Rotary table clean up and preparation

[chola]

Don't know if this is in the right place but I'm sure I'll get told if it isn't


I've just bought a little 3" rotary table and was wondering if there are any procedures to go through with reagrds to stripping and cleaning?

I've noticed the movement is a little notchy / stiff from about 15deg to 180deg and was wondering if there was anything I can do to smooth it out. If I pull the table apart and smooth over the mating surfaces and generally give it a tidy up, is there anything I should watch out for?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Colin

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

chola, I assume you intend to completely dissassemble the unit (very carefully) and thoroughly clean the components. That in itself may help or even cure the problem. In a similar situation we found a horizontal dividing head that was in storage for some time. There was water based coolant inside in contact with half of the worm gear. That caused corosion on half the teeth creating a condition similar to yours.

[chola]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for that. Definately sounds like similar problem to what I have then. So a careful stip down and clean up it is.

Any idea on the type of lubricant I should apply to the gear / threads when reassembling? Grease (automotive or Lithium), or a good quality motor oil etc? I would imagine it doesn't really matter that much as the lubricant won't be subject to metal particles thus creating a very nice little grinding paste!

Thanks again.

Colin

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Colin, Rotary tables, indexers etc. are individuals. Some have planetary gears like an automatic transmission. I suspect they are oil lubed, maybe even ATF. Worm-worm wheel type are not rolling gears, but sliding screw type interfaces. These require high pressure oil (like in the differential in solid axles) If it is a bronze worm wheel, it will require an oil with a special additive to prevent chemical pitting of the gear tooth faces. Mobil makes one and I think others do as well. Come to think of it, that may be a possible cause for your present problem. If all else fails, read the instructions or contact the mfgr. Good Luck.