Amolco Mill.

This topic has 10 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 24 April 2025 at 19:24 by Michael Gilligan.

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23 April 2025 at 14:28 #794678
Lee Rogers
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@leerogers95060
I need to remove the head from the column on my Amolco.

The copper pad behind the column locking screw is stuck fast and binding.

All methods of getting it free or out have been exhausted .

I think I’ve got job planed out but does anyone with experience of the

task have any wisdom to offer before I wade in please?
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23 April 2025 at 14:52 #794684
DC31k
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@dc31k
23 April 2025 at 15:28 #794685
John Haine
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@johnhaine32865
If I recall correctly….

Remove the locking screw and insert it (or a longer one with the same thread) into the the threaded hole on the other side of the casting, and insert a strip of metal in the cut through the casting. Tighten the screw against this to gently open the casting to loosen it. I can’t exactly recall how the head fits and locks but I certainly removed the head on mine to fit an extension to the column, a new longer feedscrew, and longer key to give more vertical travel. Some photos would help.
23 April 2025 at 17:41 #794691
noel shelley
Participant
@noelshelley55608
If there are no other things holding it apart from the copper then IF the head is split a small chisel or screwdrive blade GENTLY driven in to open things up and it should all slide off. replace the copper with brass or alibronze. Good luck. Noel.
23 April 2025 at 18:26 #794696
Michael Gilligan
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@michaelgilligan61133
23 April 2025 at 18:44 #794698
Michael Gilligan
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@michaelgilligan61133
Some useful observations here:

https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/amolco-milling-attachment-3/#post-357368

MichaelG.
23 April 2025 at 19:01 #794702
DC31k
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@dc31k
24 April 2025 at 07:46 #794754
Lee Rogers
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@leerogers95060
Many thanks for all the replies. There is not enough meat on the copper slug to do any drilling. The suggestion of a 3 flute milling bit is I think worth a try. Failing that I’m afraid it’s going to be a dismantling job.
24 April 2025 at 12:20 #794844
John Haine
Participant
@johnhaine32865
Can you use the feed screw to force the head to move on the column after taking out the screw? Spray WD40 to soften any hardened grease. Are the gib screws loose?
24 April 2025 at 15:07 #794878
Lee Rogers
Participant
@leerogers95060
JOB DONE.

No amount of fiddling made any impression on the copper slug and when I did drive it through it took a tidy tap

with a hammer and drift to shift it.removing the head was in the end fairly simple, loosen off or remove all the obvious suspects and slide the head off.It’s a well made machine and the designers kept it simple which is what I suspected but dared not to hope for.I took the opportunity to clean and lubricate the Z axis thrust ball bearing which threw up the only glitch. The Z axis hand wheel retaining nut is in a very narrow counterbore. None of my sockets could get near it. I turned down an old 3/8 whit socket on my ETA Type X and Bobs your non gender specific relation. There’s not much on the web about the Amolco so I will add some photos to this post when time allows. Once again thanks to all who replied .
24 April 2025 at 19:24 #794916
Michael Gilligan
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@michaelgilligan61133
Well-done, Lee!

MichaelG.
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