Gorton P1-2 weird spindle?

[benmychree]

The 3U copy tables are all interchangeable with the P1-2 tables. go figure, the P1-2 is more or less a simplified version of the 3-U, maybe call it a "production engineered" version, or simply cheapened---, only thing I see as an improvement is the larger work table, and possibly the simplified power train.

 

[Defender92]

post a picture of your table, it should fit. Here’s mine a 3U.

I have a copy of a Gorton sales booklet (I believe 1950s). It makes no mention of the 3U. But does specify different tables between P1-2 / P2-2 and P3-2 / 3-S.



There’s a YouTuber who has posted a lot on the Gorton P1-2 and mentioned adding a master type holding table from a different model. I’ll reach out to him and see if he knows if it’ll fit.

 

[Defender92]

Also, can anyone verify the tracing stylus is 2/10” (.200”)? Per Gorton’s catalog it states .200”. My one and only stylus is .196” and the biggest gage pin I can fit in it is .199”. Maybe my collet is dirty or corroded inside.

I want to buy some stainless bar stock and make some different stylus. Or should I buy tool steel and heat treat it?? I’m thinking it doesn’t need to be hardened using it on brass or plastic master fonts.

Edit:
Turns out .197” is almost exactly 5 mm. There are plenty of options for bar stock on Amazon

 

[Choiliefan]

Looking at the picture of the copy table (8-2), I realize I have a pair of those Gorton clamps which I use for other applications.
If you've never visited gorton-machine.org you're in for a treat: http://www.gorton-machine.org/machines/index.html#form_1321

 

[Rex Walters]

Looking at the picture of the copy table (8-2), I realize I have a pair of those Gorton clamps which I use for other applications.
If you've never visited gorton-machine.org you're in for a treat: http://www.gorton-machine.org/machines/index.html#form_1321

Great site.

Keith Rucker tends to do a more professional job of scanning old machinery documents. It’s a bit tricky to navigate, but vintagemachinery.org is a real treasure trove.

P1-2 service manual

All Gorton publications

 

[Braeden P]

View attachment 496764View attachment 496765View attachment 496766

I have a copy of a Gorton sales booklet (I believe 1950s). It makes no mention of the 3U. But does specify different tables between P1-2 / P2-2 and P3-2 / 3-S.

View attachment 496770

There’s a YouTuber who has posted a lot on the Gorton P1-2 and mentioned adding a master type holding table from a different model. I’ll reach out to him and see if he knows if it’ll fit.

I’ll bet you that benmychree is correct, and the pictures of how that table mounts look the same.

 

[Rex Walters]

I’ll bet you that benmychree is correct

Trust John. He’s been around the block once or twice.

Also see Page 4 of this document — it explicitly states that the copy tables are compatible.

I want one like yours by the way! Cobbling one together has been on my project list for ages.

 

[Rex Walters]

can anyone verify the tracing stylus is 2/10” (.200”)?

I’m 99% sure that this is usually true. The collet on mine holds 1/4” rods, though, which is MUCH more convenient (trivial to find stock to make custom tracers — which I do fairly often for weird reductions).

I’m pretty sure mine was modified by John or the owner before him, though. It’s a very worthwhile mod, imo.

 

[Defender92]

Hmmm. I wonder if this might fit a P1-2 spindle. Or need slight modifications to. Might be worth the $18 to find out.

Collets for the 3/4″ and 20 mm Standard Spring Loaded Engraving Tools