Base Unit

The base Unit remained virtually the same since it was introduced, although I notice that later units have the ability to swivel the vice holder in a circular fashion. The first machine I bought came as a package deal from Newing Hall in Leeds (UK) who originally owned Newing Hall International. Sadly they went bankrupt about four years ago, so I assume NH Toldeo is now a separate entity. The vice unit is virtually the same as found on the Gravograph TX3 machine that I started off with, this basically is two pedestal units moving along a machined block with a central threaded screw. The rear pedestal houses the cylindrical attachment, whilst the top of each casting has two pegs to which can be attached various small jigs or holders.

If I were to express an honest opinion, I thought this was the weak link of the first machine I bought, I did not find the construction substantial or rigid, which for me, is a prerequisite for any industrial machine. Neither was the method of securing jigs. Fortune smiled on me at this point, as I had previously owned three Kirba pantograph engraving machines from Germany, which were excellent in both design and construction, and they had their own base unit for the TLC unit. The next TLC machine I bought had a this Kirba base unit, and so did the next two Apex machines. A page is now included showing the Kirba base units

So all my jigs and fitments for the lower part of the machine are based on these and have proved very successful.