Precision Machine Spindle Rebuilding - Part 3b Assembling a Levin Open Style Headstock
Assembling a Levin Lathe Open Style Headstock, covering the complete spindle assembly, install the snap ring, inside bearing caps, precision bearings, bearing sleeve, cone pulley, locking spindle nut, outer bearing caps with felt rings and headstock mounting hardware
PRECISION MACHINE SPINDLE REBUILDING
Here are the prior released Parts of the Spindle Rebuilding Series you may need to watch before you continue forward here.
In Part 1, our opening video to this series on Precision Machine Spindle, we discuss spindle rebuild preparation and processes. We share the tools, materials and environment needed to rebuild spindles in detail.
• Precision Machine Spindle Rebuilding - Par...
In Part 2, we share how to disassemble a precision machine spindle and a Levin Accessory Spindle is shown however many spindles are discussed.
• Precision Machine Spindle Rebuilding - Par...
In Part 3, we share how to clean the spindle components and wool felt rings, measure for spindle runout and apply the high spot witness mark on a spindle.
• Precision Machine Spindle Rebuilding - Par...
In Part 3a, we share assembling a Levin lathe accessory spindle for the micro-drill, mill, drill press and grinding accessory spindles.
• Precision Machine Spindle Rebuilding - Par...
TOPICS COVERED - PART 3B
00:00:00 - START
00:00:18 - 0. INTRODUCTION
We have finished all of the Levin open headstock style spindle parts preparation to begin assembly of the spindle from start to finish. We start by recapping with some good spindle rebuilding practices before getting started.
Spindle Rebuilding Tip:
We remind you to continually test your spindle to confirm the spindle always spins freely because this practice is so you know WHEN something went wrong and it can be corrected.
00:04:08 - 1. PARTS REVIEW & BELT PULLEY LESSON
The parts review should be a time to check to be sure you have all of the necessary parts and materials in order and you are ready to grease the bearings, we recap some precision bearing knowledge very specific to the open style headstock, we share some special detailed pulley knowledge specific to the Levin & Son open style headstock.
00:18:15 - 2. PREPARING HEADSTOCK FOR SPINDLE ASSEMBLY
We share some watchmaker ethics applicable to all detailed works.
Before we install bearings other spindle components need to first be installed.
2 very specialized bearing caps and a snap ring are used on an open style headstock, installed on the inside diameters of the headstock body before the spindle bearings sleeve, pulley, bearing nut or outer bearing caps are installed.
00:37:13 - 3. INSTALLING BEARINGS ONTO THE SPINDLE
Urgent reminder, precision bearings allow only one chance to get them installed right, attention to details in this section is very important, we go over what bearing installation tools you may need to buy or make for this specific spindle.
We show you how to read the bearings for arrangement and share inner/outer race marking high points and where to place them in relation to the spindles measured high points.
01:14:46 - 4. INSTALLING THE SPINDLE NUT
When you tighten the spindle nut onto the fine threaded area on the spindle shaft we teach how to hold the spindle shaft with non-mare nylon pliers, holding the spindle nose while tightening the spindle nut. The goal here is to protect the cone pulley and the spindle pulley headstock locking pin from aggression as both are not advised to be exposed to forces during the spindle assembly process.
01:29:05 - 5. INSTALLING BEARING CAPS
We really express that these soft aluminum bearing caps have really fine threads.
We show you how to start the threads correctly as a good tip for most threaded items.
We install the bearing caps onto the spindle body. A spanner wrench lightly tightens the bearing caps, the front spindle bearing cap is one part of what holds the pair of spindle contact bearings in place on the open style headstock.
01:46:36 - 6. NOT 100% YET
While Patrick was nearly completed with the assembly of the spindle, so it could begin the spindle break-in with Lance it became clear that there was a final step remaining, the two Levin lathe bed to headstock eccentric bolt cam locking t-nut assemblies were still missing, Patrick shares what they are and how to properly install these components, we show you how they lock a headstock to a lathe bed.