Thread: Frozen Spin Index Spindle

The Spin Index for the mill that I purchased in Aug11 was removed from its delivery sealed plastic bag yesterday to reveal that the spindle is immovable. No visible corrosion.
I have applied WD40 and left it vertical soaking in the sun.
Plan to swap ends occasionally, let it temperature cycle a few days, then push with my Arbor Press.
No easy way to grip the spindle for rotation, I can only think of trying in the lathe with the 4-jaw.

The housing is cast iron, spindle is steel OD 52 at collet end and 45 at handle end with a bore of 35, so it can only go one way.

Any suggestions ?

John.

What about warming the cast with a hot air gun, not enough to burn the paint or do any damage, just to get it warmed up a little so it expands.

Dave

Hi John,

A few taps with a nylon hammer won't hurt.

Regards
Ray

Dave, I have also considered 'extra' heat, and perhaps some cold water down the bore - we shall see.

Ray, my large rubber dead force hammer has already been caressing the appropriate end.

John

G'day John.

Ice will pack down the spindle is you roughly plug one end. It pretty soon melts into the cavity of the spindle.

I'd second Dave with the suggestion of a little heat gun action. Even a couple of them if you can get your hands on a few. So the housing heats quicker.

Is this the kind with the air port / inlet?

Regards Phil.

For a bit more cold you could use the freeze spray that plumbers use, I think most plumbing supplies have it,

edit; ps. if you do use it don't squirt any of your digits

pps. I just remembered this Freeze Your Nuts Off | Toolmonger you could probably get it from a bearing wholesalers

Originally Posted by Machtool

G'day John.

Ice will pack down the spindle is you roughly plug one end. It pretty soon melts into the cavity of the spindle.

I'd second Dave with the suggestion of a little heat gun action. Even a couple of them if you can get your hands on a few. So the housing heats quicker.

Is this the kind with the air port / inlet?

Regards Phil.

Could always borrow the wifes hair dryer for an extra one

Dave

Unit got nice and warm in the sun today, so onto the arbor press.
It moved, eventually, with all my weight (68 kg !) and a couple of shoves.
Once moving it came easily.
The attached photo shows that the bore and the spindle were corroded.
It must have been assembled that way because the external part of the spindle is blemish free, perhaps a bit of grinding coolant.
The corrosion is not serious, should end up with a very useful tool.

Spin Index Corrosion May13.jpg

John