The Dore-Westbury Milling Machine - a brief history of the origins of the Dore Westbury Machine

[@mistablista3923]

Just shown your video to Ivan Law who is now 94 and still gets in his workshop nearly every day He was very impressed and gives you the thumbs up for your presentation and accuracy. It is often said the MK2 had a bigger table, it did not. When the MK2 was being developed, Peter Southworth who was the other half of MES at that time needed a bigger table to accommodate one of the mill engines he was making, he produced the patterns for a larger table for his own use. It was then decided that the bigger table could be offered as an option for the MK2. Very few were ever sold, from memory the tables were cast in batches of 10 and I think only one batch of the larger tables were cast..

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Mista Blista, that is fabulous to hear that Ivan is still going strong, and that he enjoyed the video, and confirmed it was of good accuracy, it was difficult piecing together the historical information about this fabulous machine, so good to know that it is a fair historical acount, please pass on my best wishes to him and thank him for creating a legendary tool for the model angineer, his legacy will live on forever! Kindest regards. Ade

[@mistablista3923]

I will certainly do that Ade and I am sure he will deeply appreciate your comments.

[@anthonykinrade8642]

I was lucky enough to buy one of these today, in wonderful condition...😊

[@EvoKeremidarov]

Thanks for the video Ade.. The amount ok knowledge I've picked up from your videos is immeasurable.. thank you

[@steved8038]

I totally agree with your comment this video has filled a gap in my machinery knowledge and I shall now seriously look for a well built model of this machine .

[@johndn9238]

Thanks very much for an excellent summary of the DW mill history - I think it's the best overview I've seen. Your respect and appreciation for the guys who came up with this remarkable machine is also very apparent and adds to the enjoyment of watching it. As a relatively new owner of a Mk1 that I have refurbished, I am thoroughly enjoying using my machine and look forward to your future videos which I hope will include some clips of your mill performing various tasks as well as some tips on how to get the best use out of it, types of chuck to use etc. Once again thanks very much indeed for a very informative and well presented video.

[@terrygriffith6121]

HI I Bought my Dore Westbury MK1 about 30 years ago in kit form had been never touched by the previous owner. At the time I was a machine shop instructor in a Technical College and we finished the Dore to very precise tolerances plus a few mods. and I have been using it since great little machine I have completed jobs big and small and I can maintain it myself that's it's advantage over far Eastern types where spares can be a problem but thats not to say some of them are guite good. I have been asked to sell it many times but I can not imagine my workshop without it and hard to replace if I regretted the sale

[@devemch7851]

I truly enjoined your video. Model engineering is a strange term for us yanks and guys like you make it fun to learn. The myford lathe is awesome and this mill surely has appeal. Right now I am going thru a divorce so shop time is nil… these KZbin videos take the edge off a stressful time. I have three Wadkin machines to finish when I come out the other end of this. But I am quite tempted to redesign this mill, make new castings and carry on the option. A good quality model mill esp. one where the owner was invoked in its creation is certainly a welcome addition. Not everyone can afford a Bridgeport nor have the space for one. Again thank you

[@juanrivero8]

I had read about the DW in Model Engineering magazine but this is the first time I have seen one on the hoof, so it was a very welcome presentation. Thanks!

[@steamsearcher]

I saved up for mine over 2 years while building a small lathe at School in the mid 1970s. I often met up with Ivan Law at Wembely ever year. Later his son and indeed his Daughter and mine played together at Sandown Exhibition one year. I also met and chatted with Mr Southworth and sat next to in a lecture. YES Mine is used most days as I have a FLEET of various models currently being built. Jinty, Simplex, Jessie, Midge and Midge 5" Twin Sisters!!! David & Lily.

[@DClarke1954]

Lovely article Ade. Top-notch.

[@AdeSwash]

Thanks Danny :)

[@oldenrusty1674]

Fantastic job, sir!

[@AdeSwash]

Thank you kindly!

[@carlwilson1772]

I have just stumbled across this and cannot understand why I haven't been aware of you before now. Really great content.

[@AdeSwash]

Thanks Carl, I'm glad you found me :)

[@carlwilson1772]

No worries. I am currently engaged in the restoration of a Harrison mill so anything mill related piques my interest.

[@lfoggy3061]

Excellent video. Many thanks for taking the time to research and produce this. Amazing how the world has changed over 60 years, even for model engineers. I am currently looking at hobby CNC machines.....

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Hi Ade. I watched this video way back when you originally released it. Ever since I have hankered after a Mark 2. Well today I bought one and look forward to installing it into my workshop. Thank you for the inspiration. Andrew 👏👏👍😀

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Andrew, they are very capable little machines, I'm sure you will enjoy it, I love mine! There is a Dore Westury facebook group if you have any questions etc. Regards. Ade

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

@@AdeSwash Hi Ade. Thank you. I have just joined the Facebook group and will enjoy reading through the comments and files. What particularly interests me is trying to date my purchase. My T slots run left to right and not in that odd manner I see on all Dore Westbury photos. The machine arrives next Monday.

