Thetford-based RKE Engineering and its sister company ROTOSHIM are benefitting from the
arrival of a new ProTURN RLX 1630 lathe, supplied by XYZ Machine Tools. The machine joins
four other XYZ models on site, including an RMX 2-OP portable machining centre. Technical
partner and founder Craig Harvey is a career-long fan of XYZ’s ProtoTRAK®-controlled
machines thanks to their ease-of-use and reliability. A core activity of the machines at RKE
Engineering is the production of parts for pre-war vintage cars, including iconic classics such
as Ford Model A and Model B automobiles.
RKE Engineering was established in 2018 as a precision subcontract machine shop, taking on
a wide variety of projects. As a machinist at his previous company, Harvey became familiar
with XYZ machines and their ProtoTRAK® controls. This experience led him to choose XYZ as
the preferred machine for RKE.
“From the outset we were always going to invest in XYZ machines,” he says. “The machines
work well and are so easy to use. We have five XYZ models now, all bought from new with
the exception of a pre-owned Edge 2000 turret mill. Even though that machine is nearly 25
years old, it gives me virtually no problems whatsoever, which speaks volumes about the
reliability and longevity of XYZ machines.”
Core business at the six-employee company is largely R&D work, alongside maintenance and
repair jobs. Production machining is typically the territory of ROTOSHIM, which produces
vintage car parts, including shock adsorbers, oil pumps, water pumps, pulleys and flywheels.
“We invested in the new ProTURN RLX 1630 because we needed another lathe to undertake
our shock absorber work,” explains Harvey. “We originally started making dampers for
vintage cars to fill dead time in the workshop, but it soon turned into a beast of its own. We
supply parts to customers around the world now. I knew the RLX 1630 would fit the bill
perfectly, offering enough performance to undertake both our production and R&D turning
work.”
The XYZ ProTURN RLX 1630 offers 400 mm swing over bed, 760 mm between centres, a 54
mm bore and a 2500 rpm spindle benefiting from constant surface speed capability.
Complementing the machine is the ProtoTRAK® RLX control, with users able to enjoy rapid
production of programs thanks to its conversational programming software on the 15.6-inch

touchscreen. The machine is helping RKE Engineering and ROTOSHIM increase capacity,
efficiency and output due to its ability to operate either manually or under full CNC control.
“I love the ease-of-use that ProtoTRAK® controls provide,” says Harvey. “New operators get
up to speed very quickly. I can also step in if required. It doesn’t happen often but with
ProtoTRAK® it’s like riding a bike – you never forget. I’m not sure I could say the same if we
used any other type of control.”
Business at RKE Engineering and ROTOSHIM is currently strong, with vintage car work
performing particularly well. The company manufactures parts that are no longer
commercially available for classic vehicles, including three variants of the Ford Model A:
1927-31; 1932; and 1933-34.
For example, the design of the ROTOSHIM lever-arm shock absorber uses the essential
elements of telescopic dampers: steel shim stacks control fluid flow, while pressurised oil
prevents cavitation. These elements combine to allow damper tuning and provide the
optimal ride in accordance with vehicle weight and spring stiffness. The company supplies
the dampers pre-set without any need of adjustment – just bolt on and drive.
“One of our operators machines the aluminium damper body from a drop forging on the
XYZ 2-OP,” explains Harvey. “We complete these high-precision components, four at a time,
in two operations using just eight tools. During machining, our operator can walk away and
get on with something else. This approach makes it a very cost-effective part for us.”
A full in-house design and consultancy service supports an overhaul of all vintage car
components to improve characteristics such as strength and performance. This combination
of traditional engineering excellence with modern, forward-thinking solutions is a real
market differentiator. Importantly, all ROTOSHIM products undergo a stringent QA process,
including testing to failure under extreme conditions.
“Our passion lies in enhancing the driving experience by pushing the boundaries of classic
car part technology to meet modern standards for vintage car enthusiasts.”
A recent case-in-point involved a racing shock absorber for an Austin 7. With the help of its
new shocks, the Austin 7 was able to ride the apex of bends much better and break the lap
record in its class by 12 seconds. The car went on to win several first places in a series of
significant races.
“Due to achievements like this I can honestly say we never lose a customer,” concludes
Harvey. “The XYZ machines are a big part of that success. Having these machines in-house
means we can offer a wider range of services and attract the best staff, which in turn
promotes growth.”
More information www.xyzmachinetools.com