Atlas 10f powerfeed

[songbird]

I just bought an atlas 10 f lathe, with the apron disasembled. I've had a 9" southbend and currently have a 10" logan and clausing 5914. As I install what I think is the drive gear that intercepts the "miter gear" to power the crossfeed, I've noticed that the leadscrew has a keyslot, but no keyslot in the drivegear. In other words, nothing will drive this gear. What am I missing. Why is there no keyslot? Thanks, Jim.

 

[wa5cab]

Jim,

I assume that you are referring to mitre gear part number 341-051. If the bore doesn't have a key cast integral with the gear and hub, it has been either sheared off or worn off.

Robert D.

 

[songbird]

thanks for the reply, the part number helped clear it up. I do not understand why a manufactor would make the gear assmbly "sacrificial", rather than an actual "key", but what do I know. Anyway, thanks!

 

[wa5cab]

Jim,

Unlike the right lead screw bearing, we don't know that it was intended that the key shear off in the event of a crash. But the gear, even today, is certainly cheaper to replace than the entire drive train.

Robert D.

 

[wa5cab]

Further, the economics greatly favored casting the key in. The gear with a keyway cast in probably wouldn't cost any more than with the key cast in. But then you would have to machine the gear to provide holes for screws to secure the key (if not attached to the gear, it will migrate out one end of the gear). Plus the added cost of the key with holes drilled and tapped.

Robert D.