Thread: Deckel FP1 Vertical milling head backlash

Hello Everybody,

I have a Deckel FP1 made in 1952.
If I push with my thumb from underneath at the spindel of the vertical head I have a movement 0,06mm in the direction of the spindle axis, what is too much.
Deckel says it shouldn't have more than 0,02mm.
How do I adjust the backlash in the spindle?
There are 2 rings at top of the head, do I have to loose one, and tighten the other until I have 0,02mm backlash?
If I have to change the bearings to eleminate the backlash how to disassamble the head?

Thx Klaus

The rings you see on top of the head are there to hold the ball bearing for the bevel gear that drives the spindle.

That will not adjust your spindle end play.
You must remove the spindle assembly from the vertical head to get to the adjusting ring nuts.

Have to remove the draw bolt from the end of the spindle...Take out taper pin from the knurled ring just below the draw bolt.

Unscrew the collar. (remove draw bar)

Remove the retaining ring nuts from the center of the spring cover(hand feed shaft).
Withdraw the shaft with pinion out the opposite side....Make sure the clamp on the quill is loose to ease tension on the pinion shaft. Make sure to support the
quill /spindle assembly when removing the shaft....

Once the pinion (hand feed shaft) is out the quill will drop out the bottom of the vertical head casting.

There are two adjusting nuts on the spindle that take up end play....do not make it too tight....Adjust for the factory called end float....

Re assemble in the reverse order, making sure to align keys that drive the spindle when fitting up,,,
Push the quill all the way up and refit the pinion shaft (hand feed) ....to get proper spring tension , wind the cover in the correct direction before inserting the shaft.
Hold the cover , tensioned with one hand while inserting the shaft with the other.

Cheers Ross

Hello together,

Thank you Ross for your reply.
I took the spindle apart today and everything went smooth.
I ordered new bearings from SKF today because the old ones are not so good looking anymore.
I'm just wondering, when I assemble the spindle back together how do I measure and adjust the backlash without gulling the cone in the brass.
I know Deckel ask for 0,01 to 0,02 mm backlash, but how do I have to measure.

Strubbi

There are two clearance values that you have to be aware of on your spindle assembly.
First there is the radial or side clearance between the taper and the bushing....this is set by the spacer on top of the taper.
If the side clearance is OK (ie the side to side movement of the spindle relative to the quill) no action is needed.
If the bushing and spindle taper are worn then some adjustment is required.....this is done by grinding the shim spacer. This allows the taper to move up deeper into the bronze bushing and
reduces the side play....My FP1 book calls for .0004" of radial play...believe this is measured at the spindle nose relative to the quill....This is measured using a dial test indicator that can read tenths....

The book says that reduction of the spacer washer by .004" in thickness will reduce the radial clearance by .0004"....

The other clearance you need to worry about is that which is set with the ball thrust bearings (as shown in your photos)
End play (axial) is set to a maximum of .0008" according to the book...
Remember...Plain bushings must have clearance to live and ball thrust bearings likewise must have clearance...do not make your adjustments too tight.....

Cheers Ross

Hello Ross

Changed the bearings today.
Radial bearing didn't need any adjustments, the taper lokked like brand new with almost no wear.
Endplay wise, I tightend the bearings, so I could turn the spindle barly with my both hands.
Trenched it in oil, movement was like 0,008mm.
Installed everything back into the head and lubricated the shit out of it.
I filled oil on top through the ring where it says "Öl" (Oil) and on the front oiler.
Started to break in the bearings with low RPM'S and went up step by step.
Checked for heat (head was not even han warm) and noise, play about 0,013mm which I think is fine.
Thanks for you help!!

Klaus

Hello Klaus,
I have an older FP1 and suspect it is as old as yours. Do you hvae your machines serial #???

Thanks,

Tim in D

Hello Tim

Serial# is 29645 I think it's an mid 50's machine.

Klaus