The Framers Forum

Does anyone know the thread size and type of the bolts that retain the blades on a Morso guillotine? Thought they were 10mm but the pitch is wrong. Look like they could be 3/8 UNC. Any ideas as I have a broken bolt that I've removed and want to make another.

Hi Geoff - I’m sure these can be made but they’re not that expensive to buy.
https://www.underpinner-spares.co.uk/pr ... blade-bolt

If they are the size I suggested I can get 5 for the half price of 1 of the ones you suggest and machine the head down to the correct thickness in my lathe and have spares. Any idea if the thread type?

Geoff, as a non-engineer I don’t know, but Mark Thornton at Underpinner Spares probably would. The other person to try is Neil Stout at www.framingengineer.com who is an expert on all things Morso. I wonder whether the comment about the quality of the steel involved on Mark’s advert is an issue, and there may be more to this than meets the eye.

The blade bolts as far as I know are made for the purpose by the company. They are not 'generic' like other bolts on the machine
and you would be hard-pressed to find them. Much easier to get proper replacement.

Hi Geoff,
Framers Equipment is genuine Morso agent and holds all spares.
Ring Peter my brother tomorrow and he will sort you out.
https://www.framersequipment.co.uk

Kind regards
Mitreman

Geoffr wrote: ↑Fri 25 Feb, 2022 9:48 pm If they are the size I suggested I can get 5 for the half price of 1 of the ones you suggest and machine the head down to the correct thickness in my lathe and have spares. Any idea if the thread type?

Really, that sounds like a proper good deal, you could perhaps machine the heads down on the other 4 bolts and sell them to other framers in need, quids in!!!

They are an old European bolt spec with a 17mm metric head size and 3/8 UNC thread, you could also use a 3/8 BSW (whitworth) and it will fit just as well, if you know a model machinist they could easily make one for you using 17mm hex or you could buy one of the mentioned 3/8 thread bolts and machine the head down to the correct height so that it clears the bottom knife when lowered, it most likely would have an imperial head size but that wouldn't matter too much as the cutting force is against the thread and not twisting on the bolt head.

As someone that refurbishes victorian letterpress and bookbinding machinery I have to have everything made from scratch as replacement parts are not readily available but I would always, without question, recommend using genuine manufacturers original parts where possible.

It might be helpful to be aware the mainy of the UNC and UNF thread types are available in two thread types as some sizes and the same thread diameter, but available in both course (UNC) and fine (UNF) thread types. It's best to be sure that you ar getting the right type!