Making the most of the unimat
Rex Tingey
Model & Allied Publications
Argus Books, Ltd.
14 St. James Road, Watford,
Herts, England
ISBN 0 85242 676 3
Copyright: 1979

This book provides thirteen chapters of information and projects for the Unimat SL and 
Unimat 3 machines in 126 pages. Much of the information presented appeared first in 
Model Engineer magazine. The first chapter covers maintenance of both machines and 
talks of two "improvements" to make the machine less springy than it is. Personal 
opinion - I like the idea of replacing the cold rolled steel ways with ways made of drill 
rod because the existing ways can be saved and the operation can be reversed. The idea 
of reaming the right cross-slide way and replacing it with a 3/8 inch way leaves me cold 
because the operation cannot be reversed without buying a new carriage. Other chapters 
include flywheel drives for both machines, vertical slide, rotary table, accessories for the 
tailstock, and an improved vertical milling machine made by moving the headstock from 
one end of the bed to the center of the bed. Unlike Mert Baker's design which uses a 
custom made casting, this method uses steel bar stock and aluminum blocks. In general, 
the book provides some good ideas on how to improve the Unimat.

-- Jerry Jankura
   Strongsville, Ohio
   So many toys, so little time