VMC 650 BP3 spindle siezing

[Moorej91]

I have had a vmc 650 since new and is now about 20 months old. The machine has had very little use and never been worked hard. The spindle will shortly be sizing I am sure as it makes a really bad noise and feels rough when you spin by hand. The machine is warmed up every morning before work start. Has anyone else experienced problems with spindles?

[TimC]

I believe you have a Spintech in that machine. simular to whats in the "XV" series and now GX I think. Probably around $5K to replace? If you have air purge on that spindle nose make sure your air is dry, otherwise your blowing water into the lower bearing. Should have lasted longer though but unfortunately you will get the big shoulder shrug from Hardinge at this point. Their precision spindles are warranted for 2 years but not the case here.
Not much help but at this point all you can do is replace and make sure your belt is not running to tight. This machine also had a spindle cooler as an option, depending on how your running you may see if that cooler can be added when your new spindle is installed.