- Joined
- May 2, 2015
- Messages
- 149
I recently posted a sketch on Terrywerm's thread (Brake cam and handle for Clausing 8520, 8525, 8530, 8535 mills) referencing a possible repair idea for the commonly cracked brake ring. Reposted below.
Having a cracked ring - and weighing the cost/effort to weld it (nickel rod required for cast iron) I pondered the possibility to use a pivot where the crack was. I took the plunge as I had everything else done on a top end rebuild / column riser fabrication - the cracked ring was the only thing stopping me. The mod was simple enough - drill/tap two holes w/ 6-32 and fabricate a small pivot plate out of .080" thk brass. Holes were .625 ctr/ctr. Plate mounts on the bottom of the ring.
This seamed like it would be great - except that it would probably rattle - so where the brake cam fits in between the two steel plates - I replaced the two screws with longer versions and attached a small coil spring between them. This accomplished multiple things - it kept the brake ring from rattling and kept it in a fully closed position against the head casting seat and it also closed the two steel plates up against the brake cam. This basically turns the cam/handle into a center off - spring loaded on (push or pull) brake. It also eliminates the rattle of the cam/handle assembly. Screws were Locktited in place. The screws, plate and springs came out of the parts drawers. Took maybe 30mins start to finish.
All reassembled and tested - works fantastic - WAAAAY better than I expected.
Pics below
Having a cracked ring - and weighing the cost/effort to weld it (nickel rod required for cast iron) I pondered the possibility to use a pivot where the crack was. I took the plunge as I had everything else done on a top end rebuild / column riser fabrication - the cracked ring was the only thing stopping me. The mod was simple enough - drill/tap two holes w/ 6-32 and fabricate a small pivot plate out of .080" thk brass. Holes were .625 ctr/ctr. Plate mounts on the bottom of the ring.
This seamed like it would be great - except that it would probably rattle - so where the brake cam fits in between the two steel plates - I replaced the two screws with longer versions and attached a small coil spring between them. This accomplished multiple things - it kept the brake ring from rattling and kept it in a fully closed position against the head casting seat and it also closed the two steel plates up against the brake cam. This basically turns the cam/handle into a center off - spring loaded on (push or pull) brake. It also eliminates the rattle of the cam/handle assembly. Screws were Locktited in place. The screws, plate and springs came out of the parts drawers. Took maybe 30mins start to finish.
All reassembled and tested - works fantastic - WAAAAY better than I expected.
Pics below
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