Meyer and Burger
Multi-Purpose Machine Tool UW1
Formally known as the Astoba UW1, the
Swiss made Meyer and Burger UW1 multi-purpose machine tool is
based upon a lathe that can be swiveled into the vertical plane.
The machine was available in two versions the model K and model
S the principle difference being the length of the bed and the
mounting of the machine. The model K admitted 420mm between centres
while the model S admitted 610mm.
This ingenious machine can be transformed from a straightforward
centre lathe into a horizontal boring machine, drilling machine,
milling machine, slotting machine etc with relative ease. The
movement of the machine from the horizontal to the vertical position
is assisted by a large coil spring encased in the tube visible
under the machine. The apron feedscrew nut is permanently engaged
and to avoid laborious cranking of the feedscrew a handwheel
(visible below the headstock) geared to the feedscrew provides
rapid traverse as with a conventional rack and pinion apron drive.
The headstock spindle runs in self adjusting taper roller bearings
and can be run at speeds between 75 to 4000 rpm. The spindle
accepts the somewhat strange P type 22mm collets (a little similar
to R8) which employ an internal thread and draw bar rather than
tube. The headstock is displacable in the vertical plane by some
100mm (110-210mm) which provides the X axis when in the vertical
position. The tailstock centre height is fixed at 110mm (a raising
block was available to raise it to 210mm) and had a 1MT socket
with 2MT on request. The machine was available with a wide range
of accessories permitting just about any type of work to be tackled
including cylindrical and surface grinding.
Occupying just 1350X960 (K) or 1600X950
(S) and weighing around 300kg this is the ideal machine if you
only have a very small workshop or live on a submarine!
For more information and views on the
UW1 visit my friend Hans van Dongen's web-page: http://www.xs4all.nl/~hanf/pub/astoba/index.html
Meyer and Burger UW1 Model K
Meyer and Burger UW1 Model S
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