The Home Machinist!

I have an FTV-3 CNC that has a good controller. My head is in bad shape, and I'm rather unsure how to proceed. Two problems -- one being that the back gear seems stuck. I took the housing away from the pinion shaft but it won't budge at all. I'm not sure if I need to work the pinion shaft (probably grind some flat spots, drill it out, or something) or figure out a way to unscrew the nut that has four keys cut out of it -- see pictures. I'm also not sure how it works -- given the springs, it seems like the large gear should collapse... but it only moves about 1/4" or so. Second problem is the spindle in the quill... obviously had a lot of water and rusted shut. After a lot of work, I can turn it, but probably need to replace bearings -- not sure if I can remove the spindle without removing the quill? I tried to weld up a 2 prong spanner to loosen the spindle nut (see picture) but broke my O1 rod 3 times in a row (separate welds each time) so I'm quite perplexed as how to proceed on either front! Any help much appreciated!

-Todd

01 is not to be welded. Now you know why.

Sorry, I'm no help with the other issues, but if your spindle has been exposed to water to the point where it has rusted, I question if you should be wasting any time on the thing. Damage will have been done that most likely will yield problems when (if) you get the machine operational.

Harold

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Wise people talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.

Yeah, I have been questioning too... but seeing the controller work has given me renewed hope that maybe the spindle issues can be resolved... Didn't know that about O1 -- thanks for the info! -Tod