From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Pricing, faults, and potential improvements for the Watford Sleeveless Magneto, Type EW.6.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\Q\July1927-September1927\ Scan123 | |
| Date | 12th September 1927 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}: FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} R2/M12.9.27. 1 C. to BJ. BM. EFC. Mr. NORTH ORIGINAL MAGNETOS - WATFORD SLEEVELESS TYPE - EW.6. X7791 This appears to be quite right when production is settled: the price also is passable for the time being, although not comparable with the cost of magnetos on the continent, with which we naturally have to compete when selling in foreign countries. It will therefore be advisable to obtain a Bosch FU.6. and find out if this complies with our requirements, or has any advantages over the Watford. The price being so remarkably low, production or design must be economical if it achieves the same results. Regarding the temporary faults with the Watford, generally their workmanship is considered good. I should like Mr. North to ask his Works to look into the following points: Is the noisy contact maker due to the setting of the break being longer on one machine than the other? Does the noise occur at the break, or at the make? One would suppose that the make could take place slowly without disadvantage - that is - the speed at which the contact points come together could be reduced to a fourth of the present speed by suitable cam form. We think the curvature of the cam should be such that the speed of make and break is the same with various openings of the platinum points. This is a simple matter of cam formation: with suitable grinding tackle it should easily be produced uniformly. Regarding the gear noise, either the gears are incorrectly cut, or too deep and tight in gear. The system I believe that would give the greatest satisfaction for small spur and helical gears would be the Fellowes, the reason being that most other systems of gear cutting require - (1) great care in the form of cutters being correct after hardening, (2) being correct for the exact number of teeth, and (3) being correctly located over the centre of the wheel, etc. We have always found perfection more easily obtainable by the Fellowes system. We do not know the smallest machine produced by Fellowes, but we are sure it is worthy of attention, both for these magneto gears, and our own half time gear. A helical gear also might be found an advantage. Whatever the decision, we think the Watford Co. should have an order for at least 100 magnetos, to encourage them to equip themselves with the best tools and tackle for their production. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||