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BRIEF CONSTRUCTIONAL NOTES

The framework structure is virtually identical to that in the 1966 Meccano Magazine. (Photos 1 & for general views) Pay particular attention during construction to ensure that the geometry of the carrier slide rod mountings are very accurate.

The carrier slides (photos 4 & 10) are also virtually identical except that a bush wheel is bolted in addition under the centre arm crank for extra security. These carriers have to built very accurately - I used a slightly bent 2 1/2" * 1/2" double angle strip between the carrier arms to ensure accurate alignment. I also provide a double chain drive to the carrier slide rods to avoid chain slippage (photos 5 & 7). Take great care to ensure that the carrier slides are accurately aligned with each other to allow the bobbin carriers to move smoothly from one to the other.

The bobbin carriers (photo 8) have been redesigned for improved reliability. These use some of the modern French parts. The 5 hole plastic mini strip was very useful here. However some builders have found this caused problems and omitted it with success, although it has never caused me any.

The main operating drive rod (operates clockwise) (right hand side of photo 6 and left hand side of photo 7) has a 2 1/2" face plate on the bottom. This is bolted to the incoming chain sprocket wheel to avoid slippage. The double carrier drive sprockets on this rod are also bolted together.

The two main operating arms (photo 7) are connected to the same pivot point on this faceplate. They are angled at 45 degrees to each other. These operating arms both have a 2" slotted strip at one end and a 2 1/2" slotted strip at the other.

The operating arm going to the front (photo 12) is connected via a bell crank and another strip to one of the corner operating arms via a flexible coupling (photo 12). The four corner arms are connected together via a loose face plate on the centre rod of the braiding machine.(photos 5, 6 & 13)

The other main operating arm is connected via a crank with an obtuse angle bracket (photo 7) to another strip and then via a flexible coupling to the centre rod of the braiding machine (photo 6).

The drive from the motor (photo 14) uses an elastic band drive to protect the motor in the event of a jam.

A bobbin winder is provided (photo 15)

An example of the braid made with this machine is shown in photo 16.

A PDF file with more text and some diagrams showing the operation is also available for download - click here (19KB)