I purchased a power feed to use with my Central Machinery 6 x 26 knee mill. Now I need to remove the 5mm Woodruff Key on the lead screw in order to slide the unit onto the lead screw. The problem is, I can't get the key out of the slot! I have tried locking a pair of vice grip pliers on the key and pulling as hard as I can. I also tried giving the pliers a fairly good little tap with a hammer. I don't want to beat hard on the pliers or the key itself because of the danger of damaging the lead screw. Does anyone have any ideas? I am also rather reticent to heat the shaft with a torch for the same reason. There is a hole in the end of the lead screw, but I don't see anything in there that looks like it might be retaining the key in some way.
Is there some magic I don't know? What is the safest way to proceed? I suppose I could split the key with a Dremel saw, but what a pain!
Is there some magic I don't know? What is the safest way to proceed? I suppose I could split the key with a Dremel saw, but what a pain!
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