Enco lathe help?

[john newman]

We have an Enco lathe (110-2034) that sounds good until the tool gets to the work. Then there is a vibration in the headstock. The finish left on the work is rough as well. I can not feel any looseness or roughness is the bearings. After studying the print I still do not see how to get the spindle out. Any ideas on how to fix this problem would be a great help.

Thank you
john

[wierdscience]

Have you checked the chuck for a "bell mouth"condition?This meaning that the chuck jaws may not be clamping down on the part equally over their length.This can cause the part to girate in the chuck causing a rough finish.Have you checked to see if the chuck is on right?Also check end play in the spindle.What are you cutting and how much are you trying to remove in one pass?Is your tool on center and how far does it project out off the holder?Answer some of these and we will try to help.best of luck.

[Joel]

Are all your gibs tight?

[roberlt]

Is this a belt drive? If so check the belt. Lots of problems reported with the belt.
Rob

[This message has been edited by roberlt (edited 05-21-2003).]

[darryl]

Make sure the headstock hold-down bolts are tight, before messing with the spindle. Just one of many many things that can cause that.

[Oso]

One last possibility....the motor. I have heard of machines where the motor was causing a vibration and marked the work.

Diagnosed by cushioning the motor (so only connection was a belt drive) and running the machine.

Fixed by getting a better-balanced motor.

[billr]

also might check alignment of belts with a straight edge.

[billr]

good morning John.

after that somewhat cryptic reply above i finally came alive enough to think some.

i had the same problem with my lathe [no name chinese] a few months ago and ended up having to change the spindle bearings. the vibration that i felt was intermittent and varied also with speed. it took forever to isolate it. didn't have a parts book or pictures. i used a grizzly book, a jet book, [you can download them from those places.] and drew/took pictures when i took it apart. also had the kid there to watch.

the old bearings had rust on the races at the bottom. [new lathe last summer] it was a major project to do and if i hadn't had my kid's help, it would probably still be apart.

suggestions:

take belts off. run motor. vibration?

check alignment of pulleys.

try different belts. i have recently put powertwist belts on mine and it makes a difference even over 'new' standard v belts. expensive, but if it cuts the vibration, it is worth it. also put it on table saw, band saw #2, etc. i have talked to woodworking guys that say it is the best stuff ever. weird to just twist the belt and make it longer or shorter.

i am not affiliated with these people, other than as a customer, but they give good belt. www.fennerdrives.com

if you have to change bearings, get a parts book. also gonna need some all thread and blocks to press races. bearings on my lathe are about 5" and 6" in diameter,
respectively. they are also about 20" apart.

drain oil. clean housing. it will amaze you what you find in there. mine had a snap ring that was hidden under a gear. i suppose it might help to be chinese to be able to reach some of it. there isn't too much room in there.

if you have a digital camera/polaroid/video camera, take pictures. it is amazing how much one part looks like another the next day.

if i can be of assistance, ask. i will be pleased to help if i can.

i feel better now. sorry about short reply above.

good luck.
bill

[mayfieldtm]

Billr:
Do you know where to purchase the Twist Belts you spoke of, at a more reasonable price?
I've looked at the usual suppliers and was shocked at the Prices.
I've heard so much good about them and I'll need about 40' feet to replace all my belts.
Also, to show my ignorance... to measure the belt width, do you measure at the Top of the belt, or Bottom or... ?

Tom M.

[billr]

Tom,

i bought them direct from the factory. found them in a KBC catalog the next day for $15 less for the 25 foot package.

you measure on the top [widest part]. 1/2" = 'A' belt, etc.

i ran my lathe a while today. smooth.

i wish i knew where to get it cheaper too. probably recycled stuff anyway.
bill