Thread: X-Balg for the FP1

My FP-1 is missing the covers for all three axes, and I was glad to find a German Ebay seller
(Franz Singer) who was selling two of them (Y-Balg and Z-Balg):

Z-Balg

He did not have the X-axis cover, but I would like to get that as well. Is it the same for all fp-1's? Mine is an early lever machine, early 60's or late 50's.

-Dave

Dave,
The covers are differant on the machines depending on the year, The best example I can give is a comparison between my late lever machine and my very early dial shift machine. The dial shift machine has snaps in counter sunk holes for the covers and the lever shift hasn't got them? These are on both sides of the Z axis slide and inside both end/out board X axis screw supports. I haven't bothered putting them on either machine but the only ones I think I can get are the ones for the dial shift machine. I don't have a clue how they would be hung on the lever shift machine, I need to see some in use to understand.
Funny thing, the Z axis cover will fit on all of the machines but the dial shift machine has these two clips riveted to the top of the steel plate that holds the resitex (is that spelled right) wipers in place. The bottom of the cover slides under them and when the table is ran down they act to pull the cover down instead of relying on gravity, pretty simple but they work.
Dan

PS I am adding this after taking a look at the Z axis cover Singer is offering. It will work fine but there is a mount needed, either one can be constructed or the factory one re-used. The factory unit is a fairly simple thing; A flat plate about 1/2" thick that has a dovetail to match the Z axis with a clam screw and a brass plug to keep from running the end of the screw into the dovetail. This is at the very top right under the Y axis slide and the bellows mounts to the bottom of this with some real small screws. It is made so that the assembly can be installed or removed with a minimum effort. There is also a piece on the side that the factory calls a guide, all it does is act as a preset stop to keep the operator from running the table up too high and crushing the bellows, this is not needed to mount and use the bellows but beware to keep an eye on how high you raise the table when the cover is installed.

[ 03-28-2006, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: Danny VanVoorn ]

http://www.arno-arnold.com/engl/frames.html

This firm makes all the Deckel covers
When you give them the machinenr the may be able to make you an offer
Peterve

Peterve:
Thanks for the link. The covers are expensieve when you get them from DMG or FPS. Next time i will try Arno Arnold and see how they do, Thanks
Cheers Ross

The 60's lever machine only came with the Y cover, which I think Singer sells for $42 Euro.

I made my own out of neoprene covered cloth from McMaster Carr and it was quite a lot of work.

At $100 US probably inluding shipping WITH the metal end pieces I think it's a good deal.

I just got one of Singer's MT4 to ER32 Chucks and am very pleased with it. SOOOOO much nicer for changing tools.

Oh, and if anybody is reluctant on buying from Singer because of the payment thing - it's very easy - he quotes you a price in Euro's and you just send the money via Paypal with the order and delivery info. Paypal lets you pay in Euro's.

And yes - it was VERY WELL WRAPPED - layers of tape to make sure it wouldn't escape.

Chris P

Here is a final report on my shipping problem:

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ub...ic/6/1327.html

Yes; Singer has now figured out how to package for shipment to the U.S.!
The replacement half of the slotting head that did not make it the first
time was very well packed and arrived without incident. It's not yet
clear whether he will get insurance reimbursement, but he did make good on
replacing the long-lost part.

Dave

The 60's lever machine only came with the Y cover

The manual I have is for a 1966 dial machine, and it shows the X axis covers.

If anyone has adapted the X axis covers to the lever machine please provide details.

Thanks for the pointer to Arno, I will see if they have a cover that will fit the lever machine.

-Dave