How do I refresh markings

[Beanwood]

As per the post title really.
I have acquired a Dore Westbury mill. It’s not in pristine condition, but it’s usable- which is what I’m doing with it.

I know many on here like to restore things- but I’m not going that route- I just need this be a little more legible for my fading eyesight

Any tips please?

 

[optima21]

get a torch or head torch, the additional lighting may make a big difference

 

[6ply]

Clean it with a rag and your preferred solvent.

Lightly rub over with wire wool, the aim being to improve the contrast between the engraved and non-engraved surfaces.

 

[Robotstar5]

If they are engraved or punched markings, clean thoroughly, apply a thin coat of black paint then wipe off immediately, it will leave the grooves full of paint, highlighting them.

 

[Beanwood]

get a torch or head torch, the additional lighting may make a big difference

Already have one - it's great - but these markings are pretty poor.

 

[Beanwood]

Clean it with a rag and your preferred solvent.

Lightly rub over with wire wool, the aim being to improve the contrast between the engraved and non-engraved surfaces.

I have already tried soap and water - perhaps solvent is a good option - and I haven't tried wire wool yet! Thanks.

If they are engraved or punched markings, clean thoroughly, apply a thin coat of black paint then wipe off immediately, it will leave the grooves full of paint, highlighting them.

This is what I was thinking - I've not had much luck with this in the past - perhaps it's the way I'm taking the paint of - I may be dragging it back out of the recesses. Or maybe the paint is to thick or thin? Or MAYBE I just need to use a rag on a hard backing to remove the excess, so it doesn't drag out so badly?

 

[Ali]

I have already tried soap and water - perhaps solvent is a good option - and I haven't tried wire wool yet! Thanks.

This is what I was thinking - I've not had much luck with this in the past - perhaps it's the way I'm taking the paint of - I may be dragging it back out of the recesses. Or maybe the paint is to thick or thin? Or MAYBE I just need to use a rag on a hard backing to remove the excess, so it doesn't drag out so badly?

Is just let it dry completely, then polish it off with wet and dry. For optimal results use some sort of machine designed to hold the workpiece while it spins as you hold the wet and dry against it, can’t think what though.

 

[Beanwood]

Is just let it dry completely, then polish it off with wet and dry. For optimal results use some sort of machine designed to hold the workpiece while it spins as you hold the wet and dry against it, can’t think what thought.

That’s going to be the answer- thanks. Perhaps if I turn the handle REALLY quickly by hand? Or OK - I can put it on the other spinny thing I keep for just such occasions

 

[8ob]

I know many on here like to restore things- but I’m not going that route- I just need this be a little more legible for my fading eyesight

Any tips please?

Fit a DRO

Bob

 

[Beanwood]

Fit a DRO

Bob

Forum approach strikes again- I was after some tiny spots of black paint, and suddenly I NEED a DRO

 

[Morrisman]

Try scraping the grooves out with a sharp stylus gadget. If that doesn’t help get some stronger spectacles. I struggled for years with simple tasks until I eventually bit the bullet and got tested for glasses. Turned out my left eye simply wasn’t even focusing while I was trying to read, it was so far out of whack.

 

[Beanwood]

Try scraping the grooves out with a sharp stylus gadget. If that doesn’t help get some stronger spectacles. I struggled for years with simple tasks until I eventually bit the bullet and got tested for glasses. Turned out my left eye simply wasn’t even focusing while I was trying to read, it was so far out of whack.

It’s actually the numbers that are indistinct - I already have glasses from a prescription 12 months ago. Better lighting helps- but I want this to be easy

 

[Agroshield]

Or OK - I can put it on the other spinny thing I keep for just such occasions

You know that in the US, when you buy a clothes iron, it says "do not iron clothes while wearing".

In the same vein, 'detach handwheel from mill before spinning in lathe'.

Could you measure the dial OD and get someone with a multicolour 3D printer to make a slip-on version twice the diameter (hence larger numbers) in two contrasting colours (better visibility). Minimal alterations to the machine needed (maybe just a relocated zero mark).

 

[Beanwood]

Could you measure the dial OD and get someone with a multicolour 3D printer to make a slip-on version twice the diameter (hence larger numbers) in two contrasting colours (better visibility). Minimal alterations to the machine needed (maybe just a relocated zero mark).

Oh that’s my favourite idea so far!! Is that even possible?

 

[Morrisman]

It’s actually the numbers that are indistinct - I already have glasses from a prescription 12 months ago. Better lighting helps- but I want this to be easy

You could possibly take the dial off and punch bigger numbers into it. Not sure how robust it is, or whether it would distort if you did though.

I’d not recommend doing it in place though.

Or even an electric engraving tool to put them on?

 

[JMS1972]

They make special paint sticks for filling engraving.

This might do it from Zorro

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/tools-and-machining/paint-markers/black-type-b-paint-stick/p/ZT1035932X

This definitely will

Laskin's Engraving Filler - StewMac

Legendary blended filler for accenting delicate engraved inlays.

www.stewmac.com

 

[Agroshield]

Oh that’s my favourite idea so far!! Is that even possible?

See https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2820947 as a starting point.

To be fair, that one is not two-colour but has the divots filled (it says) with silicone caulk. Maybe acrylic caulk would also be an option.

Pop over to the 3D printing section and ask. See a couple of examples of two-colour starting here:

Stuff your 3D printer has made today...

That's a really clean finish - you can barely see any layer lines. Is that just a lot of wet & dry sanding, etc, or have you coated it with something?

www.mig-welding.co.uk

 

[RichardM]

Using a fine wire brush (brass suede brushes are good) clean in direction of lines, clean off, fill lines / digits with Humbrol enamel and wipe excess off with finger tip as doing it.

 

[8ob]

It’s actually the numbers that are indistinct - I already have glasses from a prescription 12 months ago. Better lighting helps- but I want this to be easy

Convert it to Braille

Bob