Boxford VM 30 spindle bearings

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Boxford VM 30 spindle bearings

This topic has 14 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 19 November 2015 at 11:32 by Thor 🇳🇴.

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21 September 2015 at 22:25 #12552
Trevor Semple
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@trevorsemple43539
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21 September 2015 at 22:25 #205230
Trevor Semple
Participant
@trevorsemple43539
I wonder if anyone can help. I recently bought a Boxford VM 30 milling machine, and like others who have posted on the web, I am finding it difficult to discover any information on these machines. The bearings sound OK, but there is an enormous amount of play both vertically and

horizontally – so much so that the machine is unusable. I read that the spindle has taper roller bearings, so it should be possible to tighten them on the shaft. Does anyone know how to do this? I unscrewed the anti backlash nut from the top of the spindle. No idea what its doing there! You can see a picture of the nut and the top of the spindle, looking down on the gearwheel that drives it from the gearbox.

I would be very grateful for any advice.
22 September 2015 at 11:30 #205282
Ian S C
Participant
@iansc
Trevor, no pics here, try opening an album for your self. Use reduced picture size, I use 640 x 480, with that you'll have no problems.

Just go to the top green line and click on albums, and "follow the dots", even I worked it out.

Ian S C
22 September 2015 at 12:28 #205286
KWIL
Participant
@kwil
The antibacklash nut as you describe it is in fact a bearing lock nut. The spindle does indeed have taper bearings so adjustment is simple. That locknut is the item that tightens the spindle bearings. You have to slacken the pinch screw as you probably did and then use the drawbar 2 pin driver to tighten the "locknut. It is tight to do.

If you cannot proceed further, PM me, I do have the drawings etc
22 September 2015 at 12:29 #205287
John Bell 2
Participant
@johnbell2
Trevor,

I have a VM30 and had exactly the same problem as you when I bought mine. They are taper rolling bearings and can be tightened. I would need to look after work to remind myself how I did it. Do you have grease in the gearbox? I only ask because there mine was running very low. I think the recommendation was for BP Energrease from memory, but was hard to find in small quantities. I used a very similar Castrol product. Let me know if you would like to know the exact product name.

John
22 September 2015 at 13:16 #205294
KWIL
Participant
@kwil
According to the Boxford original instructions the gearbox was filled with BP Energrease F600-EP at works and did not need further attention. When I cleaned and refilled my gearbox I used Castrol Semi Liquid Grease, Castrol Spherol – EPO Grease, as I recall around 20 fl. oz, enough to cover the gears at the base of the gearbox.
22 September 2015 at 18:54 #205343
Rex Hanman
Participant
@rexhanman57403
Morris Oils also do an equivalent in small(ish) quantities. The bearings are easily adjusted as described by Kwil.

If you get stuck and are in the south let me know and I'll give you a hand.

Edited By Rex Hanman on 22/09/2015 19:11:56
22 September 2015 at 19:02 #205346
KWIL
Participant
@kwil
When you are adjusting the preload on the bearings, put the gear selector (top of unit) midway so that the gears are not engaged and you can then just feel the "bearing drag" on its own.
22 September 2015 at 20:57 #205361
Trevor Semple
Participant
@trevorsemple43539
Thanks everybody!

I tightened the bearing locknut as you suggested. It seems good, but I can't run it up to speed yet because I had an oil leak, so I'll have to reseal the gearbox and then find some of the oil that was suggested.
22 September 2015 at 23:00 #205373
Nick_G
Participant
@nick_g
Posted by Trevor Semple on 22/09/2015 20:57:58:

because I had an oil leak, so I'll have to reseal the gearbox and then find some of the oil that was suggested.

.

Oil.!!!

That may be the reason it is leaking. The VM30 takes grease not oil so thicker stuff.

I get the occasional drip through spindle. I don't mind this as it tells me the little bit that does is passing through and replenishing the bearings.

Nick
22 September 2015 at 23:31 #205381
Rex Hanman
Participant
@rexhanman57403
I get the occasional drip through spindle. I don't mind this as it tells me the little bit that does is passing through and replenishing the bearings.

Nick

Mine too!

Rex
23 September 2015 at 10:10 #205419
KWIL
Participant
@kwil
Strangely there is not an oil (or rather lubricant) seal at the bottom of the gearbox and it relies on a number of fibre washers to prevent leakage. The taper roller bearing are or rather were packed for life with Shell Alvana RA at the Boxford works.

Yes I have a small leakage, just needs to be wiped occasionally to prevent oil fling all over your shirt/shopcoat.
18 November 2015 at 23:41 #213127
Mike Cooper 1
Participant
@mikecooper1
Hello All. I’ve also just got a vm30 and all looks in good condition and I ran it up this week. I wasn’t happy with the sound of the gearbox so have taken it to pieces. I found very little grease left in as it’s worked it’s way out. The gears and bearings look fine but the spindle tapers were not preloaded and resulted in some play. I’m baffled about the centre layshaft. It just pulled out by hand and I can’t see anything that’s supposed to hold it in place? Does anyone have any advise or drawings? I’ll have to work out how to post pictures. It’s hard to find info on this machine. Thanks Mike
18 November 2015 at 23:53 #213128
Mike Cooper 1
Participant
@mikecooper1
I created a photo album but don’t know how to link it to this post.
19 November 2015 at 11:32 #213155
Thor 🇳🇴
Participant
@thor
Mike, here is a link on how to post pictures.

Thor
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