I picked up an old, parted 325 a couple years ago for the home. It was gutted so basically a frame, no electronics. Perfect for me since I dabble with DIY CNC stuff. At the time all I could check was ballscrew tightness. Couldn't test the spindle but it was a gamble and I got it relatively cheap. Movement was good and tight so I went ahead and got it.
Well after a hiatus, I finally got motion to the machine in the past couple weeks. Today I got the VFD going. Rough start getting the parameters set but seemed good after I tuned it. Then throughout the day, the spindle started to sound progressively worse, especially at low speeds (1500ish range).
Took the top plate off and the pulley bearing is definitely no good. I turned the spindle back on slowly and ramped up and listened to the spindle area and it didn't have a feel-good sound either so I'm thinking it needs new bearings. Definitely a dull clunky, dragging rattle sound.
So what am I in for? I've found a few archived threads about the same subject but no follow through. I know there's a few places out there that still service these machines. For a DIY/home use machine, I prefer the economic option. I feel like I have the tools and the capacity at home (also have access to a decent machine shop). If I need to get more tools, that's not a problem either.
My first concern is removing the spindle/cartridge. Please tell me it comes through the bottom? The machine is in my basement and I only have a 7' ceiling. I assume after I get the pulley off the top and unbolt the Z axis ballscrew nut carrier it should slide out from the bottom? Anyone have a service manual they're willing to share/sell? Thanks.
Well after a hiatus, I finally got motion to the machine in the past couple weeks. Today I got the VFD going. Rough start getting the parameters set but seemed good after I tuned it. Then throughout the day, the spindle started to sound progressively worse, especially at low speeds (1500ish range).
Took the top plate off and the pulley bearing is definitely no good. I turned the spindle back on slowly and ramped up and listened to the spindle area and it didn't have a feel-good sound either so I'm thinking it needs new bearings. Definitely a dull clunky, dragging rattle sound.
So what am I in for? I've found a few archived threads about the same subject but no follow through. I know there's a few places out there that still service these machines. For a DIY/home use machine, I prefer the economic option. I feel like I have the tools and the capacity at home (also have access to a decent machine shop). If I need to get more tools, that's not a problem either.
My first concern is removing the spindle/cartridge. Please tell me it comes through the bottom? The machine is in my basement and I only have a 7' ceiling. I assume after I get the pulley off the top and unbolt the Z axis ballscrew nut carrier it should slide out from the bottom? Anyone have a service manual they're willing to share/sell? Thanks.