I have a machine shop that I took first gear in to see if he could weld a piece on the shifting flange so the bronze shift saddle would not get caught. The counter guy said maybe a shim around the groove. Can't reduce the shifting bronze might break, as there is a fit tolerance. The main guy came out and told me those British gears can't be welded. I don't want the gear welded, just the little notch in the slide, I can do that, I'll ice the gear, those Brits know how to harden steel. Done and working good for 3 yrs now.