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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
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    Tumut, NSW
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    68
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    6

    Default "Defiant" floor model no 80 Milling machine, Thomas herbert & Co, Sydney

    Hi all, newbie to the forum. I have been collecting some old machinery and doing restorations, latest being a Douglas Shaper. I have recently gotten my hands on a "Defiant" horizontal Milling machine, Floor Model no 80. I am not sure of the manufacturer but the plate on the side refers to Thomas Herbert & Co, Sydney. I have searched high and low for info and about all I have dug up is that they were at Clarence Street and used to distibute Mars Machine tools from about 1945. I would like to start the restoration with some info or photos as a reference so would really appraciate it if anyone could steer me in the right direction. Thanks in advance, Gordonhormill2.jpghormill4.jpghormill7.jpgunnamed (9).jpgunnamed (10).jpgunnamed (11).jpghormill1.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
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    71
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    5,942

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    Welcome to a Top Forum Gordon.
    When you do any restoration work make sure you take plenty of pics, WE LOVE pics, if you did a thread on it, that would be even better. Actually any work that you do, we'd love to hear about?

    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    35
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    1,522

    Default

    I have definitely seen some Herbert capstan larhes, looked like licenced copies of ward number 2s, so at some point they were making things. Good luck! And welcome to the forum.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Tumut, NSW
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    Default

    Hi Kryn, thanks for your reply. Did you see the pics I posted with my new thread, sorry just new so not sure how this works out and not real flash on the computer. I did post 7 photos. I think this will be a nice restoration. Can you see a little Douglas shaper next to it in one of the pics, I got that too and intend fully restoring it but at the moment I have got it running and using it so full restoration on Dougie will be down the track. Cheers for your feedback

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Tumut, NSW
    Age
    68
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    6

    Default

    Hi Caskwarrior, thanks for you reply too. From what I understand there are two Herbert Companies that seem to get a mention, Thomas Herbert & Co, Sydney and the other more popular Alfred Herbert in the UK which I believe made the model lathe you are talking of...... I think. It was confusing for me when I first begun this search about the Defiant. Another name that is sometimes mentioned with TH&Co is MARS Machine Tool Manufacturing Co who were based on Bridge Street in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.....they were fromerly known as Rapson & Dutton. I thought that perhaps my Defiant Mill may have been produced by MARS and distributed by TH&Co with their own signage but till I can prove otherwise I am not sure. I tell you one thing, I really love getting old peices of machinery, love even more searching for the history, documentation, photos, interaction with other enthusiasts, then the restoration itself and finally pressing the button to bring it back to life...... it really is such a rewarding process don't you think. Anyway, hope your Easter is going well, thanks again for your feedback, regards, Gordon

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    near Warragul, Victoria
    Posts
    3,718

    Default

    That's a solid looking mill !

    Couple of tips . Try a 'Trove' search online , in the old newspapers , you might find a advert for that particular mill. And, search the NAA web site, the national archives naa.gov.au

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Tumut, NSW
    Age
    68
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    6

    Default

    Hi Morrisman, will give both those leads a crack, many thanks for your tips. Have a great easter, regards, Gordon

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    87

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    HI Gordon & welcome!
    I actually had a look at this particular mill in person! It's a very nice little machine! Mechanically I very much doubt it would need much work! It should be an awesome project! I also happened to notice that one of the table feed pulleys at the back was broken. We are currently in the process of setting the burners up to do some cast iron repairs on several components, if you want a hand fixing that pulley feel free to give me a shout!

    Best regards

    Matthew

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    ACT
    Posts
    667

    Default

    should be a great little mill. not to mention the shaper.

    I use my mill in the horizontal configuration for most jobs I do, amazing how many different types of jobs you can do horizontally. Why put on the vertical head if you can do it horizontally.

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