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Tom Senior Model "VS"
Milling Machine
If any reader has an immaculate Senior machine tool, the writer would be delighted to feature it in the Archive
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Older Tom Senior Millers

A development of the Major, the Senior "V.S." used a wider main column, a stiffer, more robust dovetail-type overarm (in place of the earlier round bar) and had a vertical knee travel some 1.5" greater. It was made in two versions: one with a horizontal spindle (and full backgear like the M1) and the other, a pure vertical version with an S-Type vertical head fastened to the end  of the overarm. It is also possible that some would have been produced with both a horizontal and vertical capability.
When it was introduced in the early 1950s, the machine's dovetail overarm was recessed into the top of the main column - which allowed the motor to be left in place on top of the machine - while later models (shown here in the form of the ELT) were redesigned to allow the overarm to sit on top of the column. Even so, whilst the vertical travel remained unchanged the motor had to be shifted to a less convenient position on a hinged plate within the cabinet base.
With a working surface of 31" x 6.5" the table had with a longitudinal travel of 22", a cross travel of 7", a vertical of 13.5" and was driven by the usual Senior method of a 3-speed gearbox powered by a simple but efficient V belt take-off from the main motor. The maximum distance from the spindle nose to the table was 13.5". Twelve spindle speed were provided of: 60, 86, 104, 136, 169, 267, 329, 537, 642, 845, 1050, and 1660 r.p.m from a 2 hp 3-phase motor - the slower six speeds being driven through a lathe-like "backgear" assembly built into the main column. A full electrical system was fitted, with overload and no-volt release, together with a mechanically driven suds pump. A "Universal" model - with swing table - was also produced in both Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 versions and these are illustrated below. All accessories designed for the M1 and Major also fitted the "V.S.".

Early model Senior "V.S" Mk. 1 miller with swing table and its overarm recessed into the top of the main column - which allowed the motor to continue in its traditional, top-mounted position.
In later years this machine was fitted with a swivelling table and sold as the "Universal" - and continued in production alongside the Mk. 2 VS. When stocks of the earlier castings had been used up, the Mk. 2 was fitted with a swivelling table - driven by an infinitely variable-speed motor - and took over the "Universal designation". The original (early 1950s) "Universal" was a standard Major with a pivoting table of slightly increased length and greater cross-slide travel.

Early model Senior "V.S" Mk. 1 miller with standard table

Late model Senior "V.S" Mk. 2 miller with its dovetail overarm sitting on top of the main column. This change in design necessitated the repositioning of the drive motor within the cabinet stand. Note the vari-speed motor drive to the table

A 12-inch cutter being reground using a cup wheel held in a Senior vertical head