Thread: Etched brass name plates

Anyone had reproduction brass name plates done for their 9" Hercus model A lathe, in particular the curved one on the QC gearbox?

The gear data plate I have is a bit ratty, and I seem to have misplaced the small plate that was rivetted to the aluminium end gear guard.

What was written on this small plate? Struth it's crook when the old memory starts to fade.

Old Kennearth

Hi Ken,
I am in the same situation with both my shaper and the Leblond. I know you can make them by using printable iron on resist transfers that are designed for circuit board etching, but i have not had any experience with actually making one. I know Mark "Graziano" has made some real nice ones in the past but unfortunately he is no longer with us. I'll try and did up some of his work on PM. I think his handle there is sag180...

Edit, it is SAG 180, but he has been quiet, and has obviously removed his photo's from photobucket etc as none of his posts have pics anymore. Here is the link to his plaques anyhow. OT: Home made engraved label plate for lathe

This was the product i was going to try: Press N Peel PCB Film - Jaycar Electronics
Though i might find a cheaper source....

hi all,ive seen copies available on ebay.they are of original size and correct gear/feed specs and come from southbend origin usa if my memory is correct.

Uee, are you saying Graziano has passed away, or just gone quiet? It would be a great pity if the former.

I had so many questions to ask him.

Ken

No, I think he is still on the sunny side of the dirt, but left due to real or percieved over moderation. Much like my diminished post count.

Hi Gweg, had a couple of relaxing tonics just to sooth the nerves, medicinal purposes only to face tomorrow.

I cannot believe over moderation. The man was a genius in his field. Would be sad if true.

I reckon I know why you don't post as often, always up in the clouds, or HQ has you more in check. "Come to bed dear, now"

Kennearth

Yeah, not so much, Ken. Back in the day for sure, but, alas...

I have mega time off from late March, I shall try to roast an angel blend if y'all want to drop by...

GQ,
Shanghai

Hi Greg,

Some of that special blend you have that's been through the cat's guts, will be fine. Nothing like the smell of cat's eggs in the morning, in a mug.

Private joke, sorry. Be round in March.

Kennearth

Originally Posted by Ueee

This was the product i was going to try: Press N Peel PCB Film - Jaycar Electronics
Though i might find a cheaper source....

There is a bit of a learning curve assosciated with using this and similar products, according to my experiences anyway. An alternative you might think about would be to get a silk screen made up. It can cost a bit to get a photographic screen made, but if there is a reasonable demand you can cover the cost over a smallish run. (You might see if there is any more demand among forum members.) It is also possible to make a screen with multiple images and temporarily block out all but the one you wish to print. That might give you a few more options to spread the cost.
Etching in brass is pretty nasty, using Ferric Chloride, but if you want to etch in aluminium you can use a soup based on Copper Sulfate. Much nicer.
The screen should be made with a very coarse mesh (about 80? from memory) and the image inked with Ormonoid roof paint to act as the etch resist. Washes off easily with turps at the end.

Many replies here, thanks fellas. What was on the small brass plate that was attached to the swing open gear guard, on the Hercus 9" AR?

Can't find any pics.

Ken

Originally Posted by neksmerj

Many replies here, thanks fellas. What was on the small brass plate that was attached to the swing open gear guard, on the Hercus 9" AR?

Can't find any pics.

Ken

The best I can do without getting the camera out. I take it you are talking about the HERCUS badge down below the appendage.


Spindle Mandrel 012 (Large).jpg

Hi AB, yes that's the plate I am referring to. I guess it's about 75 x 32 mm approx.

What on earth is that contraption sticking out of the head stock spindle? Obviously some sort of indexing device.

I have never seen anything like that before, your workshop must be an amazing array of museum pieces.

Ken

Originally Posted by neksmerj

Hi AB, yes that's the plate I am referring to. I guess it's about 75 x 32 mm approx.

What on earth is that contraption sticking out of the head stock spindle? Obviously some sort of indexing device.

I have never seen anything like that before, your workshop must be an amazing array of museum pieces.

Ken

KJ,

The badge would be a bit smaller. I will photograph it properly and measure it correctly for you.

The contraption is a Hercus dividing head with its mounting bracket removed. I had been fooling around with the idea of using the Hercus head for division rather than the awkward set up I had been using with my Vertex rotary table. Fooling around is as far as I went. Something I should still pursue.

Yes I do have some nice stuff. Sadly its display is extremely un-museum like.

BT

AB, no need to photograph your name plate, a more thorough search turned up mine, however, the plastic take away container it was in, has disintergrated, and the two drive rivets have escaped.

Has anyone got any details of these, ie, dia and length, and where to get them? The holes in the gear cover are approx 2.2mm dia. The holes in the name plate are about 2.4mm dia. Converting to imperial, it looks like 3/32" dia would be about the right size.

Attached is a rough pic of the name plate. Some of the blue background will need a touch up with a tooth pick dipped in paint.

Edit: are the rivets brass or steel?

Ken