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Tom Senior Model "VS"
Milling Machine

Instruction Books and Catalogues are available for the Senior range

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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 head fastened to the end of the overarm. The S-Type head was originally intended to be used on just the Senior E-Type but so successful was it that Senior begin offering conversion kits to fit virtually all their models.  A few examples of the VS were produced with both horizontal and vertical capability, some also being fitted with a swing table and so being a true "Universal" type.
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 Mk. 2 models (shown here in the form of the Model ELT) were redesigned to allow the overarm to sit on top of the column. Even so, while the vertical travel remained unchanged the motor had to be shifted to a less convenient position on a hinged plate within the cabinet base.
Measuring 37" x 8" overall, the table had a working surface of 31" x 6.5", 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: 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 most useful, torque-increasing lathe-like "backgear" assembly built into the main column that allowed really heavy-duty horizontal milling to be undertaken. 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 - a design that 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". As a note of interest, 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 rare vari-speed motor drive to the table

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

Instruction Books and Catalogues are available for the Senior range

Tom Senior Model "VS"
Milling Machine

Senior Home Page   Senior Lathes   Senior Shapers & Planers 

E Type   Junior Horizontal/Vertical   Light Vertical   

VS   Major ELT   

Older Tom Senior Millers  Prices

email: tony@lathes.co.uk
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