Amolco Mill.

[Lee RogersParticipant @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?

[Lee Rogers]

On 23 April 2025 at 14:28 Lee Rogers Said:

All methods of getting it free or out have been exhausted

Perhaps you might describe what methods you have attempted as we currently only have your opinion that all possibilities have been exhausted.

Drill and tap it M3 or M4, screw in a threaded rod and jack or slide hammer it out. At worst, the threads will pull out of the copper.

Have you tried pilot drilling it and inserting a wood screw or self-tapping screw?

Even a left-hand threaded screw extractor (eziout) might be worth a go as the copper may have swelled and formed the same right hand threads on itself as the locking screw.

Make a bush with the same thread as the locking screw, drill out its middle as large as you can. Hold a three flute milling cutter in a cordless drill and gently drill out out the copper slug.

[John HaineParticipant @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.

[noel shelleyParticipant @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.

[Lee Rogers]

On 23 April 2025 at 14:28 Lee Rogers Said:

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.

[…]

Previous responders please forgive me if I’m “on the wrong page” but …

The question relates to removing the head from the column

… some of the answers appear more relevant to removing the column from the base.

MichaelG.

.

Ref. https://www.lathes.co.uk/amolco/

 

I only have the Amolco drill, so cannot comment on the mill.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Some useful observations here:

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

MichaelG.

[Michael Gilligan]

On Michael Gilligan Said:

… some of the answers appear more relevant to removing the column from the base.

If the base were removed from the column, perhaps it would open up an alternative direction for the head to travel when it is removed. If it is stuck or difficult going up, maybe it would be easier going down.

[Lee RogersParticipant @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.

[John HaineParticipant @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?

[Lee RogersParticipant @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 .

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Well-done, Lee!

MichaelG.

[Author]

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