Wadkin MA morticer restoration

[Lappa]

Were the original gears standard bevel or spiral bevel, like the one on the right? If standard bevel you “may” be able to adapt bevel gears from an automotive final drive differential.

[wallace1973]

The original are spiral, I might be in look because the guy I got it from had a few of them and I'm hoping he will swap for another. AMS do a set but their POA so you can assume their big money

[wallace1973]

I found a suitable handle for the Y travel but the bore was too big, a couple of bronze bushings and voila bobs your uncle.



I am determined to empty the garden of machines this year. I've had a PK dim saw with lots of bits missing for about 4 years now. I recently bought a knackered EQ spindle moulder just for the fences, switch and handle. The switch and handle found a new home in that their America. The fence on the EQ is very similar to that of the PK apart from it doesn't tilt, so the plan is to put it on their

[Allison74]

Pity about the gear not matching on the chisel attachment. Maybe that one is off a Robinson, they made a similar machine that could swap between mortising functions.
Hope the guy has one for you. The replacement ones are expensive as I'm sure you know. I'm not even bothering to look for one for mine which is also missing the chisel attachment.

The machine is looking good , you have done a real salvage job on this one.

The EQ fence swap is a good fix!!

Have fun,
Alli

[wallace1973]

I had a bit of an issue with the drive gears in that they did not mesh. Luckily my friendly machine dealer swapped it another with the correct gear. Strange thing none of my augers from my chisels are long enough to use on this.

[tony_A]

Another great restoration Mark and a beautiful old machine to add to your collection. Have been over your side of the world for the last couple of months and only recently saw this thread. I certainly appreciate people taking the time to post these restorations.

Tony

[wallace1973]

Thanks Tony, I thought I was going to keep this one but have decided its getting a new home. I have a whitehead morticer which I really like

[Hardenfast]

Great work and nice WIP images. Impressive!

[Charlie_6ft]

I've taken a look at Bob's VFD info her posted here: VFDs for Newbies does anyone know if the motor on the MA is ∆ or Y?

[wallace1973]

I know my motor guy wired a MF for low voltage for me. I'm sure there was 6 wires and he paired the ones up that had continuity.

[Charlie_6ft]

Good to know I've got a mate coming over who is a sparky who can take a look at my garage. I have 3-phase so am leaning towards getting some plugs installed.

[Charlie_6ft]

Mark, from a scale of 1 to 10 how big a job is it to restore a MA?

Or perhaps compared to restoring a PK?

Mine (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f299/...ight=Wadkin+MA) is OK as it is but have a itch I feel like I need to scratch but TBH I started to pull apart my PK in April '23 and I am nearing finish spraying the main parts now with the fence and guard yet to touch. I am just finding I am so time poor.

I've really questioned do I like restorations more or woodworking?!?!?!
For every machine I restore I don't get to do any woodworking as the restore takes up any little bit of time I put towards this hobby!