Category: Modelling

Model of a machine tool factory

Builder: Harald Arpert

Scale: 1:12

The model

The model was recreated on the basis of old engineering books from around 1890 - 1910. The machine tool factory contains machines (e.g. milling machine, drilling machine, lathe, etc.) for different processing options. In this project, the model machines were made without cast parts. The machines are also functional.

Material / tools used

Brass MS58 (most parts were bright tin-plated)
Aluminium (mainly AW 7075 for machine construction, suspension bearings, support structure of the machine hall)
Free-cutting steel (for screws, nuts, machine bed, transmission drive shafts, etc.)
Beechwood mouldings (for the floor, window frames, etc.)
Waterproof birch glulam
Milling machine 207-V
ER32 collet set
Parallel support set
PM2700 lathe with 3-axis measuring system
Quick-change steel holder set, "Multifix" system, size Ab
Rotary table with 100 mm three-jaw chuck and dividing fixture
Precision vice 100 mm
Various indexable inserts

Construction report

A detailed construction report on this model can be found in issue no. 4 / 2017 of the magazine "Maschinen im Modellbau" published by VTH Verlag.

A detailed miniature view of an old factory hall with various machine tools on a wooden floor. Windows and a door can be seen in the background, the hall is illuminated with lamps.

A historic lathe with belt drive and tools in front of a window. Lamps hang from chains above the workbench.

A miniature factory with a doll in blue overalls working on a lathe. Tools and other machines can be seen in the background.

Detailed miniature of an old factory hall with workbenches, lathes and a figure on an anvil. Light fittings hang from the ceiling. Wooden floor.

Workbench scene on wooden floor with anvil, hammer, tool bench with cogwheels and metal shavings, turner's bench and planer.

Step 1

Making the horizontal milling machine

The pictures show partial steps in the construction of the milling machine. Picture 1 shows the console of the milling machine, while picture 2 shows the turning heart of the machine. The last two pictures show the milling machine, including the table support.

Metal console of a milling machine with hand wheel, base and rising golden blocks.

Close-up of a mechanical component. Several golden cogwheels are attached to a silver base, which is connected to a wheel.

Two table-mounted milling machines. The left one is black, the right one silver. Both have brass accents, shafts and cranks. The left one has a horizontal arbour with a milling cutter.

Detailed view of an old milling machine with belt drive and golden accents. The machine is black and stands on a wooden floor, with ceiling supports in the background.

Step 2

Manufacture the remaining machines

In addition to the horizontal milling machine, a lathe, a pillar drilling machine, a bench grinder and a high-speed planer were also made for the machine tool factory itself.

A detailed construction report on the individual machines can be found in issues no. 5 and 6 / 2017, 2 / 2018 and 3 / 2019 of the magazine "Maschinen im Modellbau" published by VTH Verlag.

Miniature lathe with workpiece between the centres. A doll in blue dungarees stands next to it. Wooden background.

A miniature metal pillar drill stands on a wooden plate. The drill touches a small, round workpiece on the silver platform. The construction is rich in detail.

A sanding block with two sanding discs, mounted on a black base. The sanding discs have a grey and black border. Small metal parts and screws can be seen.

A black metalworking machine with silver details stands in front of a technical diagram.

Step 3

Make & install ceiling transmission

To drive the machine, a ceiling transmission was created using suspension bearings. This allows the power from one drive system to be transferred to several machines.

Close-up of an old mechanical device with belt drive and shiny metal components. A window structure and lamp light can be seen in the background.

Detailed view of a mechanical device with steel frame and turntable. An elongated cylinder hangs vertically from an upper part. In the background a window and a lamp.

Contact details

If you have any further questions about the project, you can contact the builder by e-mail.

e-mail

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