Mini Mill spindle

[tc26]

Back in july I was having some problems maintaining locations of machined features on parts I was running in our Mini Mill. I placed an indicator in the spindle and checked for free-play in the table ( less than .0005 ).
I did the same for the spindle head ( indicator contacting T slot, grab head and push and pull, X & Y direction ). I found .003" of movement.
I contacted our HFO and was told to contact the factory. I coresponded with 2 different people at HAAS and never resolved the issue.
Last week, the machine took a turn for the worse and was scrapping everything I ran. I checked the free-play in the spindle head again and had an indicator reading of .020". I checked the cap screws (6) that hold the spindle in and found all of them to be less than finger tight. It appears that when our HFO installed a new spindle, the technician did not properly torque the screws.

[plastibob]

BTW how much did the new spindle cost and what year is the mini mill - thanks.

[tc26]

The Mini Mill is a 2006. Sorry, I don't know the cost of the spindle because I am an employee. The owner signs the HFO work order and pays the bill.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by plastibob BTW how much did the new spindle cost and what year is the mini mill - thanks.

new spindles are something like $3500 iirc. You get half off when you return the old one.

[awesome83]

DUMB QUESTION.
WHEN YOU TIGHTEN THE 6 CAP SCREWS DOES THE .020" GO AWAY?

[tc26]

Yes, after I tightened the screws everything was good.