OK this is the adjustment procedure I am proposing.
One bearing at a time.
Back off the inner adjuster to allow the bearing to be tightened.
Screw in the outer adjuster till the spindle just nips up then back off a bit (not sure how much).
Screw in the inner adjuster to lock the bearing in place.
Repeat with the other bearing.
Finally screw in the end play adjuster till the spindle nips up then back off and lock.
I will give this a go later in the week.
Hi Rod, I had similar problems with mine, the mainshaft just got tight all of a sudden. I had more or less adjusted it the way you describe. You have to make sure the inner and outer locking rings are acting on the taper, and work together on it. It can be difficult to feel when the locking rings are in contact, they are quite tight to turn anyway. I found I had to more or less use the inner rings to first push the taper out a bit, and then clamp from the other side. I was surprised how much I had to back everything off, but now it runs very smoothly and without play.
What did you use for your wick oilers? I used 2mm paraffin lamp wicks, but they seem to syphon the oil out of the reservoirs overnight. I am using a light weight hydraulic oil like Hyspin 32.
I am still in the process of finishing the Cromwell off, but on initial commissioning it appears to be very accurate, and nice to work with. I don't like the visible cross slide screw, which seems vulnerable to swarf ingress from the top, maybe I'll have to come up with some kind of cover.
Good luck, I am sure it'll come good, just needs tinkering!
Regards,
Paul