Need some help Wells Index 845 Mill

Randy803

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So I just purchased this mill and gt it moved in the shop. I think the mill had sat for many years unused. The taper is B&S #9 and a tool was stuck in the spindle HARD. I backed the screw out about 2 turns and gave it a good hit. This went on for a long time and we finally were able with penetrating oil, tapping on the draw bar and gently prying to get the old tool holder out. The original quill handle pins were sheared off so I made a new one. Now the real issue begins, I could only move the quill 3 to 4 inches and even that was difficult. I checked all the basic things like quill lock and such. I have the manual and it details the super easy job of removing the quill... Well the quill is STUCK hard. I was able to get it half way out but no further. I unbolted the top housing and when I move the quill handle up it lifted the entire top housing motor and all! I think the spline is stuck in the quill? I have tried all that I can think of but could use some advice before I break something. Thanks!

OH one note! They had grates mounted over the belt access areas and it makes me suspect the oil cup was never filled. When I took the side plate off it looked like tar coming out.

Wells Index Model 845.jpg

Wells Index Model 845.jpg
 
i don't know if you like the smell of PB Blaster, but it is a pretty good penetrating oil.
diesel fuel or kerosene are other good penetrants as well.

a teardown may be in order if you can't get it to free up by external means.
 
Contact Rick Robison at wellsindex-at-aol-dot-com. He has been very helpful with questions concerning my Index 845 when I first got it a few years back. Sounds like some penetrating oil as Ulma Doctor recommended would be a good first step. My 845 has an NMTB-30 spindle... I love that mill!

Keep us posted...
Jeff Pfeifer
 
Is that the mill that was on CL around here for all those months?
Yeah, it so happens I called on it and it was a friend of mine who had it. I got it for $500.00 so I figure that is scrap metal pricing for it. I have repainted it and fixed the issues, added DRO and am milling like a boss now.. :)
 
I eyeballed it a few times. I wish I had the room for a full size mill. I hoped someone would get it and it would not go to scrap. Glad to see you did, and for a great price! How 'bout some more pics of it?
 
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