HOBBYMAT MD65 – JAMMED

[David ANDREWS 2Participant @davidandrews2]

Owing to a stupid error, this very occasional and elderly “turner” has jammed his venerable second-hand Hobbymat MD65 in the furthest position from the live end while familiarising himself with the machine again after a “lay-off.”  Can anyone provide some advice on how to rectify the situation?  I would be most grateful.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Do you mean the carriage won’t move?

[David ANDREWS 2Participant @davidandrews2]

Thanks for acknowledging, John.  In a word, yes.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Loosen the 3 hex head bolts holding the end plate onto the bed and baseplate. Might also need to loosen the big nut in the middle of the leadscrew handle. The latter is recessed so might need a box spanner or at least a socket.

[DiogenesParticipant @diogenes]

Bazyle’s idea sounds good to me, I think it will help to release the pressure on the leadscrew nut in any case.

Do let us know if you still have difficulties.

[David ANDREWS 2Participant @davidandrews2]

Bazyle, Diogenes,

Many thanks.  Will let you know how I get on.

[David ANDREWS 2Participant @davidandrews2]

Bazyle, Diogenes.

Apologies for the delay.  Yes,  I did that and it worked.  I also disconnected the tension belt to the main spindle to allow hand turning to work the carriage back and also removed the lead screw handle, graduated ring and the spindle guide in order to relieve some perceived stiffness in turning the lead screw.  After winding the carriage back to a “safe” position, I re-assembled everything, connected the power, operated the machine through some prudent limits and all is now well again.  I also encountered a minor problem with the lead screw handle but that is another matter and I am thinking that one over.

Thank you, both.

 

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Good to know it is all working again.
Hope you fully understand the system on the saddle and tailstock for adjusting the ‘grip’ and play on the bed using both the screws that push the gap apart and the ones that pull it together. Worth putting up a clear label on or near the machine to remind you, especially for the tailstock as it is moved all the time.

You will understand the annoying way the belt tension is adjusted which is so difficult to get at. I made a simple rod with a hole in the end threaded to replace the adjusting nut. This is long enough to project above the headstock for easy access. I really should put a knob on this and make a slot in the cover which I haven’t put in place for decades. I keep the belts very loose until they slip.

[David ANDREWS 2Participant @davidandrews2]

Thanks Bazyle,

I have no problem with the forcing and locking screws.  My lathe had a manual with it when bought second-hand some years ago, together with an “Erratum;” which corrected the content as printed.  I incorporated that with manuscript amendments in the booklet.

The “tip” regarding the belt tensioning nut is appreciated.  I have no problems with adjusting “as fitted” though it is a little time-consuming.

Best regards.

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