The Framers Forum

I've previously asked for help re the pressure on my bench end guillotine securing arm. Things have progressed but not resolved, so I'm trying again.... The problem seems to be at the front end as the rear assembly is as it should be. I've taken photos of the front assembly, if anyone could compare what I have to their machine and let me know if all looks AOK? (The guillotine was taken to pieces for servicing so maybe not put back together correctly?) If I put a piece of 2mm greyboard between the securing arms before applying the pressure lever, I get even pressure/holding all the way to the front, which made me look at the tensioning screw underneath (see photo) This is at the limit of the thread so cannot be tightened any further, If I put 2mm of washers on this, do you think it would solve my problem or would it cause additional problems?
Any opinions would be gratefully received, the Hebrides is not a place to find anyone else with such machine so I'm appealing to the wider community out there!

I know I tried to help on this before, but I think you have identified where the problem lies.
Your idea of adding some washers to the bolt underneath is good. I can't see what harm that would cause.

The other thing would be to tighten up the bolt at the top. See if you can remove the black plastic cover of the very top nut - use a screwdriver to prise it off.
You would then need to slacken the nut below it, inside the housing. I believe this to be a lock nut. With this released you should be able to tighten up the bolt from the top and then secure again the bottom nut.
Let us know how it goes.

Thank you for your continued advice Vintage Frames, I'll post an update when I've got the tool box out