Quill repair Delta 46-250

[Fred Van Etten]

I belong to a community makerspace and volunteer to try to keep the lathe studio operational. We have an old Delta 46-250. An unknown member was using (?abusing?) it - left a note saying “tailstock broke”.
I found an exploded parts diagram. It looks like a snap ring has disappeared. (Part 55),
Delta part number M1310064, M10.2 Ext Ret Ring. I’m looking for correct size snap ring but not sure I understand the mechanics of what prevents the quill from just rotating when the hand wheel is turned. Any insights appreciated.

 

[Wyatt Holm]

There should be a bolt or a set screw, that goes in the slot down the quill to prevent it from rotating.

 

[Fred Van Etten]

There should be a bolt or a set screw, that goes in the slot down the quill to prevent it from rotating.

Wyatt - thanks. The quill handle assembly went missing at same time. I had a bolt that matched the thread - but that only locked the assembly in place. But know realize that the factory handle might have had a pin or reduced diameter at the tip that would engage the slot when the handle was loosened and still allow the quill to travel. Thanks.

 

[Dean Center]

The parts diagram shows an L shaped screw that would go in the groove and guide the quill. It would be part #59. If the OEM part is not available, as is likely, McMaster-Carr or Grainger or even Amazon would likely have a replacement in the correct size. You'd need to know the diameter and threading, and approximate length of the threaded part needed. These are in common use on lathes.

The clip ring for the quill is part #56 and is a C-clip, but size is not specified on the parts diagram. These are available at your local hardware store. If you take the quill in with you, you can probably find one that fits.

 

[Wyatt Holm]

I am working on a similar project for a friend. It goes to a Powermatic 90. The groove on the quill is down and it looks like it has a roll pin to keep it from rotating. It is missing the quill lock lever. However I have a 90 as well and we are going to machine/fabricate a new lever for his. If you can find a parts list and diagram it may give the sizes of some of the generic components that you could buy from an industrial supplier such as MSC, Grainger, McMaster Carr, or Reid Supply.

 

[Wyatt Holm]

More Pictures

 

[Fred Van Etten]

I am working on a similar project for a friend. It goes to a Powermatic 90. The groove on the quill is down and it looks like it has a roll pin to keep it from rotating. It is missing the quill lock lever. However I have a 90 as well and we are going to machine/fabricate a new lever for his. If you can find a parts list and diagram it may give the sizes of some of the generic components that you could buy from an industrial supplier such as MSC, Grainger, McMaster Carr, or Reid Supply.

Wyatt - thanks. I’ve got the exploded parts diagram and parts listing - but unfortunately no dimensions listed even when I search for the parts. I’ve wondered if the 46-250 is also supposed to have a roll pin. There is a tapered slot along the quill. No roll pin listed in the parts diagram. But there is a “scale” (missing on our lathe) shown adjacent to the slot on the quill. Maybe it functioned as a roll pin. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Wyatt Holm]

Is this what you need?

899960 - Clamp Handle

www.renovoparts.com

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/parts/drill-press/delta/erp10315880/ring-1310064/?SourceCode=1&SearchTerm=46-250&ModelNum=46-250

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

Wyatt - thanks. I’ve got the exploded parts diagram and parts listing - but unfortunately no dimensions listed even when I search for the parts. I’ve wondered if the 46-250 is also supposed to have a roll pin. There is a tapered slot along the quill. No roll pin listed in the parts diagram. But there is a “scale” (missing on our lathe) shown adjacent to the slot on the quill. Maybe it functioned as a roll pin. Thanks for your suggestions.

It looks to me like the scale was used as the roll pin. It is essentially a bar or key stock that rides in the groove and keeps the spindle from spinning. Number 58 in the diagram.

 

[Fred Van Etten]

It looks to me like the scale was used as the roll pin. It is essentially a bar or key stock that rides in the groove and keeps the spindle from spinning. Number 58 in the diagram.


View attachment 83368

Gabriel, if you are correct, that confirms my suspicions - unfortunately, yet another no longer available replacement part. I could try using various needles and micro-drill bits as stand-ins..

 

[Wyatt Holm]

How about this? https://www.mikestools.com/1342092-Delta-Tailstock-Scale.aspx

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

How about this? https://www.mikestools.com/1342092-Delta-Tailstock-Scale.aspx

Well, that is a sticker number scale, definitely not a piece of metal bar stock. Maybe that was a sticker in the groove to tell you how far the quill had advanced?? But I still think the groove had a metal bar stock, how else would the quill not spin?