[@hrxy1]

a very pleasant nicely presented, informative and enjoyable video, thanks

[@TrPrecisionMachining]

very love mini milling machine..thanks for your time

[@532bluepeter1]

Thank you very much for your time in making this video. I have a Dore Westbury and use it sporadically. I bought it from a man in Accrington who had built it himself. It was suffering a little from Anno Domini so I replaced the angular contact bearings with same and had the slides ground. I still need to work on reducing the considerable backlash. When it was sold to me the mill was briefly demonstrated and I was told that it would not mill a slot much wider than a quarter inch. Such I have found. The vibration above a cutter of 1/4" diameter becomes irksome and the finish poor. I was very surprised therefore to see a shell mill in the spindle of your Dore Westbury. I would be very interested to hear about how you have got on with this and your experience of machining with the Dore Westbury. There are a couple of significant disadvantages to the Dore Westbury. The lack of longitudinal table slots makes setting up slower and precludes machining a keyway into the base of a vise to give instant tramming on a table slot. Another is the limited quill travel. If one has to machine a part over a height greater than the quill travel then the head has to be unlocked and screwed up losing all points of reference. The foregoing notwithstanding the Dore Westbury is absolutely great compared to no mill.

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Jack, I use the shell mill or a flycutter for facing cuts without any problem, surface finish is fine, I also regularly use a 1 inch 4 flute end mill for a lot of 'roughing-out' work. I agree about the table slots, not much use unless you are using a DW vice, if you notice in the video there is a slab of aluminium bolted to the table, this has custom holes drilled and tapped to suit my different fixtures (vice(s)/rotary table/dividing head etc). The Mk2 has a longer quill feed, but I get around the issue of re-alignment after rasing the colum by using a laser fixed to the mill head and a reference line at the far end of the workshop, this gets me back to within .002", but planning in advance you can often negate the need to raise the head mid-job. Most of my work is brass/aluminium/cast iron, but I do use steels occasionally, knowing what the machine is capable of and knowing its limitations on speeds and feeds yeilds great results, it really is a versatile little benchtop machine. Regards. Ade

[@532bluepeter1]

@@AdeSwash Thank you. Much of my work is on mild steel though I have milled cast iron too. Have you used the shell mill on mild steel and if so what was the result? Also how have you secured the shell mill in the spindle?

[@AdeSwash]

@@532bluepeter1 Hi Jack, all my tools are MT2, so secured with a drawbar through the spindle. I have faced mild steel with the shell-mill, slowly and small cuts, like I said in my previous reply, it is all about knowing what your machine is capable of, and setting your own speeds and feeds, to suit. Regards. Ade

[@smalcstein]

Very interesting. Hope to see more of this kind of history videos from you!

[@steamsearcher]

I used ours today twice which I built back in the early 1980s, Got a summer job and saved up, got the motor for a Christmas present. David and Lily.

[@AdeSwash]

Fabulous 👌

[@liquidlen9261]

thank you very much for this interessting story about this famous english milling machine.

[@kevinmurrell9779]

Great video - thanks for all the research and presenting it so well. I would quite like to see a video of the machine in use.

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Kevin, I will be making more vids in the summer, but you can see the mill in use in my Rob-Roy engine series. Regards Ade

[@Rich10000]

Really good video Ade. You're got a nice voice and presentation style nice work.

[@benmarks2471]

Wow! I live in Dore in the suburbs of Sheffield and I always thought that it was just a coincidence... Brilliant video

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Ben, that id just so cool, regards, Ade

[@benmarks2471]

@@AdeSwash Haha, might have to invest in a Dore Westbury now to go alongside my Myford...

[@tonykhaled2094]

thanks alot sir .. you helped me alot in finishing my research

[@AdeSwash]

Good to be of help Tony :)

[@Blackcountrysteam]

Very interesting Ade

[@diggmore1362]

Thanks they had a dore westbury milling machine at newtown college back in the 80s made as a student project

[@tonelessdiy]

Excellent research and work Ade. I hope the history series finish with a simple engine or project on the DW Miller.

