Big Thompson Model B ops

**Steve in SoCal** · 08-03-2012, 10:35 PM

I am getting my Thompson model B ready to use and several things come to mind. This is a 20X60 machine with a Neutrofier control for the magnet and, a Travatrol control for the table. Some insight on the operation of these would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to know what coolant should I use, the machine will be used infrequently and sump life is important however, performance and machine longevity take precedence.

Steve

**cash** · 08-04-2012, 06:55 AM

20x 60 is a pretty good size.

The Neutrofier should be simple ON/OFF/demag operation.

You say travatrol for the table-ok-this works by a bar on the table that is mounted on a taper and then a bearing on an arm that comes out of the travatrol signal box. On the operator control there will be the travatrol contrtol which you turn the 2 knobs which in turn adjust how much travel you get.

I know matison used some travatrol ont he table controls and all I hear is they sucked. I bought one machine that has it and if I ever rebuild the machine it will be removed and just use prox switches.

Common was the travatrol on the crosslide.

If your travatrol does not work electromatic chicago will not support it. They will try to sell you a new one. You would be best off just to use prox switches to reverse your table.

Coolant-if you are just grinding standard steel get a full synthetic coolant. To help maximize your sump life put an airline into the tank and let it bubble to break the surface. This will help it last longer.

**Steve in SoCal** · 08-04-2012, 10:52 AM

Thank You Cash,

The Travatrol seems to be on the cross slide; the angled bar is visible on the head casting. The table has dogs and no visible signs of the travatrol.

There are two manual valves marked "air bleed" at the left and right ends of the base, what do these do and is compressed air required?

In addition to the handwheel for the head height there is another small wheel to the right facing the machine, it seems to not move any axis?

Steve

**cash** · 08-04-2012, 04:41 PM

The valves marked air bleed on the ends of the base would be for your table cylinders. You only need to bleed them if you have a jerky motion of the table. Whichever cylinder is pressurized is when you would crack open the air bleed to let the air out.

I am not totally familar with thompson grinders. I would have to believe the other hand wheel could possibly be for positioning the table?? It would turn a rack and pinion under the table. It would probably be hydraulically assisted? Mattison did have this as an option.

As far as your travatrol it sounds like you have figured that out and it would be for your crosslide. Hopefully it works out for you!

**toolmaker35** · 08-04-2012, 05:01 PM

Our old Thompson (about that size, can't remember model #) had a small handwheel mounted on the large downfeed wheel like you're describing for fine downfeed. If I remember correctly, the large feed wheel was marked in .001" increments, and the small one just used hash marks with markings at .0005" and .001". To use, you pulled out on the small wheel, which disengaged the larger wheel, then turned it instead. This may be what the smaller wheel is on yours.

Jim

**cash** · 08-05-2012, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by toolmaker35

Our old Thompson (about that size, can't remember model #) had a small handwheel mounted on the large downfeed wheel like you're describing for fine downfeed. If I remember correctly, the large feed wheel was marked in .001" increments, and the small one just used hash marks with markings at .0005" and .001". To use, you pulled out on the small wheel, which disengaged the larger wheel, then turned it instead. This may be what the smaller wheel is on yours.

Jim

that makes sense, sounds kind of like a micro feed.

**Steve in SoCal** · 08-05-2012, 09:40 AM

The micro feed does sound right but, there are no graduations or witness marks on the wheel or casting? I am stuck waiting for hydraulic oil to get the machine moving. The tank is 110 gallons and I am going to start with a barrel and see how it works.

There is an oil line loose on the top of the head and I don't see any logical place for it, it is on a Bijur manifold that appears to lube the cross feed slide?

The first picture shows the machine with the two hand wheels and the next is the lube pump and loose line. The loose lne is the one that is pointing vertically just above the rectangular plate.

Steve

**rlbleeker** · 08-05-2012, 09:53 AM

Type F machines have a second handwheel on the right for manually positioning the table. I've never seen a type B with one, but one of my Thompson catalogs does show a small type B a second wheel. Are you sure it's a type B not a type C?

**rlbleeker** · 08-05-2012, 10:18 AM

Looks like a newer type B, what's the serial number? I found a type C catalog that shows an optional "Auxiliary hand table feed" in the location where your second handwheel is. It's hydraulic, so will do nothing when the machine isn't running.

**rlbleeker** · 08-05-2012, 10:51 AM

Looks like a "Big T", which appears to be a BB with an extra wide table.

**Steve in SoCal** · 08-05-2012, 04:22 PM

The serial number is 4T690028 and the only thing on the machine that mentions any model is the lube chart and it is for a model B. The lube chart doesn't jib with the machine exactly either?

Steve

**rlbleeker** · 08-05-2012, 05:36 PM

The "4T" is the model. The "T" matches it's appearance as a "Big T". The "4", I think, should indicate a table length of 4', the longest the catalog shows for that model. I have a "5B" (9" x 60"), it's overall table length is 113". The "69" is the year of manufacture.

**Steve in SoCal** · 08-05-2012, 05:44 PM

The table length on this is 104 and the slotted area is 69 inches. What is a Big T in relation to the B and C etc?

Steve

**toolmaker35** · 08-05-2012, 06:39 PM

This may help some. The grinder we had was somewhat different from yours, but the controls look fairly similar. I can't help with the fittings & lines that you're asking about, but there should be some type of fitting for feeding lube to the cross feed slide. Also, ours didn't have the controls on the grind head that is shown on yours (circled). It was just a simple trip lever for controlling feed direction.

Edit: The text didn't come out worth a flip. If you have trouble reading it any, I'll clarify it.

**rlbleeker** · 08-05-2012, 08:42 PM

The Big T is identical to a BB, but with an extra wide table. The type C are much heavier machines. The T slotted area on mine is 75". Didn't notice you had power elevation, that would be nice to have.

**Brian@VersaMil** · 08-15-2012, 07:33 PM

I've been really busy and not been on PM for awhile. I DO have some thompson manuals I've picked up if you need any copies. Your machine looks similar to my model C but with some variances.
I do have travatrol manuals and info as both my Mattison have this. I had problems with my model C not moving fast enough, and I got it figured out. The Thompson manuals AREn'T the best manuals,
but hey SOME information is better than none at all. My thompson has been a pretty nice grinder, but with just a 12 by 42 travel, NOT big enough for a lot of my parts. You know my number, give me a call if you want
to borrow my manuals and make some copies.

**Steve in SoCal** · 08-22-2012, 09:37 PM

Alright I got some go juice in the old Thompson and she moves smoothly, now I need suggestions on what particular coolant to use. The grinder will be used in various capacities like tooling support and repair, general surfacing and, perhaps sharpening shear blades. It will be nearly all ferrous metal.

Steve