Paul Gardner Engineering Ltd - Auction of engines, Parts and Equipment

Just got back from there, there were a few bargains. Nice modern Colchester lathe, Master size, some condensation marking on the bed but little or no wear, went for 500 quid. Union T&C grinder for about

Painted Gardner grey, patented in 1912 IIRC, so very likely came out of the Gardner factory.

I just hope it weighs less than a ton, for my trailer. Some quick back-of-envelope calcs say it probably does. The base is at least partially hollow, but the column isn't, and is nearly 2" thick! It really is as tall as the bloke standing behind.

It'll have to live outside, unfortunately. There'll be two smaller presses for sale once it's safely home.

Tim

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It's the kind of thing I could never justify buying but would probably come in very useful at some point...

I definitely have the use for it, sadly don't have the workshop space.

Tim Dutton Dry-Dock Traditional & Modern canal craft repairs Vintage diesel engine service

Collected it this afternoon with my 1-ton trailer. My sums were obviously wrong, they came up with half a ton at most. I would say it's at least a tad over a ton, maybe more than a tad.

Tim Dutton Dry-Dock Traditional & Modern canal craft repairs Vintage diesel engine service

Given that it's about the size of a milling machine, I guess half a ton would have been a bit of a thin walled casting. Presumably, since you got back, it wasn't too far over a ton for the trailer to cope with :-)

Mark Rand RTFM

Well yes I did look at it in comparison with a mill, decided it wasn't that simple as it has a single bulb plate column rather than a hollow box, also no solid table. Tried to estimate the volume of iron x density, came to half a ton though I didn't believe it. Must have missed out a fudge factor somewhere Yes, got back in one piece with no trouble. I haven't attempted to unload it yet, though!

I would just about have made a profit by taking it straight round to the scrapyard, even with the auctioneers fees.

Cheers Tim Dutton Dry-Dock Traditional & Modern canal craft repairs Vintage diesel engine service

Having mauled it about with my (genuine) 2 ton engine crane today, I reckon it's no more than a ton but not much less. The base is hollow but very heavily ribbed. The ratchet lever mechanism is interesting, I haven't totally fathomed it out but it gives a substantial mechanical advantage.

More pics at

Good, honest machinery that knows what it is, and isn't afraid to say so :-)

It does look very nicely proportioned.

Mark Rand RTFM

Hi Tim

Looks like you lucked onto a good bit of Americana. :-) It is of the Atlas Press Co of Kalamazoo Mi, that later, in the 30s produced the small lathes and shapers etc. The patent was one they must have bought as it was originally of the G T Eames Co. #1038543.

Alfred Herbert were the UK agents.

Tom

They are shown in the main catalogue (32nd edition)

Atlas plain and Atlas compound presses.

No 4M plain press weighs 1050lbs according the the catalogue.

Peter

-- Peter & Rita Forbes Email: snipped-for-privacy@easynet.co.uk Web:

This tells you a bit more (none of which I was aware of until 10 minutes ago)

But it doesn't tell you that your press weighs 1700 lb has a

I've sent a scan off list..

Tom

Nah, not a chance. Half a ton like they said looks spot on to me. It's smaller than my mill and that weighs less than a ton. If the column is about

-- Dave Baker Puma Race Engines

Specs needed, Dave? :-)

Tom

Actually it does if you dig deep enough (though it's a different price, for a different year)

Many thanks Tim

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