Unimat 3.

Much as I like my Unimat SL it has its limitations. I decided that a compact machine that was more rigid and with a slightly higher capacity would be usefull. It had to be a machine that has a good range of accessories and spares, so I decided that the ideal solution would be a Unimat 3. Mark pointed me towards one on eBay which seemed too good to pass by so I pressed the Buy It Now button.

The U3 has a cast iron bed, which offers far more rigidity than the twin 12mm diameter bed bars of the SL. The spindle has a 10.2mm bore, the spindle bore on the SL is 6.3mm. The swing is greater than on the SL, which means larger diameters can be turned. Spindle and tailstock threads are M14x1 on the U3 and M12x1 on the SL, so swapping chucks from machine to machine is not possible without a threaded adapter. The drive belts on the U3 sit under a plastic cover, which will no doubt be considered safer than the open arrangement on the SL. The lowest speed is 130 rpm, which is only possible on the SL with a special motor bracket.

This one, according to the description, belonged to the vendors grandfather who had an interest in model engineering and clock making (there was also another U3 and an Emco mill for sale from the same vendor). The owner apparently was obsessed with accuracy and had fitted a new cross slide and leadscrew bush. It is sitting on an original Unimat wooden base into which slides a plastic tool tray. Tools included are a 3 jaw chuck, faceplate and drive dog, two Allen keys, two dead centres and a live centre, a Rohm chuch and key, 8/10mm spanner, two tommy bars, six turning tools and a spare set of drive belts. Also included is a manual. At the moment this machine will only be used as a lathe, I'm keeping the SL to use as a mill/drill press (and for a bit of turning no doubt just because I like using it).

It arrived well packaged in a big cardboard box, but not without problems. All of the tools were sent taped to the tray, but the weight of the drill chuck bouncing around cracked the tray. Not a big deal, just a shame. The biggest problem, which I'm sure is the result of a rough shunt on route, was that the steel motor bracket was bent. I think that the package had been dropped, the motor was slightly loose and the weight of the motor bent the 4mm thick bracket and damaged the 6mm bolts holding the bracket to the headstock. I straightened the bracket using a big vise (thanks Stuart) and an 18" adjustable spanner. New bolts finished the repair (luckily the threads in the headstock were not damaged). Should I ever buy another Unimat (any model) I'll ask the seller to remove the motor and send it seperately as a condition of sale unless I can pick up in person. The only other fettling (so far anyway) has been to adjust the gib strips on the cross-slide and tighten a screw in the tailstock.

The machine itself looks to be in very good condition (apart from the usual paint chips). Longitudal and cross travel feels nice and smooth in both directions and the motor is discernably quieter than the SL. I do want to find a few accessories for it (compound slide, quick-change toolpost, collet chuck etc.), but for now it will be used as is. I haven't cut metal on it yet, but that will change soon.

Paul.