Boxford VM30 milling machine

[Chris Kay 1Participant @chriskay1]

I’ve just taken on the role of part-time technician at a High School.One of my tasks is to try bring their machines up to a useable condition. There are no manuals and I’m struggling with the Boxford.
The tilting head appears seized in an oblique angle. I’ve loosened the large hex pinch bolt, used liberal amounts of penetrating oil but no movement at all.
I think there must be another mechanism which needs to be slackened off but cannot see what that might be.
Any help much appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

[Chris Kay 1Participant @chriskay1]

Tilting head

[garyParticipant @gary44937]

hi chris, they can be stiff to move but try giving it a good hard pull, you shouldnt damage anything. above the pinch bolt there is a taper pin which keeps the head vertical, tightening this withdraws the taper. never move the speed dial when the motor is off regards gary

[davebParticipant @daveb17630]

Yes, they can be very stiff, there is a friction clutch to stop the head flopping, not adjustable or accessible without dismantling, does not usually give trouble but takes a firm push to move the head. It's very difficult to get oil into the swivels, probably best to reach up inside the column, the motor mount swivel needs oiling too. A big rubber mallet works for me!

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