IH mill gear shift.

[BlackMoon]

Hi iv noticed when changing tools, I have to put the mill in low to get enough torque to be able to tighten the drawbar.. but I also noticed that the H/L lever stuck about half way seems to fully lock the gearbox. Is it safe to use that 'lock' to tighten the drawbar or should I just set it to some L gear and use the motor friction/momentium?

[widgitmaster]

Sure, until the draw-bar thread stretches until snaps off in a tool holder!
NEVER do it under power, its too dangerous, and can damage your machine or you!

That's why its called "Manual Tool Change"

[sandefuj]

Get one of these, or make your own. Makes tool change simple.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-COLLET-DRAWB...item4149d3e984

[philbur]

To answer your question I think there will always be a risk of damaging the gears if you "lock" them in this way. Just use the friction/inertia in low gear. It has the added advantage that it gives you an indication when you are getting to brutal with the draw-bar.

Phil

Originally Posted by BlackMoon Hi iv noticed when changing tools, I have to put the mill in low to get enough torque to be able to tighten the drawbar.. but I also noticed that the H/L lever stuck about half way seems to fully lock the gearbox. Is it safe to use that 'lock' to tighten the drawbar or should I just set it to some L gear and use the motor friction/momentium?

[Cruiser]

Without a spanner wrench to hold the Quill splines it would be highly recommended to just use Low gear for tightening and loosening the draw bar. I prg'd and made one out of steel that works great. I went belt drive and have no low gear anymore. Another body made and sold them made from aluminum, which would be fine. I'd make and sell my steel design but coming up with a price that worked both ways is tricky. A spanner would be best bet and then you don't have to shift gears all the time.
Don

[BlackMoon]

hmm, I think i'll stick to the L gear then, it works, isent to diffacult.. and less chance of me forgeting something on the drawbar.

[BobWarfield]

Get a handheld butterfly impact wrench from Harbor Freight, the same kind people make power drawbars from. You can then torque the drawbar whatever gear you are in with no need to lock. Works great, and speeds up the tool change. The wrenches are very inexpensive.

I've got one mill with a power drawbar and I use the handheld on the other.

Cheers,

BW