Archdale V & H milling machine

[Noddy]

My old man bought the contents of a blacksmith's shop a few years back.

Among the goodies was an Archdale milling machine with the overarm for horizontal use and a vertical head.

The format seems to be pretty typical for a horizontal machine with the table suppoted on a knee.

I haven't had much chance to start cleaning it up and get it going (this isn't helped by it weighing about 3 tons)

I've tried googling to try to get some info on the brute, but so far without much luck (plenty on radial arm drills but not millers).

Now that we've got a tools and tooling page, does anyone know about Archdale's mills?

Sorry I've no pornographs of it at the moment...
Keith

[Richmond]

Hi,

I know the Archdale name, but dont know of any info.

I would try contacting Tony Griffiths at lathes.co.uk. He seems to be the font of most knowledge about lathes and mills.

( cant see any info about Archdale on the website tho......might be under a diff brand name ?? )

Keith

[Noddy]

I haven't spoken to Tony in person, but there doesn't seem to be anything on his site.
Thanks though
Keith

[alanstepney]

I've used an Archdale and long ago (about the late 70's) I helped someone strip one down prior to his refurbishing it.

A nice solid machine, and built like the proverbial battleship.

From memory of the one I used, slightly limited on the higher speeds, but that probably because it was intended for heavier cuts than "we" use.
Dont recall any particular problems with it.

[AndrewP]

Archdale appears in the list of manufacturers names on Tony Griffiths site so it is definitely worth giving him a shout.
I can personally testify to his helpfulness, no connection - blah blah.

Cheers, Andy

[AndrewP]

I've been corresponding with Tony on another matter so mentioned the Archdale. He has manuals for the radial arm milling machine, self-contained Feed Drill Unit Type 785 and Twist Drill Grinding Machine but not a mill as such.

twas worth a try though!

[Noddy]

Thanks Andrew,

Before my Old man got the monster, I'd only ever heard of the drills, and beyond the name, I know nothing more about the maker either.

Googling brings up pictures of an even bigger mill somewhere in the far east. I'll get some photos of the brut up next time I visit the fourth world Britain.

I have heard un reliable rumors of Archdale mills with either hydraulic variable drive or hydroshift type transmissions, but certainly haven't seen actual examples

Thanks once again
Keith

[inchbeag]

Hi, Another possible source is "fazerblazer" an eBay seller who specialises in manual reprints. He was helpful in supplying manuals for my Maximat lathe & mill even though he did not have them listed at the time. Pick any of his current manuals then use that to send a question. He's quick and helpful in replying. No connection - just a customer
Alistair

[Noddy]

Thanks Alistair, I'll give him a try.
Keith

[petercolman]

Archdale did make a variety of mills, lots were more production than tool room, I may be able to help but Tony Griffiths is better, however I will need model number.
Peter

[Noddy]

Thanks peter, I'll give my old man a call tonight to see if he can find the plate. It might be a day or two before he gets back though.

Keith

[Noddy]

Finally got some pictures. unfortunately it is on a trailer so difficult to get a clear view.

The motor is in the bottom of the column, driving the gearbox through a flatbelt. Spindle and feed speed change is by spoked hand wheels, and the speed indication is by disks concentric with the wheels and apparently geared down from the wheels.

Note the rapids motor mounted vertically under saddle. Feed drive to the table is through a shaft feeding into the back of the saddle. There is a square box shaped oiler reservoir on the right hand top of the saddle, behind the table.

The plate at the end of the y feed screw is currently unbolted (to investigate a crack in it). The base resevoir is rounded with a small vertical flat area at the front to attach an outboard support for the knee.

Vert spindle appears to be 40 Int, although I have a second vert head from another source.

Any identification of model and availability of manual and parts diagrams parts list gladly received!

Many thanks

Keith

[Myford Matt]

I get slightly more hits if I put in 'James Archdale Machine Tool', but there is remarkably little out there.

Did you try Tony Griffiths? I've always found him generous with his time.

The following link is interesting, if somewhat depressing: books.google.com/books?id=k6FIMyG4SmgC

Click on 'Preview this book'

MM

[davidimurray]

Hi Keith

A friend of mine has a similar looking Archdale mill. I will have a word with him as I think he has some manuals with it.

Cheers

Dave

[davidimurray]

Keith

Just sent you a PM with contact details for my friend who may be able to help you.

Cheers

Dave

[Noddy]

Many thanks David and Matt.

I've tried Tony, but he doesn't have any manuals for this model. I still don't know the model number so can't look elsewhere yet.

On the wider subject of Archdale, they seem to have been a particularly inventive and well regarded tool maker, until they were bought up and became part of the Stavely group.

I don't know the circumstances of the takeover, and whether the banks had a hand in forcing it.

I'm looking forward to getting the thing off that trailer, the rust cleaned off it and getting it to make chips again.....

Keith