Atlas Mfc Milling Machine - Removing Mf-38 Change Gear Knob ???

CluelessNewB

CluelessNewB

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Mar 3, 2013
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I'm trying to remove the MF-38 change gear knob without screwing it up. I removed the pin but the knob doesn't want to come off the shaft. It's made of Zamak so I know better than to do anything drastic. I tried some wood wedges between the knob and the cover but that didn't work.

Any ideas?
 
Never mind. I left it overnight with the wood wedges and Kroil and today it came loose with no problems. Patience rewards! This machine has been unused for about 35 years according to the previous owner. I'm not sure what type of lubricant he used but it has all turned into this sticky goo. Mineral spirits and a brush will take it off but it requires some significant brushing. I could barely get the gears to turn it's so sticky. Its a slow dirty job. I spent most of the afternoon just cleaning up the change gear assembly and I'm not completely done.
 
I've found that Zep concentrated floor stripper is excellent for removing old dried up grease. A gallon of it is about $10 at your local home center and it mixes up 9:1, so it'll last a long while. I spray it on and after it sits for 10 minutes, the grease usually wipes right off. It does remove paint if you leave it a long while, but it's the best thing I've found for cleaning machinery.
 
Just be careful with how much force you put on the Zamak parts - they can be quite fragile.
 
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