I need to remove the main lead screw so I can get at the cross slide to service it (backlash). I can't see how to separate the lead screw at the drive end. There is a pin driven though the shaft but I can't move it. Is it that and do I have to try harder? TIA
Clarke lathe service
Apr 25, 2008
10 Replies
I will look at my instruction manual tomorrow which has exploded drawings and report back.
What Lathe?
Err...one with a pin through its shaft?
Regards, Tony
Clarke ( as per title) CL500M sorry for the omission.
Two thoughts:-
1) is it a taper pin? look at both ends to see if you need to drift it out in the other direction.2) Is it a mild steel shear pin that has been slightly distorted at some point? If so, you may need considerable enthusiasm to remove it.
I would suspect number 1. But I've never had any experience with Chinese lathes.
Mark Rand RTFM
In that case it's a taper pin in that end of the sleeve, although there isn't that much of a taper so you need to measure each end of the pin to figure out which way to push it out. On the leadscrew end of the sleeve, the only thing holding the leadscrew is a keyway. The leadscrew should be free to float in and out of the sleeve, but it usually is a bit tight, so may need a bit persuassion to get it out.
Thanks very much, I'll try that shortly. Saves me smashing hell out of the pin... I can't measure each end because one end is buried. I suspect that is the wider end though ( A guess). I'll let you know how I get on.
A Mk I eyeball is normally sufficiently accurate to tell which end is which on a taper pin.
Mark Rand RTFM
Just been and removed my pin, its tapered and is 5.00mm at the narrow end and 5.50mm at the other. A sharp tap and a good pin punch removed it. If you want copies of Machine assembly drawings I can email them to you.
Martin P
Thanks for all the help guys. Stripped the lot down and cleaned it all .Put it all back together and very nice it is too. One of the lead screw blocks is a bit worn, but it will do for now. Yes, the assembly drawings would be most welcome. my email address is kraken dot sankey at ntlworld dot com Does anyone have any suggestions for half decent tools? 99% of my work will be aluminium tube/ bar, max dia 20mm, mostly 10/12mm. Going back to my old days ( when I was en electronics engineer working on Boehringer CNC lathes) they used ceramic inserts . It that an option I have ?
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