Hello, all,

I have a Procunier model 15000 "CNC" tapping head. This is just
a set of clutches for 1:1 forward and 2:1 reverse, with no
overload clutch, leadscrew or other stuff. It depends on the
approximate sync between spindle RPM and quill feed to run the
tap in and out.

When I got it it acted strange, with the clutches grabbing
erratically, so I opened it up and found it FILLED with WD-40.
I figured that wasn't a good solution for cork clutches and
cleaned it out as best as I could. I was guessing that the
previous owner (yes, this was an eBay purchase) had a problem
with coolant getting into the works. It ran much better after
removing the WD-40, but I still had occasional grabbing
problems, like both clutches would engage at once and lock it
up, or it would start running real hot. I would find drops of
what appeared to be liquid water on the clutch material.

Anyway, when I tried to use in yesterday, it was solidly frozen.
I pulled it apart and it was MASSIVELY rusted inside! All
exposed steel except the gear teeth were covered with a thick
layer of rust! I scraped the black/grey rust off the cones the
clutch grips against, and removed some of the other rust in
non-critical areas, and lubed up the bearings at both ends of
the tap output shaft, and got the job done. I then disassembled
it and left it open, hoping that any remaining water would
dissipate.

I NEVER use this unit with coolant, only brush-applied Alum-Tap
tapping fluid, which has no water in it (napthenic oil and
Stoddart solvent, according to the label) and the unit has been
protected from any possible contamination with water when
stored. Where the HELL is this water coming from? The only
reservoir I can imagine is the clutch material, but that can't
hold a large amount of water, can it?

I'm thinking of baking the part with the clutch lining in an
oven for a day at 70 C or something to get the water out of
there. Anybody ever run into anything like this, or have any
suggestions about how to stop this nonsense? I don't think I
can find enough room inside to put a dessicant pack in there, or
I'd do that.

Thanks,

Jon