Maintenance Milling machine part 2

Re-greasing the vertical spindle of my Deckel FP1.

With Ramon's help, we did maintenance on my milling machine earlier this year. But on his advice, it was decided to re-grease the main spindle cassette as well.

Although the machine was running ok and without any problems (this was since the replacement of all the bearings, see earlier post), a check of the main spindle cassette was done. With the expert help of Ramon, this was a job that was done in an afternoon.

The old grease (of this 45 year old machine) was not in good condition. So this job, in hindsight, was really necessary.

The bearings of this cassette can be replaced (As Ramon did for his machine), but we found that the bearings of this spindle were still in good condition. So the only cost was the special Kluber grease.

Removing the spindle cassette out of the machine was already learned the last time, when we replaced the bearings, and now could be done without removing the vertical head from the milling machine. 

Once the cassette is on the bench the dismantling can start. By loosening 4 small inbus bolts, the main nut can be removed. Then the inner spindle and housing can be taken apart. The inner spindle stays on the workbench, while you lift the outer house off. There are no press-fit bearings. In my case, some rings got a bit stuck with old gummed-up grease. Using break cleaner spray and scraping the old grease away, everything came loose without too many problems.

Cleaning with brush and thinner and then carefully regreasing with the special Klüber Isoflex LDS 18 Special A grease. This grease is advised by the manufacturer Deckel. It is relatively expensive, but it should do the job for years to come. 

Assembling was done the same way, but then in reverse order. With a 0.002 mm dial indicator, the pre-tension on the spindle was set to 0.003 mm. This is done by adjusting the nut on top of the spindle.

A test run was done, starting with a low rpm for a few minutes and thereafter, in several steps, increasing the spindle speed to 1000 rpm. At each different spindle speed, the machine was run for 5 to 8 minutes. No heating up or strange sounds were noticed.

The machine now runs wonderful.

 Parts for the crank axle of the Y14