- Joined
- Jan 23, 2017
- Messages
- 228
Check your spindle on V blocks on the surface plate. A bit of paper between the spindle and the blocks will keep you from marring the spindle.
Bearings and spindle condition are a sticky bit of work. bearings are a case of you get what you pay for. Sealed bearings are crap. They are used in electric motors, and have shallow grooves. They are also cheap. Angular contact bearings are never sealed, and can be bought in different levels of precision. ABEC Class 5 is a common number for spindles if you aren't asking too much of them. ABEC Class 7 for high quality spindles. BTW, even electric motor bearings in sizes of a couple of inches ID are happy to run 6000 RPM.
A Bridgeport mill has a felt washer as a seal on top of the spindle cartridge. This is how the cartridge is lubricated. A few drops of oil next to the drawbar a couple of times per shift. The felt keeps the dust and crap out, and filters the oil.
Bearings and spindle condition are a sticky bit of work. bearings are a case of you get what you pay for. Sealed bearings are crap. They are used in electric motors, and have shallow grooves. They are also cheap. Angular contact bearings are never sealed, and can be bought in different levels of precision. ABEC Class 5 is a common number for spindles if you aren't asking too much of them. ABEC Class 7 for high quality spindles. BTW, even electric motor bearings in sizes of a couple of inches ID are happy to run 6000 RPM.
A Bridgeport mill has a felt washer as a seal on top of the spindle cartridge. This is how the cartridge is lubricated. A few drops of oil next to the drawbar a couple of times per shift. The felt keeps the dust and crap out, and filters the oil.