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[Jon]

Hi, Anyone familiar with the boxform VM30 Milling Machine?
Ive just got one to setup, and it's a little different from what I'm used to.

I have not managed to find much information regarding use of this machine on the net.
I have boughta a copy of the so-called "instructions" but other than the electrical wiring diagram these were of little help.

Ive never used a milling machine with an INT30 Taper before, and cannot work out how to remove the collet chuck currently fitted.
I have unbolted the two locating/securing blocks next to the taper, but without a drawbar to 'bash', cant seem to get it out.
Is is just a mater of drifting it out against the bottom of the spindle/taper.

On the subject of drawbars is the VM30 capabvle of having one?
The specification mentions a drawbar, but I cant see where it may fit in my machine.
There is a plate to the top of the spindle with a pair of holes in (like an anglegrinder nut). but I assume this is just for taking the slack out of the spindle.

Regards
Jon

[TailUK]

If you haven't already have a look at http://lathes.co.uk/ There's loads of stuff on there and all pretty interesting even if they don't have what your'e looking for.

[Jon]

Thanks, yes Ive has a look at that site, and bough the VM30 manual, unfortunatly nothing to help with the current situation.
Jon

[boneash]

I can't be of any real help but did like this comment on the taper .

The Boxford VM30 is nothing llike the Taiwanese/Chinese milling machines. It's usually fitted with an ISO 30 taper in the spindle. It's quite substantially built, but tends to be expensive if in good condition. I've never owned one, but seem a couple for sale recently.
I've got the Chester Lux mill, which I'm very happy with. It too has (by request) an ISo 30 taper, which I find makes for much more civilised removal of tooling. R8 would be similar. Battering out a Morse taper at frequent intervals does nobody any good.

Read more: http://modeleng.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=584#ixzz233ZNfJ8f..

[Jon]

OK, so I may just be being thick.

Quote from lathes.co.uk
"Fitted with a 30 International taper, the spindle ran in "sealed-for-life" pre-loaded Timken taper roller bearings with a 12 mm thread drawbar to retain cutter holders."
So is that saying that the plate on the top is possibly the drawbar tensioner? Just used to seing a nice square boss.



If thats the case, I'll need to get a spanner for it as nothing has been supplied.
Jon

[HS93 (RIP)]

try on hear http://madmodder.net

Peter

[boneash]

Jon
Have you a length of 12mm studding?
try that down the hole.... I think that is what you are missing and that it's called a drawbar.

[Jon]

That is not a hole on the top, it looks like a center from when the shaft/spindle was turned, with the black nut (with the pin holes) round the edge.
I'm familiar enough with so called standard machines and drawbars, just this one if getting me confused.

[Jon]

Boneash, Just thought, the rear block of metal is the speed selector (high/low), just in case you were suggesting putting the M12 studding down there.
The spindle/taper is directly below the front assembly (black disc with two locating holes in).
This is solid, and the entire piece (outside/centre) rotates with the spindle.
Jon

[boneash]

Ah that's not it then..

It hasn't got a castellated nut needing a tool has it?

LIKE THIS  http://www.maritool.com/images/tn200_ER32-WRENCH--1.jpg

[Jon]

No I dont think so,
Ive got the spanner for the collet chuck, just not the drawbar.
And I cant actually see any way of locking the spindle other than using the pin spanner either.

Ive ordered a pin spanner (like an angle grinder wrench), and I'll undo the nut at the top and see what happens.
If it has a drawbar as stated then this can be the only way to undo it.
Jon

[boneash]

Well good luck this time, certainly looks that way.
Another possibility is a powered release, where there is  ball end which an internal mechanism grabs and releases.
If there are any unused controls at the lower end..

[Jon]

To conclude this lesson....

The drawbar is the plate with the stwo holes in, and whatevery any body says, when an INT30 taper has not been removed for dont know how many years (assumed) you still have to bash it like a morse to get it out.
Anyway it's done now....
T now time to clean the shipping grease (which has set!) out of the taper 
Thanks for all the comments.

[boneash]

Well done , thanks for the follow up.
Enjoy the machine..