One Man's Junk is another man's Treasure

[Dusty]

This is my story, a good friend the chap who owned this mill/drill previously struck a deal years ago that I would have first dibs on his mill/drill should anything happen to him. Knowing he was somewhat slack with keeping his shop equipment clean the deal was done over a coffee and hand shake. I was fully aware the chap seldom did mill work with it, mainly used for drilling with it having very low mileage.

The background music, so for me this project has been ongoing mostly sitting in the wings for over 6 years until September 2023 when it followed me home. Those on the list who know me understand my past right knee/leg health issues which put me down for near 5 years up until this spring. So I get it home, wife is pissed off, more junk for my one vehicle garage. Not so says I, allow me some time honey.

What have I gotten myself into, almost like cleaning the potty with her toothbrush. LOL

To be continued.....

 

[Dusty]

NAKED GEM

So I start by tearing the lower level beast apart to remove the dead, hardened grease (chicken fat) from the table down. Lead screws, handles, bearings removed and I get to work cleaning, inspecting and washing up. Thanks to @David-R8 for his kind advise and insight on round column mill/drills. That's how well this forum works folks, members helping members.

So I brought the beast home on a 4 caster mobile dolly with 2 swivel/braking wheels. The mill/drill stand is stored in my insulated shed, freshly painted with new sliding tool drawer added. Cleaning the beast from the table up wasn't as bad even though it took some time, you know a couple of hours here and there until finished.

Assembly of the lower end and greasing the lead screws and nuts with (Molly grease) found me almost standing on my head at times.

All-in-all the project went well and I'm one happy camper with the end results.

Yes the yellow paint is original from factory in 1986, a real Gem of a lady.

 

[DavidR8]

Looks fantastic @Dusty

 

[YotaBota]

Nice looking machine, right out of a time capsule.

Good to hear from you Dusty.

 

[Tomc938]

I noticed the bed was covered with rags in the first couple of picture - was the mill ashamed to be seen naked?

Looks great now. Like a new machine. It's great what some time and effort can do with these diamonds in the rough. And such a cool vintage looks. I like the design.

And you're right, this forum works great as we work together to become more than a sum of the parts.

 

[YotaBota]

@Dusty - your pictures are perfect timing with the thread about work shop organization going on.

See folks, it can be done!

 

[Dusty]

Looks fantastic @Dusty

I was hesitant getting into this project however on starting and seeing the fine results I just couldn't stop. Thanks to you David.

Only item I changed out was the electrical plug, an old molded rubber type ready to come apart. I'm thinking on changing out the 3 V belts, original ones 1986 vintage are somewhat hardish although not much wear. Would hate to be working on an important job then snap a V belt. Not that it couldn't happen with new ones.

 

[DavidR8]

I was hesitant getting into this project however on starting and seeing the fine results I just couldn't stop. Thanks to you David.

Only item I changed out was the electrical plug, an old molded rubber type ready to come apart. I'm thinking on changing out the 3 V belts, original ones 1986 vintage are somewhat hardish although not much wear. Would hate to be working on an important job then snap a V belt. Not that it couldn't happen with new ones.

Happy to help Dusty!
I seem to recall that when I changed belts I had to get different sizes than what were on mine. Now that could have been because they were the wrong size to start with. Let me look to see why. Stay tuned.

 

[Dusty]

Happy to help Dusty!
I seem to recall that when I changed belts I had to get different sizes than what were on mine. Now that could have been because they were the wrong size to start with. Let me look to see why. Stay tuned.

My beastie is a 1986 Tiwan FIRST model manufactured by Long Chang Machinery Co. Ltd. Republic of China. The 3 v belts are also marked as being manufactured by FIRST, small- B26, medium - B28, and large B34 all available here in MJ.

I wear hearing aid due to my military years around jet aircraft although not while working in my shop.

Wanted to listen clearly to what the motor sounded like running, sort of a muffeled rumble for want of words although that might be the metal enclosure causing same.

Just guessing.

 

[Dusty]

Nice looking machine, right out of a time capsule.

Good to hear from you Dusty.

Celebrate my 86 birthday come January, what else but for an old geezer like me.

 

[YYCHM]

Looks good Dusty. Thanks for checking in!

 

[whydontu]

Well done! There’s so much satisfaction in this type of work.

 

[Dusty]

Well done! There’s so much satisfaction in this type of work.

When one can turn an old Queen into a thing of beauty, WOW.

 

[Dusty]

Well done! There’s so much satisfaction in this type of work.

Looks good Dusty. Thanks for checking in!

I'm always out there watching over you guys. LOL

 

[trlvn]

3 belts? I thought all the RF-30 type machines were set up with one idler pulley between the motor and spindle. Do you have 2? What kind of speed range do you have?

Anyway, looks like that machine is ready for another 35-plus years of service, now. So...you're under orders to keep working in your shop until you're 121!

Craig

 

[6.5 Fan]

Very nice, i also have a LC 30A. Those belt are a pain in the butt when changing speeds. Yes 3 frickken belts, 2 idler pulleys. This machine needs a 3 phase motor and VFD. Big table on these machines 31.5" x 9.5".

 

[Dusty]

3 belts? I thought all the RF-30 type machines were set up with one idler pulley between the motor and spindle. Do you have 2? What kind of speed range do you have?

Anyway, looks like that machine is ready for another 35-plus years of service, now. So...you're under orders to keep working in your shop until you're 121!

Craig

Does this help.....!

 

[YYCHM]

Hey Bill,

Do you have a copy of this......

 

[Susquatch]

Does this help.....!

WOW! HOLY BELTMAN!

I think if I had one of those, I'd have already ordered the 3ph motor and VFD.

 

[Dusty]

Hey Bill,

Do you have a copy of this......

Hey Craig,of course I do, who do you thing posted the manual to the list in the first place.

It was exactly what @David_R8 was looking for.

Not just another pretty face you know. LOL