Wow, I didn't think I would ever get a response. Thanks.
I actually just completeed putting the mill back togetehr this week. I bought the kit that has all 4 of the thin black bushings and replaced them all. While I had the mill apart, I decided to take it even further apart for cleaning. I took it all the way down to the casting that holds the quill. That turned out to be a waste of time as even the grease in that area was clean. However, I did learn how the machine works, which is always a good thing.
Anyway, the machine still makes the noise, but it doesn't seem as bad.
I don't think its the bearings. When I spun them, they didn't feel gritty. One bearing did feel gritty, so I took it apart, cleaned and greased it, and it felt much better afterwards. That was the bearing on the aluminum bracket that moves the top spindle-side pulley.
I had measured the spindle pulley shaft and the motor shaft that the plastic bushings ride on. The spindle was well within a tenth its whole length. The motor shaft was slightly dished for about 1 inch. The change in diameter from the lowest part of the dish to the original diameter of the shaft was .001. I don't know if that is enough to be concerned about.
All that said, I think it is the belt. I will order one and I might also order the top bearing, or at least take a closer look at it and clean it.
I also have a question abut how much grease to use in various parts of the head. I'll post that in this thread tomorrow.
Thanks for the help.  |