Hi Chris,
Firstly well done on getting the set screws out without damaging the sole plate and I'm sure you're feeling rather pleased with your outcome..
I will however say something here while we're on this topic and that is we at the ODK generally do not endorse the removal of the screws by their owners, rather we'd much prefer that members take the whole assembly to their engineer to remove the screws and let them attach the new bed knife prior to machining. This is done purely for the purpose of not having the sole plate accidentally broken or internally fractured as Cast Iron can be very temperamental and as the sole plate is not of a shape with parrallel sides which would make it much safer to clamp in a vice we always suggest that the engineer does that part for the customer. To put it quite simply, they have the knowhow of how to do this part of the job without risk to the casting. Another major point is have you tried to source a replacement should the worst happens ? near on impossible.
I understand that you probably want to paint it prior to the new knife blade being fitted but most of the cleaning and prep work can be done prior to the old blade being removed and then the painting can be done after the new one is fitted and returned back to you, this way the freshly painted surface does cop any damage to it while in the engineers hands, also the contact surface between the blade and sole plate should not have any paint on it what so ever.
I hope this clarify's our stance on the matter for all others who would potentially attempt this process themselves.
Apart from that minor issue all is looking superb and I'm looking forward to the outcome.
Cheers,
BB.
