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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
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    Slightly left of Vernon, BC Canada
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    Default Need some help with 260 lathes and accessories, getting my pair of 260's going again.

    HI guys,

    Finally getting back to working on my pair of 260's and I have a few questions about some of the accessories I have, and I'm sure I will have some questions about the lathes as I get them back in service...

    But for now, the index wheel unit thing...I think that center solid piece is stuck in there, and it should come out...I tried tapping it out using a copper hammer, it won't budge. I can see that it is 2 separate pieces, is there a trick to getting it out other than beating the crap out of it?

    Second question, once I get the center piece out of the mandrel, what the heck is the index wheel attachment used for? I will search in the morning, but just can't see it's function from the catalog pictures.

    More Q's as I get them back online....the 260AT is back together, but I need to fix that broken tooth on the cone pulley...may just VFD it and not use the back gears.

    CHeers!
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
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    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kilohertz View Post
    ... once I get the center piece out of the mandrel, what the heck is the index wheel attachment used for?
    Probably indexing when you have some sort of milling attachment on the tool post (putting a hex on a bolt you have just turned from round stock for example)

    Michael

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
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    3,228

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kilohertz View Post
    ....the 260AT is back together, but I need to fix that broken tooth on the cone pulley...may just VFD it and not use the back gears.
    Apologies if you already know this, but you need back gear for thread cutting.
    Chris

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Southern Highlands NSW
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    Default

    That looks like a non-standard part within the hollow spindle of the index device - a milling arbor?
    There should be a 3MT taper in the spindle. It could be wedged in tight.
    Rather than belting it, could you use the end with the coarse thread to pull the arbor out, using a tubular spacer and washers and the nut?
    Or a press could push it out from the other end?

    The purpose of the indexer is to mount to the vertical slide (another accessory), to hold the job so that milling operations can be done on the lathe.
    With 24 positions, it could be handy for making polygons, gears splines etc.
    As the setup converts the lathe to act like a milling machine (in a limited way), the job remains stationery while the milling cutter rotates.
    That's the reverse arrangement to how a lathe normally works.

    The indexer can have an adaptor nose piece for 3C collets, with associated drawtube/handwheel.
    Also, a 3MT arbor could be installed with its own drawbar.

    While in theory this gadget could be useful, I think most would use a mini-lathe these days.
    3C collets have been superceded by more versatile ER type, but they don't directly fit your indexer.
    It's mostly a collector piece I think.
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  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
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    Slightly left of Vernon, BC Canada
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    Default

    Super, thanks guys, appreciate all of the replies.

    Okay, so I have a better understanding of its' function now, thanks. I also notice that the index wheel plunger is missing on this indexer. Thanks for the pictures. Yes, I'll try pulling it out using the tube and coarse thread nut.

    I also have the 3 slot milling slide and vice that came with this pair of 260's which may be more useful.

    I do want to find a set of collets and use them with this lathe, I'll have to research to see what will work.

    Jack620, no I did not know that about the back gears, thanks, so I will have a chance to use my milling attachments now to machine a new tooth on it, after I build up a new tooth with cast rod (or other methods I have read about).

    Again, thank you all.

    Cheers

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kilohertz View Post
    I also have the 3 slot milling slide and vice that came with this pair of 260's which may be more useful.
    You've done well. They sell for a motza. I have one and it's very handy if you don't own a mill.
    Chris

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Southern Highlands NSW
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kilohertz View Post
    I do want to find a set of collets and use them with this lathe, I'll have to research to see what will work.
    Do you want the collets that will fit your indexing device, or for the 260 headstock spindle?
    If the latter, ER collets are affordable and popular now.
    You would need a chuck to hold the collets (of chosen size range eg ER32), that could be screwed to the spindle.
    There's a couple of options as to how that can be accurately done.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Dural NSW
    Age
    82
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    1,203

    Default 260 Hercus Indexer

    Quote Originally Posted by nadroj View Post
    Do you want the collets that will fit your indexing device, or for the 260 headstock spindle?
    If the latter, ER collets are affordable and popular now.
    You would need a chuck to hold the collets (of chosen size range eg ER32), that could be screwed to the spindle.
    There's a couple of options as to how that can be accurately done.
    Kilohertz
    The Hercus Indexer is one of the most useful attachments I have, for the Hercus 260 Lathe.
    I use it with 3C collets & 3 MT female adaptor & draw bar. Also purchased from the USA a Sherline brand 2.5" dia 3 jaw chuck using a 3 Morse Taper male adaptor & home made draw bar to hold it in place.
    Perhaps you could make contact with a South Brand Lathe distributor in the USA for assistance.
    I find the Indexer very quick & easy to set up & use it for machining hexagons, cutting screw headslots, & other small jobs, it is a beauty !!!!
    You could easily make the missing indexer pin to suit the indexer plate, from a piece of 3/8" dia bright steel & machining a point on one end.
    Please do your best to remove the stubborn piece in the indexer, by using a soft bar, & some light bumping.
    This is a wonderful attachment.
    All the best.
    Bruce

  9. #9
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    Oct 2004
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    Southern Highlands NSW
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    Default

    Hey Bruce,
    Great to hear someone using the original old Hercus accessories.
    Have you any photos of the indexer in action?

