Vicmarc spindle slight movement in/out. What to look at?

[Nathan Roper]

I've got an older vicmarc vl300 I bought in January from a local guy that had changed the spindle bearings right before selling it to me. In the last month or two I'm seeing and hearing some slop that presents as the spindle will move slightly in and out of the frame. If you hold a chuck and push/pull you can feel it move. When turning, as I put pressure on a tool towards the headstock the same movement can be felt and heard.

Also, the spindle stop pin sounds like its rubbing on the inner piece (headstock pulley?) that has the holes to lock the spindle. I hope that makes sense. It seems like something has gotten loose and I was just hoping for some guidance on what to look at when I pop it open to look. Thanks.

 

[Steve Tiedman]

Stop using the lathe. If you visit the Vicmarc website you'll find videos about headstock bearing service. It's fairly straight forward. Hopefully you have just some slop in the tapered bearings from reassembly that you'll be able to adjust out. If you are comfortable following their procedure, I'd recommend pulling it apart again and reassembling with fresh grease, etc. Check the bearings and bearing surfaces carefully to make sure they weren't damaged. This same procedure is done to replace the drive belt, so if that is old now is your time to take care of a fresh belt. That is a tank of a lathe (I've owned 3 Vicmarcs, incl. that one), and once reassembled properly will serve you well for a long time.

Steve.

 

[Jerry Mollenhauer]

Steve Tiedman, I experienced the same symptoms after installing a new belt on my VM vl300. So far, your advice seems to be right on the money! Thanks.

 

[Steve Tiedman]

You're welcome, Jerry. Happy turning!