[@gary.solexa]

Very well-researched and historically insightful documentary on the wonderful Dore Westbury. Made me think of aspects I have never considered before and I am a DW fan. Well produced video too. While personally I have found imported hobbyist machines to have improved significantly over the twelve years or so that I have been interested in machining, I agree that the style, quality and sheer presence of machines such as the DW take some beating. My DW Mk1 is in dry dock at the moment, (awaiting a bearing change - taper roller is my intention - and a new motor) along with many other competing jobs but you have just inspired me to bring it higher up the priority list! The only thing I don't really like about the DW are the perpendicular table slots, which - although they look great - can make it difficult to mount vices and the like. I guess they may have been made that way with specific tooling in mind. Cool video, thanks for putting it up. gary

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Great info. Thank you for sharing

[@danielabbey7726]

Paul from the Knackler's Workshop has just recommended your excellent video to his viewers - he just purchased a used version of the Mk2 mill himself.

[@AdeSwash]

Thanks Daniel, I'll go check out what Paul has bought, he has a great channel :) Thanks for your comment, regards. Ade

[@colindibley]

fascinating - thank you!

[@leerogers6423]

Nice presentation Ade. One day I'll sneak a DW into the shed . I don't need one but whats that got to do with the price of swarf.

[@Just1GuyMetalworks]

Very cool😎. It's too bad they don't make stuff like that anymore because that seems right up my alley 😊. Around my neck of the woods it's really hard to find stuff like that, maybe because nobody wants to give them up or they're just sitting in the back of a barn somewhere lost and forgotten. It's sad really, the consumer culture we live in nowadays gems like that often hit the smelter never to be seen again 😥. I absolutely love the old tools, the care and craftsmanship that went into them seems to be something of a rarity. Not saying that quality machinery isn't produced anymore, it's just not as elegant as it once was, imho of course. Thanks for the great video, and sorry for the long comment 😁. Like I said, right up my alley. Cheers 👍

[@Joedy860]

Wonderful video Thank you so much for your research and presentation I throughly enjoyed that.

[@TheTelstar]

Thanks for the video, Nice machine

[@JohnDoe-qg6hm]

Just found your channel and am disappointed to note that there's no 'Follow Up' to your introduction to the Dore Westbury Light Mill. Would have loved a technical specification,recommended modifications, set up and use video or series of videos involving this mill ! For myself and other beginners !

[@rc166honda]

Thanks for doing this video Ade, absolutely fascinating. In a bunch of Model engineering magazines I got off the net I have the full set of articles and plans for the original mill. I am thinking this could provide me with a vertical head for my Centec horizontal mill 🤔😉😁

[@YooProjects]

Sheer pleasure to learning from your great knowledge. Waiting for your next video. thank you dear man.

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Yoo Projects, thank you for your reply, I am happy that you have enjoyed this video, sadly, due to covid and my state of mind, I never did make part 2, or anymore, but hopefully one day I will resume this series, as the machine is a great piece of engineering which I use daily. Best regards. Ade

[@YooProjects]

@@AdeSwash Your channel is super awesome. And your work is super professional. Waiting for your next video. 👍

[@AdeSwash]

@@YooProjects Thank you, I have a new video in a few days

[@Asaadomar]

I would like to see close up details if possible. Thanks

[@raymuttart5484]

Great interesting video

[@AdeSwash]

Thanks for watching :)

[@Rolingmetal]

Interesting video. Next time a bit more about mill? spec and history and such?

[@gutsngorrrr]

Well, this is strange coincidence, I ended up with a bunch of castings etc as part of a job lot of equipment and have just found out that I have part of the kit for a Dore Westbury mill.

[@jamesrobertcalver1131]

HI Ade iv managed to purchase a Dore Westbury mk2 the only part missing is the spindle, i have managed to obtain a copy of the machining and building plans, my question is if you were me would you have a spindle made with the mt2 taper like yours or would you op for the mt3 taper without the myford thread on? I would like to also say you make great videos and have reignited my interest in getting my own workshop sorted. jim

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Jim, I have never used the myford thread on the spindle, as I dont own the myford collet set, but instead just use MT2 tooling, I guess the MT3 option would allow for larger tooling, although the mill is fairly 'lightweight' so not sure it would be much advantage, so I guess just go for whatever suits your existing tooling to reduce duplication

[@jamesrobertcalver1131]

@@AdeSwash Hi Ade Thanks for the reply this is my fist mill so will be starting from scratch, i hope to be building one of your engines as my first project once the mill is up and running. What i might do is have an mt2 spindle made but not worry about having the myford thread put on. Will send some pics when its up and running. Jim

[@lisag2771]

Ade I’d like your opinion. I’m planning on buying a mill I have 2 in mind. #1 has a power head lift with 1000w motor #2 Doesn’t. Have power head and has a 750w motor. I’m kinda short 5’3” and was worried about struggling with the hand wheel on the non powered one.

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Lisa, unfortunately I can't answer your question, the only experience I have with milling machines is this one. Sorry

[@lisag2771]

@@AdeSwash Thanks for getting back with me.

