Jet mini bearings help

When I had to replace the bearings on my PM 3520, I got the bearings, and a new belt from a local bearing place, and had them installed for about what Jet/Powermatic was going to charge me for the parts and shipping. robo hippy

OK, you said, "any"...

I have a delta Midi - but I think the two machines are almost identical in the assembly of the headstock. Loosen the two allen screws in the handwheel and unscrew the handwheel from the spindle end. You will likely have to restrict the spindle from rotating so you can loosen the handwheel. (I don't recall if it loosens to the left or the right. I'm thinking to the right.) There's a "wavy" washer between the wheel and the left bearing.

Once the wheel is off, Loosen the setscrew on the pulley inside the headstock and take all the motor weight off the belt. You should then be able to pull the spindle out of the right side. The bearings are a slip fit both in the headstock castings and the spindle. Very easy to replace.

That's how it is as I recall - it's been about a year since I replaced my Midi's bearings.

Owen,

I also have a Delta Midi that is about 2 1/2 years old. It has developed an intermittent screech in the headstock. I don't mean it doesn't always screech but when it decides to screech the sound is intermittent. Putting it to a count it is, screech, two, three, screech, two, three. I've used a screwdriver as a stethoscope on the area of the bearings and heard nothing unusual. The screech sounds like it is coming from the handwheel!

Two questions:

1. Is there really a wavy washer between the handwheel and the bearing on the left? My instruction book contradicts itself on this.

1. Is it possible for the outer race of one of the bearings to be spinning in the casting?

I called Delta and their best advice was to replace the bearings.

Thanks,

Harry

Hmmm. My instruction book and parts schematic show the washer between the handwheel and the left bearing - my lathe has it assembled this way too. The instructions for taking the spindle out are on p.14,15 of my book - I can post pics of the pages if anyone wants them. Oh I'll just do it anyway as it might help Robert with his Jet.

165kb 72kb (Note: The "Replace Spindle Bearings" section only has 3 steps - none were cut off.)

Your squealing might be a couple of things which I'd check before replacing the bearings. Snug down the two set screws on the handwheel and then snug the set screw on the step pulley. If that doesn't do it, take all tension off the belt and run the motor to make sure it isn't coming from there.

Owen:

Thanks a ton for the help. Your are correct... the Jet looks like the twin to the Delta on the inside. Down to the "wavy washer". I haven't taken it apart completely, but it sure looks the same.

I'll have a go at the replacement shortly. Thanks again for the info and pics.

Robert

You are quite welcome Robert. I've had mine apart a few times and never had any problems getting it back together.