Alex Miller Spindle Lubrication

[Bob SillitoeParticipant @bobsillitoe83708]

Hi All,

I am wondering if anyone can give me a bit more information about the bearing of the horizontal cutter spindle is lubricated. The description I have is taken from Alexander Operating Instructions.

If I am reading them correctly, first you will the gear box with oil followed by the pockets around the spindle. It then seems that you never need to fill the pockets again, presumably they are topped up from the gear box. How does this work, is there some sort of pump system?

Also the manual states that the oil level in the pockets can be checked through a window on the front face of the head. You will see below that on my machine there is no such window! All other pictures I have seen of both the Alexander and the FP1 have this window. My machine was made in 1968 and the manual I have is the one that came with it. My machine was made in 1968, perhaps there was a design change around then. So how do I check the oil level in my machine?

Thanks

Bob

[Bob SillitoeParticipant @bobsillitoe83708]

[Ebenezer GoodParticipant @ebenezergood76202]

I'd guess it's splash lubricated, machine manuals are wonderfully vague!

If its been sitting around or transported I would fill the pockets as the manual says, then fill the gearbox and run it as it says to fill the pockets, that way you know its oiled.

[Bob SillitoeParticipant @bobsillitoe83708]

I think I now know why my machine does not have a sight glass. The machine has the needle roller bearing option and apparently these are packed with grease and so are not lubricated by the gearbox oil.

Bob

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