Originally Posted by CyberJack
If you are keen to learn about hand-mowers then this is a good mower to start with. Given the context, this is not a good candidate for a restoration.
Yes, I see that now, and definitely appreciate knowing it. I've come to the conclusion that it's definitely not worth restoring, apart from taking my time as a "labour of love".

Originally Posted by CyberJack
However there is some promise in getting the machine cutting grass, but not as a regular user without considerable expense.
Well, this may change things for me. I live on nearly one acre, and I'd say 60-65% of the property would be lawn or grass, requiring mowing. I am very happy to be using a reel type mower to do it (in fact for reasons such as exercise, no fumes, no startup trouble etc etc I'd rather use this type of mower). But I see that perhaps using this old wimbledon may not work. In other words, maybe I'm better off purchasing a brand new one. I'd be interested in being pointed to any threads about how to choose a good one.

Originally Posted by CyberJack
I have labelled some of your photographs to assist here.
Thanks a lot! Super helpful for someone like me. cheers

Originally Posted by CyberJack
I note that you have picked-up some of the terminology in correctly identifying the 'deflector plate'. That plate need only be fitted if you plan to catch grass in the grass catcher. If you do not want to catch grass, then that plate may be removed altogether.
Oh boy, that's the first time I've heard that. I thought it was essential to have it fitted and initially thought the mower wouldn't work cause I didn't have the deflector plate on. Given my property, I'll generally mow without one.

Originally Posted by CyberJack
[1] Can you confirm that you can pivot the roller brackets up and down? Penetrating fluid as Mod. Gadge has suggested will be most useful.
At present I can't budge the roller brackets at all. I think that's been the problem all along. I only have wd-40 so I have no fluid to use at the moment.

Originally Posted by CyberJack
[2] It appears that you have removed the height adjusting bolts.
These are the 'random things' that you have identified.
One is original; the other is a hardware item - too long - requiring non-original washers.
Thankyou.

Originally Posted by CyberJack
[4] It would be great if we had a photo of the other side of the height adjusting plastic knobs. It may be they no longer have a chamfer or bevel and are simply worn out. If this is the case, a trip to the hardware for a couple of coach bolts, washers and wing nuts would be the first step in being able to adjust the height.
Here are a few:
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