replying to Adrian Godwin, Peter Noden wrote: Hi Adrian fellow Rapidor restorer. I have just finished what I believe is a
1952 Rapidor Manchester Hacksaw with the same similar issues your having. I think the vice mechanism is how you see it. Mine is exactly the same. No pin to hold it from coming out of the release jaw, but at the very back of the lose jaw on mine there is a screw hole but whether that held a plate or somethings to be guided on the threaded bar. I don't know, there is no sign of it on the machine when I was taking it apart. The piston you described is exactly the same as mine. What the little bar does on the side Once again I do not know. The only thing I can think of is that it could of operated a water cooling pump. On the older versions its got a lit cover on it and shaft is free to move through it but no sign of a water pump. The code number how ever I think mine is 3mx or something but after that all in the same line its got 1952 . So 3MX1952 and that's all I have to go on with regards to its age. This machine looks great. I have painted it with a dark green Japlin colour and a red wheel in memory of Frank Hornby, Meccano. The main Cam is perfect with no ware on it so again I cant comment on that. The problems I have had is the motor was Three phase so I have fitted it with a single now. I have one last problem and that the release handle with the looking handle I am not sure how the spring mechanism works I cant find any literature on or with regards to the machine specification at all. There's is lots of lovely Youtube videos on seeing them operational which is great, but not much use when you are restoring them. Only other issue it heavy ha ha. If you know of any literature with regards to the spring mechanisms I would greatly appreciate it. Good luck Adrian hope it all works well.