cayusedriver link=topic=3759.msg27692#msg27692 date=1317388271 said:
Nelson:
I guess I need to ask how to disassemble and remove the RAM assembly and the table from the machine for painting.
I
I don't know what POR paint is. I use either Rustoleum or Benjamin Moore Alkyd M-22 I think it is.
Remove the table first. I think just removed the handwheels, brackets, stop mechanism, and the gib under the table between the feed mechanism and the table. There are some hard to see setscrews as I recall. If you need a parts diagram, I will download it here from the downloads directory we have. I removed the connection to the feed mechanism and slid it out. I am working from memory, so I am fuzzy on specifics. I couldn't hold it, so I put the sling around the middle and used the engine crane to move it and set it down on some wood. It weighs over 100 pounds. I am 53, not as powerful as I used to be.
Ram casting. OK. This is from memory, so I will probably leave something out. Remove overarm and support. You will need to put your sling through the casting where the overarm was on your engine crane. The ram is very heavy, and you need the lift. Remove all jib screws and binders, and set them aside in a cup where you can find them. Using the removable crank, crank the ram as far as it will go on the ram lead screw. Then crank the sling tight so the engine crane will hold the ram. Then I pushed the ram off the dovetails- it might stick a bit. Make sure all gibs and binders are off. It will swing off if everything holding it is removed. Guide it carefully so it doesn't hit anything. Once off, move it onto some wood 4x4s.
The knee is the same idea. The one thing I recall is the gib screws are a witch. Do not tighten them or you will crack the gib. Work slowly and carefully until the lead screw for the Z movement that goes through the base casting is all holding it, then lift it off with the engine crane. It is heavy, but not as heavy as the ram or table.
Work slowly and OBSERVE what is holding things up BEFORE you move things. Make sure everything is held back by your crane. Don't force anything for gosh sake, you will break something. If things stick, then use penetrating oil (Kroil is BEST) on them and let them soak for a day.
Reference the photos of my disqassembly on here. And then check out Weeble's photos on here also of his restoration. Good stuff. Also, do a search of the VN Yahoo group on VN disassembly. Someone outlined the steps quickly AND a guy on there named Franklyn has an album showing SOME of the steps he used to disassemble his #12, and he is a good guy who can help you also. Man, I read EVERYTHING before I touched mine, and it went well. I have done two of them now, so I have a handle on how to disassemble it in a few hours.
Nelson