[@jessestrum]

thanks ade keep my eye out for a mk2

[@jessestrum]

hi ade thanks for inspiring me with the dore westbury , i just bought a mk1 and i,m on fettling it now. i have the main quill handle missing ,all i have is a circular holder with holes around its edge , i,m thinking it for setting the handle in the position you want. do you know if i can get a plan to make the coller for the knob to screw into, cheers john

[@AdeSwash]

Hi John, I have uploaded the Mk1 drawings for you. The link is : drive.google.com/file/d/1z2zTS6k8kU10s5g2h6oLb0vDs8rQN4Ri/view?usp=sharing Regards. Ade

[@jessestrum]

@@AdeSwash thanks ade,

[@wadestewart9891]

Thanks for the story, I would like one but the shipping cost is outrageous almost double the cost of a used one to the US.

[@leighfisher2772]

Hi Ade after watching your video, I have found what I believe to be a MK2 in kit form but with no instructions and not sure if its a complete kit but the bulk is defiantly there, Just wondering if you would know were to get hold of the plans, I'm know machinist, bought my ML7 a few months ago and feel this would be a good build to try. Leigh

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Leigh - there is a Dore Wesbury facebook group and there is a set of drawings in the files section that you can download. Regards Ade facebook.com/groups/267081800293741

[@anthonykinrade8642]

Just picked one up!

[@jessestrum]

hi ade i have to make two bronze nuts for my xslide on my DW do you know the thread size and type, appreciate any advice

[@AdeSwash]

Mk1 or Mk2?

[@jessestrum]

@@AdeSwash hi ade its a mk1 wondering i8f i can use a acme tap cheers

[@AdeSwash]

@@jessestrum Hi Jess, If you do Facebook there is a DW group, and there are lots of stuff in the files section, for both Mk1 and Mk2. Bound to be the info you require somewhere in there. :) Rgs Ade

[@jessestrum]

Thanks ade

[@steamsearcher]

Now Last year I was given 2 lathes plus a Flypress, Filing machine and a Blackgates cut off saw for £20 each. Yes we have become a Rescue centre! The Lathes very rusty a Myford Super 7 and a Raglan 5. Both with Gearboxes. YES Interest in both superbly made machines is growing. Did we have ROOM/ NO I now have 9 lathes and 3 milling machines. Dore Westbury 45 years no problems. Warco 4 years melted its motor? SILENCE David and Lily.

[@AdeSwash]

You cant beat old iron!

[@josecarlospoggian149]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏thanks a lot

[@JulieJones-cw4ev]

how much would dore westbury be now a days please

[@AdeSwash]

Hi Julie Jones, they do come up on ebay occasionally, anywhere from £300 upwards

[@geoffwarner8222]

hi ade would like to know about the dore westbury group and how to join

[@AdeSwash]

facebook.com/groups/267081800293741

[@geoffwarner8222]

@@AdeSwash thanks ade

[@jameslaurencesmith7537]

ade i saw on internet a myford milling machine 3 phase.. £2400.. not a bad price second hand ...but then i saw on the side made for myford in tiawan ... there is a lot of good stuff coming from the east,,, but also a load of not so good stuff i would dearly like a milling machine but am liumited to my 7x7 shed[ feet not meters.]i know where there are 6/ 7 bridgeports just sat there coillecting dust ... but miles too big for me ,,,! can you help a old man in his need for a mill.? regards laurence

[@union310]

Ivan was a gentleman

[@DrewLSsix]

Machines like this make a drill press conversion seem relatively plausible. I wonder if you had any experience or opinions on that subject? In my opinion its entirely plausible to do though certain realities mean very few attempts are successful. Import machines and even the availability of smaller industrial machines make a proper conversion financially suspect. A drill press of suitable size and quality to be the basis for a very light mill is already a prized machine and not usually cheap to aquire. Spending $500+ to turn a $250 used DP into a very light mill when a more or less ready to go mill can be had for a similar amount is where things stand today. And finally, most people who attempt these conversations don't actually have much knowledge of what a mill needs to be to function even at the bottom of the market.

[@AdeSwash]

Hi DrewLSsix A few ago, I attempted to use a drill press as a light mill using a small compound milling table, but soon realised the limitations. Firstly the bearings in a drill press are designed only for vertical stresses such as when drilling, and not for horizontal, lateral motion required when milling, secondly most drill presses with a morse taper chuck attachment do not have a draw-bar to secure the chuck, so again horizontal forces tend to cause the taper to loosen without this. Thirdly, and undoubtedly, the most significant shortfall of a drill press conversion is rigidity. The mill in my video, although considered a light-mill, is substantially ‘heavy-duty’ when compared to a drill press of a similar size, and this where a drill press will suffer from the forces required during milling, resulting in flexure throughout the machine and subsequent loss of precision on the component being machined. Regards. Ade