Help! Removing MVN Head with Geared Tilt Mechanism

Hey Everyone,

Hoping someone can help me out on the removal of my variable speed, tilt head Millrite MVN head. I have a Millrite Powermatic MVN SN 78 6 42. It has the extended knee, variable speed head with the worm geared tilt head and power quill feed that is independently powered and bolted to the head (does not connect to ram in any way).

I got my hands on a Bridgeport J head that is in good condition for cheap and was going to swap the heads, or so I thought. I figured to remove the head would be relatively simple- remove nuts from 4 t-Bolts, wiggle worm gear drive, head pops off, right? No! I cannot get the head to separate more than about ¼” to 3/8” from the ram and I have no idea why. My assumption is the worm gear is the culprit but I have no idea how to get past it. Every time I wiggle the worm gear drive it just pulls the head back onto the ram. I have a hoist supporting the weight of the head. I have tried to lift the head up and pull off, lower the head and pull off, wiggle the worm gear and just plain pulled and I cannot achieve more than the ¼ to 3/8” gap. I have tried wooden shims as wedges- just shaved the shim down. I have tried to rotate the head- nothing.

I have the manual and there are no instructions on removing the head with the geared head tilt feature. The exploded views show a set screw holding the drive gear in place but it cannot be access unless the head is removed. I also managed to get a boroscope up into the ram to photograph the back of the worm gear as it bolts onto the head. I can see a bolt hole pattern but can’t see the bolt heads, even if I could I have no idea how anyone can be expected to get a tool of any kind in there to remove them.

I have been conversing with the Yahoo Group for Burke Mills a lot recently and they have been great about quick responses and advice but none of it has worked and none of them have ever gotten their hands on a mill like mine with the geared tilt head and powerfeed…I have a rare one apparently, yay L !

Has any one removed the geared tilt head version head from a millrite? Does anyone have any bright ideas? At this point I don’t care about swapping the heads I just want to understand what is goes on and why the damn head won’t come off.


Thanks in advance for feedback!

Swit21

Need pictures , usually with the four nuts removed they slide off, I'm betting there are lock rings on the threads . There's also spacers in the holes thru the head where the bolts come thru maybe there buggered up from over tightening the bolts. Just my assumption with out seeing it close up.
Oh hi and welcome to the site.

I have completely removed the nuts and washers from the T bolts, they wiggle around just fine. It seems something else is holding the head.

Sorry I didn't upload photos sooner. I didn't have them on the computer I was using.

Ok this sounds crazy , but I've had some repairs in my forty plus working years. For some reason I think the head may need to be turned to a certain position to slide free. The way you said it pulls it back in if you turn the tilt crank. The head may have a SAFTEY key so it can't fall on its own . Try turning the head sideways as far as it will go. Lower the table to allow it to lay flat on the table use blocks and keep the strap hooked up. With it upside down or sideways on the table tray pulling it off I bet it's got one way off and on.