Myford 254S – how to get the lead screw back into its clutch?

[Dave Sawdon 1Participant @davesawdon1]

I've been repairing the apron on my 254S and thought re-assembly would be straightforward, but am having difficulty getting the leadscrew to fully engage with its clutch. I naively assumed that it would just slide in, but it won't. I ran out of time today so haven't investigated in depth yet, but would appreciate any pointers for when I can get back to it.

Dave

[Dave Sawdon 1Participant @davesawdon1]

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

The feedshaft has a clutch that will slip if the saddle hits an obstruction whist moving. The leadscrew fits into a clutch that just allows engegemnt/disengement of the leadscrew. The leadscrew should just slide into that, although it may take some fiddling to get the Woodruff key on the leadscrew to engage with the slot in the sleeve in the clutch.

Incidentally have sent you a PM…

[Dave Sawdon 1Participant @davesawdon1]

The problem seems to be the leadscrew – despite the woodruff key being in the slot something is stopping full penetration (oo, err missus!) When I next get some free time I'll try removing the dog clutch sleeve – it looks like it's only held with 2 screws. The drawing shows a spring and it's not clear what that's for, but no doubt I'll find out as it pings past my ear

(Thanks for the PM, I'll reply in a while)

[Dave Sawdon 1Participant @davesawdon1]

In case it's of use to anyone else …

I was trying to insert both the leadscrew and the drive shaft at the same time to save time and avoid disconnecting them from the bearing block. Once I removed the drive shaft circlip it became apparent that it was the drive shaft that wasn't fully entering its clutch so a bit of jiggling and a gentle tap soon fixed that and all is now well. The only thing I'd add is how important it is to slip something through the leadscrew cover to hold it compressed – an absolute bu&&er if you don't.

I'm now moving-on to replacing the tool post (or "tool clamp post&quot and see that there are 3 grub screws around it in the compound slide, but I don't understand their purpose. I'll start another thread for that question.

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