X-3 Spindle wrench

[DICKEYBIRD]

This isn't a huge thing but a useful tip to other Sieg X-3 owners methinks. I was doing some tapping and didn't have the nerve to try power tapping with it....even using the very slow speeds....scairt I would snap off a tap.

I was trying to figure out how to make a tool of some kind to fit onto the splined spindle shaft up top and turn it by hand. I scrounged around in my toolbox and found that a 23 mm 12 point box end wrench was a perfect fit! Just shift into neutral and tap away, problem solved.

[Tim Wiltse]

DB,

When did you score an X3?

LAter,
Tim

[Greolt]

Thats a good tip Dickeybird.

But give the tapping feature a go. It worked great for me the other day when I had a heap of holes to tap. 5mm through 10mm steel.

I was a bit cautious as to how it would go but on small holes anyway it was a life saver.

Having had success there, I would try a larger tap with some confidence.

Have a look at this thread for a pic
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28979

[DICKEYBIRD]

Hi Tim! Got it a little over a week ago. It was a combined b/day-Christmas gift from the wife and daughter. Well, actually I've been saving for it for quite a while and most of it was actually money I made from R/C articles. They had to give me the ol' family seal of approval though.

I got a real nice wedge-type QCTP for the lathe as well, a set of 23 R-8 collets for the mill and a bunch of other tooling to go with it. Work is preventing much fun time with it right now but I can't wait. It's a real nice piece of machinery! It'll really MOVE some metal compared to that little milling adapter I made for the lathe.

When I get more time (and gumption) I'll give the power-tapping a whirl.