The Home Machinist!

Woohoo! Got uhm separated! Turns out the previous owner already ground/wore a flat spot on the shank so I put it in the post vice, used the copper stock and a rubber mallet and it came right off.

Thanks again everyone that helped get me to where I can use this thing finally!

16 should be 3/8X16 so that shank should be what you want. How are you holding the head it's self? If saving the old shank is not a issue a pipe wrench on the shank is fine. If it still is not playing use a heat gun and warm the head up to 250-275* as someone may have used Loc-tite on it. I was usi...

You Sir, GlennW - are AWESOME! Just to confirm though, I put a thread gauge on the drawbar bolt today and it says it's 16 thread --- not sure how that translates. Knowing this.... will the shank you've suggested still fit? Also ---- got any ideas about how to remove the current shank from the criter...

MSC page 1241. You need a 7/8-20 to MT3 shank, MSC Part #: 06768253 Or you could just Google "Criterion 7/8-20 to MT3 shank" Thanks! Any ideas about what the shank I purchased is actually for? (trying to decide whether I should throw it in a toolbox for future use or return it) Also, the ...

K - so I ordered the MT3 shank that I hoped would fit on the 2" criterion boring head I got off Marty, but I feel like I got the wrong one. Any advise? (Ordered from Bolton Tools, figured it'd have to fit since they made my machine.)

So.... I followed your instructions and they were close enough that I was able to figure it out but yea ---- the drawbar bolt head exists.... but it's threaded into the top of the MT3 shank! So fully removed the bolt and the arbor fell right out. So thanks for the assist.

Exploded view - just in case it helps...

http://www.boltontools.net/pdf/BT800.pdf

Watched a youtube vid on removal of an MT3 arbor, broke out the drift, locked the mill head in the down position, and tried to slot the drift. It won't go in. Was able to take a look in the slot with a flashlight and was able to confirm that the head was aligned correctly and the interior hole was a...

Thanks for the pointers!

also...

Do you have an indicator and a magnetic base?

yea I got one.

Also, after dykeming my bore bar and seeing where it's touching, what action should I take? Should I remove material from the bar until it doesn't touch any more?

Think this shank will work with the criterion boring head too?

http://r.ebay.com/3TNGHL

...or is the offshore face mill just another bad bet too?

Tony, the only thing I can recommend you do is: GRAB THIS NOW! http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=103862 If I didn't already own one, I would grab it out from under you :-) I did - just sent him a pm - Thanks for making that so easy! I saw mention of the thread by a previo...

I'm guessing that since you provided a link to a like part from a different vendor, you endorse the choice - which means it's not as bad of a tool as my initial inclination tells me it is? I'm guessing that it also means that the case isn't worth the extra 20 bucks? Thanks for the input btw - I just...