New mill Wells-Index 745

I made a little bit of progress today on the Mill. I managed to complete the first round of sanding on the turret and over ram. I was actually able to get it to a fairly smooth finish, just a few spots where I need to fill some casting flaws then hopefully I can epoxy primer and topcoat.

Parts after first round of primer and sanding:

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Next I filled all the rough spots on the casting with filler and sanded them smooth.20181105_142426.jpg

I started to do another coat of epoxy primer but unfortunately my spray gun broke part way through so I will have to re-sand and redo the epoxy primer next time.


I also managed to get the table cleaned up. I just used paper towel and WD40 to remove some stains and rust. The table is in really great shape, not even one drill or cutter mark one it.

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I got the pieces I started to paint re-sanded and ready to be painted once I get another paint gun.

I also took a bit of time to clean up the bronze XY nut. I had assumed it would be well worn given the age, but after getting the grime off it doesn't look bad at all. In fact I doubt there is much to be gained by replacing it. And I think the 20 thousands backlash I observed when I first inspected the machine is reasonable for my intended uses.

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So work on the mill is moving forward.

I finally finished painting the turret and over ram parts.

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Next was to install the slide mechanism.

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Then I wrestled the over ram back into the turret.
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The next step is of course to install the turret and over ram back on top of the mill. I briefly considered trying to power hoist/lift them on the mill by hand but since the 4 bolts on the turret have to line up with the holes in the mill colum I figured I best use a hoist to install it.

That ended up being a big production as the engine hoist would not fit past the rolling stand the mill is now on. So I had to put it up on blocks so the engine hoist's forward wheels could 'straddle' the mill without running into the mill's stand. Anyway to was not the way I wanted to install the turret but in the end it worked.

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And finally the mill back in its proper place with the turret/over ram installed.

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Were you ever able to hook up with Shane?

Not yet, but that's why I haven't installed the table and just have the cross slide sitting on the knee, so I can easily remove it. I don't think I will be getting anything re-scraped but I'll ask him about re-flaking (to help with oil retention).
 
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NO! do not take the chop saw to the table!

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Just kidding. Great job. I wish I had the time and dedication to fully rebuild a machine. I'm doing about 1/4 on my 16"SB, but I need to get it going to get some other stuff done.

Good to see the bronze nut is good. I have seen it in the parts diagrams, but did not realize its size. I bet it would not be cheap to replace.

Great job with the pics, thanks.
 
NO! do not take the chop saw to the table!

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Just kidding. Great job. I wish I had the time and dedication to fully rebuild a machine. I'm doing about 1/4 on my 16"SB, but I need to get it going to get some other stuff done.

Good to see the bronze nut is good. I have seen it in the parts diagrams, but did not realize its size. I bet it would not be cheap to replace.

Great job with the pics, thanks.

haha ya I guess it does look like that in the picture.

Thanks, ya its a bit of work for sure but I'm having fun. I will say the size and weight of the components has made it challenging at times, much harder than the South bend 9a I redid. That's cool you have a south bend 16. I also have a South bend 13 that I'm planning to restore after the mill is done, I have seriously considered leaving the patenia on the SB13 and just getting it functional as referbishing these machines is lots of work!

Ya I was happy to not replace the bronze nut. I called Wells-Index 3 times about it and e-mailed them once. They were very pleseant on the phone, they said they were out of stock on the, but still have the moulds and could have thier foundry cast some new nuts if I was willing to wait...they were going to call me back with a price but I never did hear back about pricing. However, I assume if they were casting one and machining it just for me it wouldn't be cheap.
 
Just a very small update. I removed the studs on the turret and cleaned up /polished them. 20181113_190223.jpg

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All the studs replaced...

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I also polished the nuts and washer too..

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I really like the look of the polished hardware, adds a nice little detail IMHO.
 
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