Just two more days until The premiere of The Tim &Tom Show - our new LIVE Tech Help WebSeries!
Since we'll be discussing tips and tricks for the IS400, we've gotten a few requests on how to properly maintain a 11/64 rotary spindle. You ask. We give. See all the info below!
Before You Begin:
Here's how to perform maintenance on your engraver’s 11/64 standard spindle. Properly maintaining the spindle will allow it to properly ‘float’, giving more accurate spindle tension onto the engraving surface.
What You Will Need:
For maintenance, you'll need a 2mm or 3mm Allen driver (depending on type of machine), ring clip pliers, a clean, damp cloth or paper towel and light weight general purpose lubricant (DO NOT USE WD-40).
Step-By-Step Instructions:
1. Using 2mm or 3mm Allen driver, loosen the two screws that secure the spindle in place and remove the spindle from the machine.
2. Using the ring clip pliers, remove the C-clip at the top of the spindle and set aside. DO NOT lose or misplace the C-clip.
3. Slide off the outer barrel and tension spring from the spindle and unscrew the tension adjust knob from the outer barrel.
4. Using a clean, damp cloth or paper towel, wipe clean the inner shaft, tension spring, inside of the outer barrel and the threading for the tension adjust barrel. Then apply a few drops of general purpose or machine oil to the inner shaft and spread into a very thin layer.
Note: If inner shaft contains rust you can gently clean it using a small amount of oil and lightly rubbing with a Scotch Bright pad.
5. Screw the tension adjust barrel back onto the outer barrel. Slide the tension spring onto inner shaft then slide on the outer barrel lining up the gold pin to the slot cutout into the bottom of the outer barrel. Then reattach the C-clip.
Note: Using a chip collection system will prevent scratching of the material and debris from entering components of the spindle resulting in less maintenance.
And that's it! Want more helps? Make sure to subscribe to this blog AND to tune-in to The Tim &Tom Show!
