JMD-18 Disassembly?

[mikeinri]

Hi guys,

I am getting a free Jet JMD-18 mill/drill from work (they upgraded). I just need to remove the table to get it out of the building (all doors are too narrow).

I've removed the flange and clutch from the left side, and tried to spin it off the right side. I appear to have run out of threads on the table screw (still spins freely, but no further movement). I tried to pull the table off by hand, but can't seem to get it to move any further.

Before resorting to a hammer, is there anything else to consider?

I've googled for help, not finding anything about disassembling the table, which I thought was odd.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I've taken apart the Rong Fu / Enco version.

Just remove the gib screws (not just the lock down handles, but the actual screws down low that adjust the gibs) and slide the gibs out, and hand wheels and the mounting flange on one side and the lead screw should come out from the other side.

The lead screw just goes through a brass nut (that has a metric screw in it for backlash but you shouldn't have to touch that).

I had to use a rubber dead blow and finesse the table off....just slow smooth wacks.

 

[mikeinri]

Thanks Dave! That's along the lines I was thinking (gib and rubber hammer). Didn't want to go much further until I was sure.

May not get to this today, but promise to report back.

Mike

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Just re-read my post....

Remove both handwheels, and IIRC one flange mount,that way you can unscrew and remove the entire lead screw so it's out of your way

 

[mikeinri]

You lost me there.

I removed one wheel, clutch and flange. I used the other wheel to spin the table and screw out just past the centerline.

Turning the wheel now does nothing (it and the screw spin, but the table doesn't move, I assume because I reached the end of the threads).

How will removing the other wheel (or clutch or flange) help at this point?

Is there anything other than the parts diagram to explain this? The owners manual only talks about initial assembly, which really only covers a few parts on the periphery of the unit (the unit must ship with the table installed).

Mike

 

[Mohawk Dave]

That will work...it's just hanging loose and putting undue stress on the flange mount as the weight of the lead screw is leveraging it. But it will work.

 

[Indexmill]

OP,

How are the getting the new machine in? Is it smaller that the old one?

 

[mikeinri]

Thanks again Dave. I don't think it's putting pressure on the screw yet, as it's still in the track, but that is a good point for me to think about when I do get it to slide off.

IM: That department moved to a new building and left this behind, along with a lathe (someone else grabbed that). I spoke with the guy who worked here when this originally was acquired, of course it came in on a truck through the dock. We don't have a forklift, so I can't get it out that way.

I'll be taking it home on my flat utility trailer. Had to buy an engine crane for this project. Used it to pick the mill off the base and set it onto a wheeled cart. Will use the cart to get it out the front door, then will lift it onto the trailer with the crane. When I get it home, will reverse the process to get it into my garage.

So, there's a garage, new purchased tool, and a free machine all in one project/thread!

Only thing missing is pics, will try to get some up later.

Note: Because my trailer is open, I'm at the mercy of the weather, along with work and family schedules. If I can't get this out tomorrow, it'll probably be Monday.

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Loosened the gib, and the table came right off! No hammer required.

Mike

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Good stuff! Glad to hear it.

 

[mikeinri]

Scheduled to pick this up on Monday.

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

For a variety of reasons (Corona, workload, weather), pickup has been delayed...

TODAY'S THE DAY!!!

Pics later.

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Here's a preview (in-progress pic)...

[...and I just realized that I installed the legs backwards on the hoist (stickers on the inside)...]

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Got everything home safety. Did have a ratchet strap break on the mill itself, but I had two on it. Ride was 20 miles, I made three stops (errands) and checked the straps each time.

Got everything covered with a giant tarp for now, plan to get it into the garage by the weekend (my business is essential, so I'm still working).

More pics of the transport setup. Really glad that I left the legs down on the hoist for the ride home, helped keep the dolly under the mill in one place.

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Considering putting this onto a mobile base. Anyone have experience with one of these (or another recommendation)?

Jet Universal Mobile Base (2 turning casters):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006S7CF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Bora Portamate (4 turning casters):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006S7CF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Bora Portamate (2 turning casters):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010HWCWOW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks.

Mike

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Good stuff, that thing is in clean condition...but dude, get some 2" straps. Those little orange ones are not even close to being safe on that heavy thing.

Tip: When you tie down, put one twist in each side of the strap and it won't flippy flap in the wind going down the road.

 

[mikeinri]

Well, it's safely home, and I've used these straps for years holding tractors and (lighter) sailboats in place, but after seeing this, i definitely agree, time to upgrade!

Hadn't heard that tip on the twist, will try that too.