    Jordan

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    melbourne australia
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    Default

    This from the catalog Jordan. Hopefully Bruce has something more interesting.
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    Chris

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
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    Slightly left of Vernon, BC Canada
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    Default Success !!

    Once again, thanks so much for all the advice and guidance.

    Yesterday was a great day, my son was in the shop with me making chips on the 260 ATLH while I continued working on the other 260 and the accessories. I managed to remove the milling arbor from the spindle (you were correct Jordan (5H1071) milling arbor) by using my 1/2" impact gun and a stack of large washers, it popped right out. I cleaned up the spindle and threads and such and put it all back together, it looks great, nice and smooth. Thanks Bruce for your encouraging words, I plan on putting this to good use. I mounted it on the 260 to show my son how it works, as well as the milling slide and vice, he is looking forward to trying it all.

    As for collets, I would like them for both the spindle/chuck and for the indexer. I'm still learning about these and what sizes work and how they mount etc.

    I'll be back in the shop today continuing work on the machines, even though the yard is demanding attention.

    More to come.

    Cheers
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  12. #12
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    Oct 2004
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    Southern Highlands NSW
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    Default

    Good result, kHz.
    In case it helps, here's some info:
    The collets your indexer was made for are 3C type, like on this current ebay item 112206586447
    You need an adaptor piece for its spindle (3MT to 3C).
    Advantage is minimal overhang (good rigidity) and ability to handle long pieces (hollow design).
    Drawback is each one only caters for a particular diameter, and maximum size 1/2".
    I think there were accessory 3C setups for 260 main spindles (MT4 taper) too, certainly there were for the 9 inchers (MT3).
    Currently ER type collets are the rage. This should fit your indexer: ebay 253929023339
    It is for ER32, but there are other ER size ranges that could fit 3MT too.
    It has more overhang than 3C. I don't know that it would necessarily be a problem, but it's less rigid than 3C.
    Also it does not take long stock, as the MT mounting isn't hollow.
    It's cheaper, has a greater size range, but the killer advantage is the capability for each collet to accommodate different sizes over a small range.
    This kit handles all diameters from 1 to 20mm, including inch sizes.
    The 260 lathe would need a 4MT version.
    There are other solutions to holding ER collets on the 260 headstock spindle, that allow long pieces to be held (hollow design).
    For example: https://metalworkforums.com/f223/t20...s-260-9-hercus

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
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    Slightly left of Vernon, BC Canada
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    Default

    WOW! Thanks Jordan, for your effort to get me the links and all the info, I'll look at it tonight when I come inside. I'm still working in the shop but wanted to post a picture before I forget.

    I finished cleaning up all of the accessories that came with these 2 machines, forgot that one 3 jaw chuck is sitting on a different bench getting a little phosphoric acid treatment, was a little rusty. It's a Crown Chuck, made in England, 6" 3 jaw. Needs a mounting plate.

    So here are the goodies, The 4 jaw chucks are brand new, one is already mounted on a faceplate, there is one blank faceplate there as well. Not sure of the chuck brand but I think I have papers for them in my file.

    I think I have everything figured out for it, some cool things there. Also the original Burnard 3 jaw chucks are still on the lathes as is the one 4 position indexing tool post compound.

    More later, back to the shop I go.

    Cheers

    PS you'll note there is one live center which is MT3 and fits my big Cincinnati tail stock, cool.
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  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    melbourne australia
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by nadroj View Post
    The 260 lathe would need a 4MT version.
    There are other solutions to holding ER collets on the 260 headstock spindle, that allow long pieces to be held (hollow design).
    For example: https://metalworkforums.com/f223/t20...s-260-9-hercus
    Kilohertz,
    Having started with a 4MT-ER40 collet chuck+drawbar and recently upgraded to a screw-on ER40 collet chuck, I would advise you to go with the screw-on chuck as shown in Jordan's link. It requires no draw-bar and allows long stock to be fed through the chuck.

    Nice selection of accessories. You'll probably want a fixed steady too.
    Chris

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
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    Dural NSW
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    This from the catalog Jordan. Hopefully Bruce has something more interesting.
    Hello everyone.
    I have a number of stored photos on the computor & have just spent the last hour trying to transfer them by "Manage Photos" without any luck !!!
    Please understand I am not good with this computor stuff.
    I always rely on my wife to help me as she is generally reliable.
    However after another half hour.... no luck whatsoever.
    This is why I never send any photos on the forum,..... just useless.
    So if anyone can give me some guidance, I would be very appreciative.
    Bruce
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