Denford Software & Machines

Hi

I've worked my way towards the heart of the lathe. I have removed the bearing covers, gear train and spindle bearing lock nuts.

The grease has definitely deteriorated. It's dark and gungy looking. The oil is separating from the soap. It's definitely in need of replacement. There is no way I can properly clean out the bearings in situ. Too much risk of leaving, or introducing contamination into the bearings. I want to remove the spindle and bearings. Give them a good clean, grease them with fresh good stuff, and then re-install.

My current plan is to use a ratchet cargo strop to pull the spindle toward the tailstock

My feeling is that this method will also require some extra force.

I'm sure a heavy synthetic / plastic hammer will be required as well, in order to shock the spindle out of its bearings - just think how long those two tight fitting bits of metal have been in contact for !
If you don't have one, I'd use a lump hammer and a piece of hard wood.

Hi

On another web site the photos show a threaded rod being used to drag out the spindle. I am going to try this before the hammer trick. Hopefully with all the grease and oil around that area, there shouldn't be any spindle locking corrosion.

My first time using your net. Many thanks for helpful photos and correction of part numbers for Viceroy Lathe. .. I have dealt with Ashley Power Ltd 580 Ashley Rd Poole BH14 0AQ for years for all replacement bearing,at incredibly good trade prices. They quoted around £ 8.00 ea for headstock bearings! But now with virtually no sense of touch and loss of balance I have had to sell my boat and sadly have decided to clear my workshop. I used the lathe only twice in the last 4 years. If anyone is interested in an excellent buy contact me on kenzed@uwclub.net ... Located in Poole. With thanks
caseyesstop.