Hi, I purchased an Oliver 25B about 9 months ago and finally have it under power. However, the headstock tapered roller bearings (Timken are running hot (too hot to hold the adjacent casting after 15 minutes at approx 1200rpm). It sounds smooth but sounds like it's working too hard.
It could be one of a few problems to my understanding:
-wrong viscosity of grease
-bearings over packed
-thrust nut over tightened
-bearing misalignment
Also:
-I am not equipped to remove the bearings and shaft which means I can't clean or replace them properly (and ensure grease incompatibility)
-I've removed the purge plug from the outboard bearing housing and the cover from the front bearing and run the lathe using centripetal force to get rid of most the old grease
Any advice out there?
-Is there a way of flushing the bearings without removing them? (whilst neutralising the solvent used before putting new grease in)
-What's the best way of semi-repacking bearings still in there housing
-how do I ensure the correct force/tension on the thrust nut?
Failing that, does anyone know how to remove the bearings without screwing up alignment, concentricity etc?
NOTE:
-The 25B is a direct drive machine i.e. the spindle is the motor shaft.
-The motor also appears to be friction fitted to the inside of the headstock casting (real weird) which makes the headstock an incredibly tight space to work inside.
-I can't see or access the inside faces of the bearing.
-Nor can I access the outside face of the outboard bearing because the outboard cast cover plate will not come off.
-I am very cautious of messing this thing up because of the difficulty in working around the direct drive system- I can't afford to damage the motor, bearings or casting.
Please Help!
Thanks,
John
It could be one of a few problems to my understanding:
-wrong viscosity of grease
-bearings over packed
-thrust nut over tightened
-bearing misalignment
Also:
-I am not equipped to remove the bearings and shaft which means I can't clean or replace them properly (and ensure grease incompatibility)
-I've removed the purge plug from the outboard bearing housing and the cover from the front bearing and run the lathe using centripetal force to get rid of most the old grease
Any advice out there?
-Is there a way of flushing the bearings without removing them? (whilst neutralising the solvent used before putting new grease in)
-What's the best way of semi-repacking bearings still in there housing
-how do I ensure the correct force/tension on the thrust nut?
Failing that, does anyone know how to remove the bearings without screwing up alignment, concentricity etc?
NOTE:
-The 25B is a direct drive machine i.e. the spindle is the motor shaft.
-The motor also appears to be friction fitted to the inside of the headstock casting (real weird) which makes the headstock an incredibly tight space to work inside.
-I can't see or access the inside faces of the bearing.
-Nor can I access the outside face of the outboard bearing because the outboard cast cover plate will not come off.
-I am very cautious of messing this thing up because of the difficulty in working around the direct drive system- I can't afford to damage the motor, bearings or casting.
Please Help!
Thanks,
John