Vertical Headstock Lubrication
Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:42 pm
Maybe I have mentioned this before, but today brought me to another headstock service and thought it might deserve mention again.
This headstock service - cleaning, oiling, lubing the quadrant/worm, checking belts and wax - was done while the machine was in the vertical, (drill press) position.
Here's my take on advantages and a possible disadvantage* - -
1) It is a lot easier to see inside the headstock from this position, and clean it (if needed)
2) It is easier to oil the motor shaft. You can drip some oil on the end of the shaft (on the full circumference) and let it run into the sheave shaft. You can also put some in the hole on the shaft. It was at eye height.
3) The swinging door on the back side will not ever flip back on you hand.
4) It is easier to see, inspect condition and measure the width of the belt.
5) It is easier to see and lube the speed control quadrant and worm shaft.
6) It is easier to put oil into the idler shaft.
*However, I really don't know if the oil all went to the retaining ring bearing, or an ample amount remained on the sides of the shaft. I felt a few immediate full speed control changes were required.
This headstock service - cleaning, oiling, lubing the quadrant/worm, checking belts and wax - was done while the machine was in the vertical, (drill press) position.
Here's my take on advantages and a possible disadvantage* - -
1) It is a lot easier to see inside the headstock from this position, and clean it (if needed)
2) It is easier to oil the motor shaft. You can drip some oil on the end of the shaft (on the full circumference) and let it run into the sheave shaft. You can also put some in the hole on the shaft. It was at eye height.
3) The swinging door on the back side will not ever flip back on you hand.
4) It is easier to see, inspect condition and measure the width of the belt.
5) It is easier to see and lube the speed control quadrant and worm shaft.
6) It is easier to put oil into the idler shaft.
*However, I really don't know if the oil all went to the retaining ring bearing, or an ample amount remained on the sides of the shaft. I felt a few immediate full speed control changes were required.