I wouldn't want to have to put that aside for two weeks and then come back to it... ).

Cheers, Vann.

 

[merlin]

Wise words me thinks - I will leave alone.

Thanks Chaps.

 

[furnman]

Merlin sounds like a great project, I don't care for all these VFD's but I like machines to be as god I mean wadkin intended , I guess you will be changing the motor over too.

 

[merlin]

I changed the motor, pulleys and fitted the switchgear, I also wanted to keep the original headstock switches so it could be switched from both ends, that was a bit more difficult than I thought but with help from Bob I nearly finished it tonight.

I have now just got to tidy up some temporary wiring and it should be good to go.

I also cleaned up and fitted a LO VO transformer to my light but when I turned it on tonight the bulb blew and the transformer had a louder hum than it did have so I presume its knackered - any ideas?
I would like to get it sorted but .....

I have taken some photos so will post them up tomorrow.

Merlin

 

[heimlaga]

I think it would be possible to fabricate a gap bed from mild steel.....or make a wooden pattern and have it cast.

I would not let such a minor obstacle hold me back.

 

[wallace]

I've got one of those LoVo switches, pretty rare items

 

[merlin]

Finished tonight...

The Lo VO was my own fault in the end - a school boy error, I connected the transformer up incorrectly - it should have been to L1 and L3, all sorted now.

Cheers, Merlin

 

[wallace]

very nice, can I have a pic of the tag

 

[merlin]

Hello Wallace,

Here's the tags.

The RS 8 came with another gap bed tool rest holder, with them put together you can see the size difference !

 

[Vann]

RS 579 (test 18327) of 1942; &
RS 1268 (test 42082) of 1952.

Thanks for the photos.

Cheers, Vann.