hello Gary: An interesting question for sure.

Well.........let's see........

my first recommendation would be to get the sideplates supplied correctly from the manufacturer...as they would be theoretically cut to the proper spec. The newer fab shops would be cutting these plates with a plasma gas cutting table vs hand layout and manual drilling and cutting

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Flame cut........well, unless this is done absolutely correctly and with properly controlled HEAT.........you could create a weak spot in the sideplate .....which could result in cracking of the newly cut bore....very RISKY at best, especially with a vibrating machine.

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If it had to be done in the field..........we probably would use a magnetic drill.........to avoid the use of torches.....more time consuming but, less chance to break after it is done.

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I hope this helps........if not, give me a pic of the area......or a little more detail. It may be that the original manufacturer of that screen is no longer and the outfit selling the parts now, does not have the original detailed drawing, hence close but, no cigar

RESPECTFULLY, George Baker ■

Hello Gary: I did this reply once already.......but,

FIRST........ I would buy on - spec sideplates from original OEM who supplied it. If they are not still in business.......now the fun begins. I personally would never recommend buying only ONE SIDEPLATE ever.......mismatched alignment is usually a big problem, creating an UNSQUARE or UNTRUE box....which will rip itself apart eventually overtime.

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SECOND....... I would not want to FLAME CUT anything on a sideplate specifically on a VIBRATING SCREEN. A very poor recommendation in my opinion. Inexperienced man on the flame cutter.......if creates EXCESS HEAT.....puts a heat check into the sideplate........which the machine actually notices on the next startup.........and basically ........goes........ohhhhhh a weak spot.....and CRACKS IT OUT AGAIN. Very dicey.

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Most major manufacturers now.....PLASMA GAS CUT their sideplates vs manual layout and torching holes out or drilling holes out. Even on this method.......the plates should be stacked one on top of the other.....and MATCH DRILLED to ensure sameness and true alignment.

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FOR your current situation: The best bet would most likely be the use of a MAGNET DRILL....to drill out the pattern and make the modificiations with the least concentration of heat as possible.

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Lastly and most costly........if the machine is old enough....have it replaced with a unit to actually FIT the same hole.......it is no problem.....a little bracing here, a little bracing there is not a big deal. But, get a unit with properly cut sideplates and up to date AUTO CAD design and build.

Keep the faith..........George ■