Issue 4
Original version
March 2010
13
Adjustment of slide and bearing bracket Alignment.
An essential requirement of the machine is that the slide can move in a smooth and
controlled manner, free of lateral movement and vibration.
This situation can be maintained by periodic adjustment of the slide and is accomplished
in the following manner:
1. Place the machine in an upright position and, by means of the capstan, raise the
slide to its highest position. Clean the brass gib strips and apply a small amount
of light machine oil to the wear surfaces.
2. Now lower the slide back to its lowest position. Bring the slide into the centre of the
dovetail slide housing and loosen screws thus allowing free movement of the
arbor support bracket.
3. Commencing with the middle screws, gently feed in all the screws until slight
resistance is encountered.
4. Operate the slide up and down a few times to test the movement and make any
further necessary adjustments. Try to ensure that all the screws are exerting a
uniform pressure on the slide from top to bottom. A perfectly adjusted slide will
operate freely up and down without any sideways movement.
5. Now raise the slide to its highest position. Slightly undo the arbor bearing bracket
and, using fingers only, tighten the screws.
6. Place the machine on a steel plate, connect to supply and switch on magnet. Start
up the motor. If the arbor is incorrectly aligned, the arbor support bracket will be
seen to oscillate. Make any necessary further adjustments to the bracket to
ensure correct alignment of the spindle and finally tighten the screws using a
spanner. Lastly tighten the arbor bearing bracket.
