Fox Universal Trimmer

[Screwdriver]

I must admit, I bought this because it's a lovely flat surface and would make an awesome welding table.

But it seems a shame to chop it up when I could easily refurbish it and get it back to new. Thing is, I really don't need one! So I guess it would be restored for sale.

In which case, what sort of budget should I be looking at? How much time and effort to spend will depend on its potential resale value and I am struggling to find one for sale in the UK.

Here's a few more pics.

It's all there except for one broken part which I can repair.

Then it's just a case of trying to strip it apart and get those seized threads removed without destroying it.

Blades are present and look sharp but I have to wonder how well they will clean up.

Probably have to have them reground etc.

But look at that lovely webbing underneath, this thing is going to be as flat as a surface plate.

Interested to hear any opinions on the matter. it would make a brilliant welding fab table, even has some super accurate 90 degree and parallel surfaces...

Screwd.

 

[penfold]

Whotsit do? Trimming things obviously, but what things?

 

[gordon stephenson]

I believe they were used to produce very accurate mitre joints in wooden framework etc.

 

[penfold]

If such a thing exists, the OP needs to find a steampunk picture framer to sell it to once he's cleaned it up!

 

[gordon stephenson]

As far as i know, the wooden mitre would be cut a tiny fraction long. Then the trimmer used like an end grain plane to give a perfect crisp finish to the mitre.

 

[awemawson]

Widely used by picture framers. They cost an absolute fortune.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I have a smaller Morso one I inherited from my Dad's workshop, your right in that they cut a fine sliver of wood off to give an accurate mitre cut. You either roughly cut the angle with a saw and finish with the mitre guillotine or you repeatedly nibble off slices till the angle is correct across the full width.
The modern ones tend to be foot or pneumaticaly operated.
Value wise is any ones guess, I don't think a commercial picture framer would be interested as its hand operated so relatively slow but it's a nice looking piece of kit and it would be a shame to break it up.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Here's the modern version:

Mine is the same as this:

 

[Screwdriver]

Well it hinges on my being able to repair the broken locking handle I reckon. Without that original feature, I guess it becomes a lot less attractive to the sort of person who would buy such a monster. Then like I say, it's just a case of carefully taking it apart which I'd have to do anyway.

I have the broken piece, or rather, I have it on order. I forgot to pick it up when I collected the item several months ago and have been trying to get the seller to post it since then.

I love the look of cast iron machinery though and this should look fabulous when I clean it up.

Trimmer it is then. With any luck.

S.

 

[Paul99]

Be careful of the blades on these things I still have the scar on the back of my finger as it literally just brushed against the blade on ours about 15 years ago and that was before I sharpened it up. Ours is near identical to Wendelspanswicks. Their definitely one of them tools that gets limited use but when it's needed it's a pleasure to use. It would be a shame to see it chopped up even it if did make a good welding table - they just don't make machines like this any more - welding tables they do :P

 

[Screwdriver]

Yes. I got the picture. It's going to be a trimmer once more. Even if it ends up in the living room.

Hmm. Maybe look nice in the kitchen....

 

[colnerov]

Mrs Screwdriver will be pleased,

 

[Screwdriver]

Mrs Screwdriver will be pleased,

I dodged that bullet...

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Yes. I got the picture. It's going to be a trimmer once more. Even if it ends up in the living room.

Hmm. Maybe look nice in the kitchen....

Perfect for slicing pepperoni for your pizza.

 

[roofman]

nothing like this quality will ever be made again and needs saving from the metal butchers

 

[Robotstar5]

Hmm. Maybe look nice in the kitchen....

Bacon slicer?

 

[the snooper]

Well it hinges on my being able to repair the broken locking handle I reckon. Without that original feature, I guess it becomes a lot less attractive to the sort of person who would buy such a monster. Then like I say, it's just a case of carefully taking it apart which I'd have to do anyway.

I have the broken piece, or rather, I have it on order. I forgot to pick it up when I collected the item several months ago and have been trying to get the seller to post it since then.

I love the look of cast iron machinery though and this should look fabulous when I clean it up.

Trimmer it is then. With any luck.

S.

I cant see that taking much to make, looks like a cam lock operation, a bit of time and paint and who would notice

 

[penfold]

I cant see that taking much to make, looks like a cam lock operation, a bit of time and paint and who would notice

Indeed; even doing it properly milling and turning from solid wouldn't take that long, fabricating the cams and welding on a handle would be a cinch.

 

[the snooper]

Indeed; even doing it properly milling and turning from solid wouldn't take that long, fabricating the cams and welding on a handle would be a cinch.

especially as there is one to use as a pattern

 

[Wallace]

Lovely machine, the sort of thing you could build a business around that gets killed off by H&S.