Denford Software & Machines

Hi all. I'm taking the headstock bearings out to check them and clean them if they're ok, if not replace them.
Before i get carried away and ruin some bearings or better yet, the spindle. Is there anything else I need to do to get the spindle out?
I've taken all covers off and lockrings. It looks like the spindle is just sitting there now.
I understand from Dazz' previous posts that i'll need to make some adjustable spacers (bolts with long nuts) to help make sure the gears inside don’t get damaged.
After that's done, do I get my copper headed hammer and tap away at the gearbox side of the spindle, Or is dazz' method with the threaded bar and wooden blocks a better idea?

Thanks!

Hi
In the absence of any other replies, I still think my method is the best option.
If you find a better way, please let everyone know.

Dazz, Hi,

How did you get on with your problem ?

Maybe you can help me here.
How do you adjust the spindle front bearings ?

I believe that they just need a light pre load, but how do you actually make the adjustment ?

David.

Quick reality check,

I may have posted this in the wrong place.
My machine is a 280VS.

David

Hi
I actually ended up with quite a lot of pre-load.
On the left hand end of the spindle are two nuts.
These are left hand threaded..
Just tighten the nuts until you get the desired pre-load.

If David has a 280VS, the procedure is different, because the adjustment is in a different place! The adjusting nuts on a 280 are under the headstock cover, behind the front main bearing. There are 2 locknuts, which if I remember correctly are left hand thread. You need a couple of big C spanners for this, unless you are prepared to use a punch and hammer for the job. If you can wait until this evening, I'll check what Denford's recommended method was - believe me it wasn't anything sophisticated!. My 280 Synchro chattered badly when I first got it, so I adjusted the bearings, I think the adjusters went up by about 1/8th of a turn, now everything is fine. There were paint blobs on both nuts, in line with each other, so I suspect that this might be how the factory fitters marked things, so its easy to tell if anything works loose. If thats so, mine hadn't been adjusted since it had left the factory 30 years earlier.

Richard

Headstock detail...
The adjustment method is to add preload and measure a rise in temperature at high speed over a set time. Can't remember the details.

EDIT: Found it. Pic attached.

Its worth noting that the reference to the transducer gear is only applicable to 280s with the electrical speed control. 280s with manual speed control don't have the transducer gear, they have 2 slotted nuts. Thread is still left hand though.

Actually, my VS is manual speed control and has the transducer gear fitted. It has no transducer, but the gear is there. I assumed that it was fitted either to maintain spacing or (more likely) so that they could fit up any headstock for manual or electric speed control as orders dictate.

Oh well, you learn something every day. Mine hasn't got the transducer gear, so I foolishly jumped to the conclusion that all manual control 280s were the same. Wrong again.

Richard

Don't be glum Richard
Could be mine was meant to have speed readout but they changed their mind and it was cheaper to leave the ring in there than spend time pulling the spindle.