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  1. #1
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    Default Grout & Darlington

    Hi all,

    I would like to know if any one has information on a company called Grout & Darlington ( don't know if the spelling is correct ) they specialised in total rebuilds of machinery
    the example I have seen were remarkable. I believe they are no loner in operation and I am wonder if they are actually still around under a different name

  2. #2
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    i'm pretty sure they went bust, I think that's where RC and Marks slideway grinders came from.

  3. #3
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    In 1974 the Grout and Darlington works were located at 9 Sloane Street Marrickville (near Sydenham),
    trading as Slideway Grinding Co. The Office and Postal Address was 31 Cheyne Walk, Castlecrag 2068.
    If you want to check this, stroll back in time and phone them on 51 7623.

    This info comes from the rubber stamp mark on a receipt issued to me for a lathe bed grinding job (Job No 532: $150 + $12 Sales Tax).

    As a student I could only afford absolutely clapped out machinery, so over a few years they did 3 slideway regrind jobs for me:
    a Rivett 608 lathe bed, an IXL lathe bed (a pre WW1 German product, not the Australian jam manufacturer) and the ram ways of the little Drummond hand shaper that has just been sold to J.C.

    Bill

  4. #4
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    Default

    Yes it seems as though they have long gone I am not aware of any other companies that do that sort of work

  5. #5
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    There is a company in Brisbane that does rebuilds, not sure what they are called. I'm pretty sure former forum member Machtool's mate Marko still does slideway grinding.

  6. #6
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by China View Post
    Yes it seems as though they have long gone I am not aware of any other companies that do that sort of work
    In Sydney slideway grinding etc is still offered by MTA (Machine Tool Automation - see Machine tools automation service Sydney mona vale ). Started in the 60s by Hardwick and Tatam and originally trading under that name.
    They are located at the northern beaches area, at By The Sea Rd in Mona Vale.

    I have had slideway grinding jopbs done there - very helpful and good to deal with in my experience.
    Last time I was there, a few years ago, they were finishing a batch of Hercus lathe bed restoration jobs, but most of their work is large industrial stuff.


    Cheers,
    Bill

  7. #7
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    Default

    I am not looking for slide way grinding I am looking for a machine re builder I have a Woodfast jigsaw which has been sitting around for ten years waiting for me to rebuild it
    I have use for it however I am never going to get around to it, I thought if I have it rebuilt by a competent company I could then use it instead of just moving it about the workshop

  8. #8
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    Default

    I don't think I've ever seen a Woodfast jigsaw, although all the tech studies workshops when I was at high school were littered with Woodfast stuff. Can you post a picture? In terms of what is wrong with it, what is wrong with it? Just general wear on bushes& bearings?

    Michael

  9. #9
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    Here is a pic of the same machine, mine is a bit hard to get to quickly ( Photo taken from camoz on woodwork Forum ), I do not really know what needs to be done to mine
    I have not even plugged it in at this as the motor is loose and not secure

    Woodfast jigsaw.jpg

  10. #10
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    Default

    Would have thought someone in Melbourne would be more handy given the location? A jigsaw wouldn't strike me as typical for the usual machine tool rebuild service though.

    MTA does offer rebuilds I think beyond grinding too, didn't strike me as very busy up there a couple years ago.

    Grout and Darlington also operated at Annandale according to the sticker on a mate's machine - they did make a blue with the tailstock. When the were on their last legs out at Smithfield, they were doing a Mazak out of SA by coincidence. I think the price mentioned was around 10k and not a big lathe by any stretch ~1.5m??

  11. #11
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    The only example I have had a lot to do with is a Cincinnati No.2 tool & cutter grinder that I used to own the machine had been rebuilt to a almost better than new standard and cost a lot less
    than new item, I was told at the time they would rebuild any type of machine

  12. #12
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    Apart from the obvious issue of securing the motor, about all that could be done there was replace bearings and bushes. A survey might show some bits that are missing or are better off replaced. A jigsaw like that has relatively few moving parts compared to even a small lathe. Probably the biggest problem is that it will still take some time and I would suggest most companies would not be interested, just because the time to strip and re-assemble would approach if not exceed the cost of an 'equivalent replacement'.

    Michael

  13. #13
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    Thanks for all the replies, it will probably stay on the "to do" list for now

  14. #14
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    Default

    There was a bloke up from Sydney who did this sort of stuff but he moved down Jindabyne way as he was a ski nut.

    Chas Skinner, same moniker as his Grandpa who sold woodworking machinery under the Renniks name. That’s a bit backwards.

    A mate had him rebuild a small stroke sander and was pleased with his efforts but found the conversation side of it a bit hard going.

    Ive had about 4 of these jigsaws over the years, they were first made by Hyco to a US
    design that Woodfast kept making after taking over Hyco.
    Very simple machine but I know what you mean about too many projects.
    H.
    Jimcracks for the rich and/or wealthy. (aka GKB '88)

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