SX2P Mill – Birds Nest?

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

So the more I use the SX2P, the more I'm getting used to its foibles. This evening though, it started chirping. Like a bird. It's coming from the spindle I think. It sounds almost like hard plastic catching on metal. Also, when I switch the power off, there's a strange noise after the over-run, like a dry ball race when you spin it (even though the spindle itself is stopped). I tried squirting some lube in the top and bottom, but it had no effect. I'm kind of reluctant to start stripping the head, because I'm already spending more time on chasing various issues than machining parts.

Has anyone else noticed this on an SX2P, or have an idea of what it might be?

Thanks.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

[Pete.Participant @pete-2]

What kind of lube did you use? Where abouts did you squirt it? I had one of the original x2's and don't remember oiling points on the spindle?

Is it still under warranty?

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

If it is made like an SX3, the spindle bearings are sealed and does not have a lube point and you may need to replace the bearings if there is a problem.

Link to arcurotrade web site showing dismantling procedure: **LINK**

Paul.

[Pete.Participant @pete-2]

Did you post a picture of your mill in another thread? If it is that one, it looks almost new, I'd strip it to investigate before buying any parts.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Phone ARC and speak with Ian if he is in or Ketan if not, may help if you can take a video and send to them before hand.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Posted by Paul Lousick on 14/05/2020 00:06:51:

If it is made like an SX3, the spindle bearings are sealed and does not have a lube point and you may need to replace the bearings if there is a problem.

Link to arcurotrade web site showing dismantling procedure: **LINK**

Paul.

Thanks Paul, it's different from the SX3.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Posted by Pete. on 13/05/2020 23:51:01:

What kind of lube did you use? Where abouts did you squirt it? I had one of the original x2's and don't remember oiling points on the spindle?

Is it still under warranty?

Teflon spray squirted into the bearing pockets. I realise the bearings are sealed, but it sounds like something else spinning around on the shaft. I was hoping some of the spray might find its way into the head and at least change the noise.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Posted by Pete. on 14/05/2020 00:21:02:

Did you post a picture of your mill in another thread? If it is that one, it looks almost new, I'd strip it to investigate before buying any parts.

Yes I did, it's brand new pretty much. I'll end up stripping it, but will email ARC first with a video and see what they say. I'm not sending it back – way too much hassle, plus I've modded it with DRO's etc.

Cheers.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

I've emailed ARC and attached a couple of video clips so we will see what they say.

I suspect it's a bearing, or something that's fallen off a bearing such as a sealing ring. It's certainly not right though.

[Alan VosParticipant @alanvos39612]

On mine, the key for the R8 taper fell out, to the outside of the spindle. This led to worrying noises. Try taking off the cover around the bottom of spindle and see what you find. Those are parts 100 and 102 here: **LINK**.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

You could probably just poke your finger up the inside to see if you can feel the pin if you don't want to start taking things apart.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

So Ketan from ARC gave me a call this afternoon, and we quickly sorted the issue. On removing the motor (to test it for noise), it became obvious what the problem was: the countersunlk pulley retaining screw had loosened, allowing the thick washer behind it to spin freely. This was making the dry bearing type noise after the spindle had stopped, and intermittently when running. The other, more worrying noise, was probably casued by the screw head contacting the top casing and making a squealing noise. It was also intermittent because on contact with the case, it partially screwed itself back up into the shaft, out of contact, until vibration caused it to run back down.

Removal of the top casing showed no excessive dust from the belt, or swarf, and the spindle turned freely.

So it's now back in one piece (with some Loctite) and running quietly again. Thanks Ketan!

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Good to know it was just something simple, I thought contacting ARC would be best as they know the machines better than most and now what to look for.

I actually thought it may have been a fan or tacho sensor come loose and that was still spinning after the spindle had stopped.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Posted by JasonB on 14/05/2020 19:07:37:

Good to know it was just something simple, I thought contacting ARC would be best as they know the machines better than most and now what to look for.

I actually thought it may have been a fan or tacho sensor come loose and that was still spinning after the spindle had stopped.

Thanks Jason. I would have taken the top end to bits myself, but since I had nothing but an exploded diagram I didn't want to do anything stupid. It was always going to be something loose or a duff bearing.

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