The outer races, which are pressed into the bearing caps of the headstock, are more accessible but need a very careful press (or puller) setup to get the races out without damaging (or breaking!!) the headstock casting. Spindle removal is kind of tricky, it withdraws toward the front and the backgear bull gear assembly, the V-belt pulley, and the rear inner race must be pressed or pushed off as the spindle is withdrawn. The roller cage and inner race (on the spindle) are relatively easy to replace once the spindle is out of the machine although an arbor press will make the job easier.
I don't know that the additional cost of spindle grade bearings would be justified by significantly improved performance and accuracy in these machines. My first rebuild was a 10" model mfg ca.1953, and when the original bearings were pulled out were found to be Timken standard grade. These are standard tapered roller bearings with an inner and outer race and roller cage, and so far as I know they are standard tolerance bearings as opposed to machine tool spindle grade bearings. Generally, unless they have been damaged by gross neglect and/or abuse, the spindle (Timken tapered roller) bearings should last the life of the lathe. I have rebuilt several Atlas/Craftsman lathes although my last 10"/12" model was many years ago and I'm relying on distant memories of those jobs.
0 kommentar(er)
