On Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:16:47 -0800, "Bill Noble"
wrote:

for those interested in the Abene mills, I've uploaded a photo of the
insides of the gearbox that drives the table to the drop box, though I don't
see the files there just yet - file names all start with Abene_VHF-3-Gear -
If you have one of these, it's best not to take it apart - but if you must,
remove the input and output shafts, then unscrew the four nuts holding the
assembly together, then pull the back off - you will need to use a pry bar
to press the brass gear down as you do this - that will push its bearing out
of its mounting hole.

This is very nicely made, notice all the ball bearings - all the gears ride
on double pairs of needle bearings - this is fine Swiss workmanship - this
particular mill was made in 1970

I took it apart because I wanted to clean and paint part of the casting and
to replace oil seals - the oil seals are 17mmX35mmX10mm - you can replace
them without taking the gearbox apart (I recommend not taking it apart, now
that I've done it) -

I seem to get the feeling that you don't recommend taking the
gearbox apart. :-)


One question. On mine the rapid traverse is iffy on engaging. Did
you pay any attention to the clutch arrangement for that? I've
considered taking mine apart to see if I could fix it. I've never had
to time and from past experience I've never had much luck making worn
out over running clutches work.