[andygregs156]

Hi

Started to play with my old Norlett project the other day and managed to get the engine to run (I still lack the parts to mount the tensioner pulley) Now my attention has turned to the blades,
•   Is there a rule of thumb as to when they have to become too frail to safely use?
•   The holes for the mounting pins seem to have worn slightly oval, is this a problem? If so is it possible / acceptable to build up the metal with a mig welder & re-drill the holes?

Thanks  Andy

[Gwiz]

I can't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to weld up and re-drill.
As for when the blades are worn out, I couldn't advise without seeing them "in the flesh" so to speak.
I have a general rule of thumb about safety, "If it feels dodgy, then it probably is."

[smud6ie]

hi,i think the blades would become very inefficient long before they became unsafe.The curve at the top wears off first ,the overlap between the  adjacent blades is lost so the ground is cut in vertical slots which means you have to physically heave the machine from side to side to make any progress.  
                    
 As for the elongated holes in the axle tube,If they are slightly worn then I would not bother unless you like things "as new" .The holes on my Norlett 6000 which I bought in 1976 have elongated to a distance of twice the diameter of the pin hole and still works ok
If I were going to repair one,I would not weld the worn hole and then re drill but redrill the rotor tube at 90 degees to the original hole which will save no end of work!
BTW,which model do you have ,I have just found the instruction/parts manual for mine.
smud6ie

[andygregs156]

Thanks for the advice, still not sure where I’m going with this one. I’ve no real need for a rotovater (just a boy who likes his toys) so may yet strip it for spares.

Cheers Andy

PS It’s a Norlett 3000 Single speed 3hp