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WM14 Mill spindle issue/adjustment

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picclock:
Hi
I've had this Warco WM14 mill for some time and it has had this issue from new. The spindle axial rotation is not in alignment with the spindle feed axis, and I really would like it to be  :scratch:

As a better explanation, the spindle is accurately aligned to the bed of the mill, such that if one attaches a dial gauge to the spindle and rotates it such that the gauge reads the table, the spindle is pretty accurate. This remains true regardless of the feed position. However, the centre of rotation changes in the Y plane depending on the vertical spindle feed setting. If a right angle plate is placed on the table and a dial gauge attached to the spindle an offset of 6 thou Y per inch of vertical movement occurs. The error is about 0.35 degrees and equates to approx 0.25mm over the total 50mm of spindle feed. Picture attached to hopefully clarify my poorly worded description.

I am seeking advice on how to disassemble the head if anyone on the forum has one of these mills, and how best to effect adjustments to cure the issue.

Best Regards

picclock

Arnak:
Hi Picclock,

If the offset increases evenly when you lower the spindle I would assume that that the column is out of alignment in the y direction.

Have you tried packing the base of the column in an attempt to tilt the y direction back to the vertical?

If the misalignment is uneven could the bearings be worn?

You could also contact Warco as in the past I have found their technical support to be very helpful.

Martin

chipenter:
One way to test is to remove the down feed pinion and key , and rotate the spindle sleeve and test at 90 180 and 270 .

RussellT:
I have the Chester version of the WM14.

This sounds very peculiar.  If I understand correctly you are talking about lowering the quill using the side handle and finding that it's motion is not parallel to the axis of rotation.

Does locking the quill feed make any difference to the measurements?  Is there any detectable play between quill and the main casting?  Is there any detectable play between the spindle and the quill?  Is the motion smooth throughout the travel?

I have disassembled mine but I can't remember exactly how it comes apart.  If I recall correctly the only fiddly bit was getting the bearings out.

Russell

picclock:
@ Arnak
The column is true. Checked by simply raising and lowering the head with a dti and ground precision right angle block. Using both sides of the block I detected an error ~0.5 thou - better than I expected. I could change the column to to correct for this but then the spindle rotation would no longer be at perpendicular to the bed.

@RusselT
>> If I understand correctly you are talking about lowering the quill using the side handle and finding that it's motion is not parallel to the axis of rotation.

That's a much better way of describing it. The mechanics are good, smooth operation, no noticeable play, smooth movement. Locking the quill makes no difference but does introduce a side offset of a thou or two max.
In the past I've bodged it by packing the mill vice at an angle when I needed truly vertical holes, which to be fair is not that often. But its one of those things that keeps on niggling at me over time and I think I need to sort it as its become really irritating. Its a good little mill otherwise, perhaps a bit underpowered, and could always do with more travel.

If no other info is forthcoming on the madmodder forum I will get in touch with Warco, though it is well out of date for warranty purposes ~ 6years old.

Many Thanks

Best Regards

picclock

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