With the assistance of a friend, site we set off to collect the F3 using an engine hoist, dolly, a few straps and a Luton van with a taillift.

The dolly (on which the machine above stands, allowed us to move it about easily. The machine was lifted onto this using an engine hoist/crane. You will notice the heads and table are removed to make it a little lighter. I think most of the weight is in the base of the machine!

One interesting feature of the machine is the dual dials – I’ll still fit a DRO, however!

I thought I would make a start on the stripdown last night. The intention was to remove the carriage and see where we go form there. The first step was to remove the lever arms for the drive engagement . Using a pin spanner, this presented no problems. This whole assembly is held onto the carriage by 4 bolts.By removing these bolts it is possible to lower the drive unit completely away from the carriage. This in turn will then separate from the sliding joint. That will be a separate unit for inspection.

The next step is to establish how the carriage is removed. The end screw block was removed and and attempt to slide the carriage off towards the opposite end met with resistance- too much of it! I’ll resume tomorrow!  (with photos)

Looking at my poor quality diagram, I think the next step will be to remove the carriage handle endplate so it is detached from the crossslide.