Following the thread as I have an Atlas MFB mill with mounting ears on the gear box that were cracked when I bought it. They've since broken off. I figure it's made from Zamak like the gears, handles, etc. Have "visions" of making an aluminum gear box and reuse the Atlas face plate, axles, etc., but a welded repair would be better.
Bruce
I know this is a old thread but I have a 12 inch Craftsman and the traverse gear " case' in the apron broke on one corner ( the unit was like that when i got it.. so I used epoxy it lasted a little while, then broke then used this 2 part putty and it worked for a little. Then I saw that piece on ebay in a auction and lost it. ( I should have paid at least half the cost of my lathe) which would have been 200... but now it's broke again. Any ideas or results from ur vesr repair???? I spent lots if time fixing up and cleaning uo this lathe. Folks are basically robbing people for parts. I really need this fixed. What or how is ZAMAK REPaired???? all other metals can be repaired for the most part. Please helpi'm no expert in repairing ZAMAK, but i know it is highly unlikely that end result would be favorable, especially on change gears.
you may do better to try to recast, rather than repair.
Zamak was chosen due to its low cost, ease of casting, and lack of post casting machining
it was not chosen due to its ease of repair or superior wear characteristics.
if you are interested in trying an experiment, i could hunt down some 3D objects and 3D print some gears to try
Re-casting the gear or replacing it with a gear made from brass , bronze or other suitable materials is about all the options i can imagine.I know this is a old thread but I have a 12 inch Craftsman and the traverse gear " case' in the apron broke on one corner ( the unit was like that when i got it.. so I used epoxy it lasted a little while, then broke then used this 2 part putty and it worked for a little. Then I saw that piece on ebay in a auction and lost it. ( I should have paid at least half the cost of my lathe) which would have been 200... but now it's broke again. Any ideas or results from ur vesr repair???? I spent lots if time fixing up and cleaning uo this lathe. Folks are basically robbing people for parts. I really need this fixed. What or how is ZAMAK REPaired???? all other metals can be repaired for the most part. Please help
Ken