R8 X3 spindle - end mill holder won't fit :mad:

[messar]

Does anyone know how to remove the key from the inside of the X3 R8 spindle? It's too wide for all my end mill holders....

I'm guessing I have to take apart the spindle, and press out the key (it actually just a pin)... Anything I need to be carefull of if I take this apart? I'm not sure how to get the pre-load on the bearings right when I put it back together.

Thanks,

Matt

[angelballer]

Here is a write-up about an X3. I think it is the same problem but not really sure.

http://www.mini-lathe.com/X3_mill/sp...X3_spindle.htm

Also this thread says not to remov the key...

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16908

Let us know what you figure out.

Josh

[replicapro]

I used a dremel and a grinding bit. Took 2 min to do. They are all like that but easy to fix

[messar]

I managed to clean this up - thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

I ended up taking the spindle apart, since there was a lot of grit around the top bearing. Not sure yet how good an idea this was, but everything seems to work fine now. I'll look at it further when I have some time.

I forced the pin out to get better access, then used 400grit sand paper wrapped around a piece of round stock in my lathe to take a bit off the inside.

It's pretty tight still, but most of my collets and end mill holders fit OK - I'll just polish up those that don't fit as I go.

Matt