[ Return to Main Page ] [ Return to Projects Index ] [Doc's Machine & TWB Store] [ Contact Us ] [ The Whiteboard Webcomic ]



The Spindle of the Rockford drill, like the rest of the machine, has no roller bearings. The spindle rides in
the quill with nothing more than a couple of thin micarta washers as thrust bearings. But it works- despite
being over a century old, the micarta is still in great shape. The one issue is the top of the spindle, which has
a threaded collar, both to hold the spindle in the quill, but also as kind of a "preload" adjustment. The original
collar was held in place by a setscrew, which unfortunately damaged some of the threads over the years.

As I want to actually use this drill, I decided to replace it with a split collar, that will "clamp" in place.
Lacking a chunk of wrought or even cast iron, I opted for aluminum- except the ony piece of 3/4"
bar I had on hand was 2-1/2" wide, and the collar is 3".





All text, photos and graphics Copyright 1998- 2015, Doc's Machine & Airsmith Services. All Rights Reserved.
Information contained in these pages is for reference and entertainment purposes only.  Our methods are not always the best,
quickest, safest, or even the correct ones. It's up to you to know how to use your own machines and tools.
Keep your fingers away from the spinny blades o' death and you should be all right.