Need Help!- how do I fix vertical spindle movement

[sc6chuck9]

I have discovered vertical play in the spindle on my Atrump Bed mill and need some help to diagnose what it could be.
With the quill in the fully up position and quill lock engaged, I can push up on the end of the spindle with my
hand and there is visible movement of the spindle upwards, inside the quill. Just guessing, it looks like it moves
about 1/16 to 1/8. It moves with or without a tool in the spindle. It drops down when I release pressure.
Could this be caused by spindle locknut being loose? I did take the large nut loose from the bottom of spindle with no
luck as when I run out of thread it just sits there . I thought the whole pack should drop out LOL, well it didn't. I
started to knock a wedge in to see if that would break it loose but with further thought I decided that too could be a
costly mistake so I have come to you folks for help. I know the whole thing is just a Bridgeport copy so there has to
be someone who can help please. I'm an ole fart so be easy on me with any help, LOL. See my work now a days is so slow
that my power bill is being paid with what was going to be my retirement fund, so I have to laugh about things to keep
from crying. Thanks for any help you may have and for the chance to vent a little. Chuck

[ppascuzzi]

Alot depends on how close of a copy it is to a series one. With that said, check the nose piece and see if it has unthreaded some. There should be a set screw to lock it in place, on a series I it is on the back side of the quill.

If that is not your problem then you'll have to check the nut at the top of the spindle that holds the bearings onto the spindle. A bit of disassembly is required to get at it.

[sc6chuck9]

Thanks ppascuzzi, I forgot to say that I did loosen the set screew at the back of quill when I unthreaded the the nose piece. I was under the impresion that when this nut ran out of threads that the whole spindle pack would drop in my hands,,,,,,,lol,,,,,see that's how i know for a fact that all machines and machinery are women by heart! Cause they never do what you expect,,,,,LOL

[ppascuzzi]

Originally Posted by sc6chuck9 Thanks ppascuzzi, I forgot to say that I did loosen the set screew at the back of quill when I unthreaded the the nose piece. I was under the impresion that when this nut ran out of threads that the whole spindle pack would drop in my hands,,,,,,,lol,,,,,see that's how i know for a fact that all machines and machinery are women by heart! Cause they never do what you expect,,,,,LOL

On a Series I you usually have to tap it down from the top side (be careful not to damage the felt washer or the shield/retainer that holds it in place)