yes I will centre punch the shaft now i know it clears OK, I've only got to undo the two screws and the apron is off again.

I think I have also cured the problem with the binding. I just slackened of the preload and bearing caps, few light taps with a nylon hammer and tightened it all back up and it seems to be fine.

I will still wait till i can power it up and give a good run before ultimately deciding if they are OK. If the preload is there to allow for the shaft expanding, would it not be better to adjust it when its hot and then slacken it off again when finished?or is it possible to over tighten and damage the bearings?

Progress is extremely slow at the moment as i can only grab the odd 10-15mins here and there. Still praying for rain so I have an excuse to stay in the workshop all evening