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Any opinions on a mobile base, or should I ask in a separate thread with a better title?

Mike

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Any opinions on a mobile base, or should I ask in a separate thread with a better title?

Mike

I had mine on a very short Lista cabinet and had a piece of 3/8" steel sheared at the metal yard to fit the top....with tooling and what not in the Lista, the whole thing (mill + box) must have weighed 1,200+ lbs and was steadfast. I really liked the area on top of the box to the sides of the mill to set cutting oil, parts, etc. and the drawers are obviously awesome to have right there.

 

[matt_i]

My first opinion is that a machine tool needs to be stationary for it to work correctly.

If you did do a mobile base then I'd design it so all 4 corners go to solid concrete contact with a wrench or other tool and you arent relying on sitting on any casters, even if fixed casters.

Relative to breaking straps...the sharp edges of a machine can easily saw thru the webbed strap. Use cardboard, cuts from old jeans, old bathmats, the 2" straps have tough cordura sleeve which can be purchased and threaded onto the strap.

 

[mikeinri]

Thanks guys, makes sense.

As you can see in the pic of the trailer load, I do have the original Jet (black) base. Losing that in favor of a box (like Dave's Lista) seems like a major upgrade. I'm impressed that it can support the weight of the mill.

As for the casters, I know that the unit needs to be on the ground or at least on solid feet while in use.

The 4 turning casters model that I listed above would be the right idea (all of the casters appear to retract), but i read an online comment that the feet (bolts) were undersized (too thin).

I could design my own and have it built locally, but thought it would be quicker and cheaper to buy something commercial, especially something adjustable that I could repurpose down the road.

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

On Saturday, I cleared a spot in the garage, unloaded most of the trailer, and then the HF hoist refused to lift the mill...

Need to run out for some hydraulic jack oil, and try to bleed the cylinder. Really don't want to have to return the hoist.

Can't get the mill off the trailer (safely) until I figure this out. And, it's a wet week here...

Mike

 

[Bighead38]

Good stuff, that thing is in clean condition...but dude, get some 2" straps. Those little orange ones are not even close to being safe on that heavy thing.

Tip: When you tie down, put one twist in each side of the strap and it won't flippy flap in the wind going down the road.

Is flippy flap a technical term?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Is flippy flap a technical term?

Vinny: "Dead-on balls accurate"?
Mona Lisa: It's an industry term.
Vinny: I guess the ****in' thing is broken!

 

[mikeinri]

Well, after two trips out for enough hydraulic jack oil (knew one bottle probably wasn't enough), got the hoist filled, bled and working!

Mill is now safely in the garage. Need to get a mobile base and reassemble.

Still working on the overall garage cleanout too.

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Another score from work today...

These are two stainless bases from miniature, mobile cleanrooms that we just retired.

These things are stupid heavy! The stainless lip looks to be 3/16 thick. Not sure about the base, but I can stand on it and it doesn't give at all (and I'm not light).

I plan to turn one into a mobile base for my mill. The casters are perfect, they even have adjustable feet built in.

Mike

EDIT: I was in a rush to get these bases, so I didn't remember to pick up new (heavier) straps before going to work. I did stop on the way home and bought beefier ones, as the orange straps were already getting damaged. Won't be buying the cheap HF straps ever again.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Looking good.

I always have 20+ cheap orange straps and 15+ 2" and maybe x10 3". They all have their place.

Tip: I've learned to saran wrap machines after they are on the trailer. I've had bolts and nuts and parts wiggle loose and disappear going down the freeway.

 

[mikeinri]

Tip: I've learned to saran wrap machines after they are on the trailer. I've had bolts and nuts and parts wiggle loose and disappear going down the freeway.

Brilliant! Wish I'd thought of that before transporting this unit...

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Random follow-up here, guys...

After a long delay due to covid, work schedules, weather, Yada Yada Yada...

Took the Jet base to the welder last week, along with the stainless bases. He told me it would be faster and cheaper to weld 6-inch wide, 1/4-inch steel to the base (instead of trying to cut the stainless down to size), and bolt the casters to that.

So, $100 later, I got it back today. Came out better than I'd envisioned.

Now I need to mount the mill, put the table back on, and run a 220v circuit to the garage.

That, and buy an arbor and tooling, and learn how to use the thing...

BUT, this is major progress. This thing has been taking up three times its own footprint of garage space.

EDIT: I know, again with the cheap orange ratchet strap... I need to just take those out of the truck and find other uses for them in the yard (or trash)... In my defense, the welder shop is a ten-minute drive from home, and I stayed on the newly-paved roads in town.

Mike