HF mini mill. Problem with graduated dial on Z axis

[vincent52100]

Hi all. I have a question on my new HF mini mill. On the fine adjust knob I can’t move the graduated dial to set zero. Is it normal for it to not move? I’ve applied a lot of pressure to it but no luck. Any ideas?
Thanks!

 

[homebrewed]

The dial on my fine feed knob turns pretty easily, so you've got a problem in there. Does the knob turn easily? If not, that might be a clue on what is going on.

 

[vincent52100]

Right, knob turns fine. It must be really stuck.

 

[homebrewed]

It's possible there is some debris in there that needs to be removed, or perhaps there's a manufacturing problem that needs to be addressed.

But be careful when pulling the dial off. There is a little leaf spring that is used to produce a bit of friction between the dial and knob (so the dial stays where you set it). IIRC It rides in a groove that is machined into the knob, and is under compression when the dial is installed. Those springs have been known to leap out into the great unknown when given the chance!