Omnimil Depth Stop Collar - Snapped!

[WvW]

In the process of restoring my Omnimil, and like a stupid idiot, and for no reason, I have overtightened the depth stop collar and snapped it. I thought things were going well.

I was just wondering what people's opinions are of how best to repair? I'm not going to find another that's for sure.

Any guidance would be really appreciated.

 

[Dcal]

V out and braze.

 

[Milkybars]

Mine snapped at some stage in it's life, it has been brazed back up with sif bronze. Not sure but i think maybe drilling and pining it may be of assitance as well

 

[WvW]

Annoyed because it just needed nipping up, and I went stupid at it.

Never done any brazing before - do I need oxy acetelyene for this?

 

[Milkybars]

Hopefully, someone will volunteer to assist you ..as i wouldn't want to do this as first attempt

 

[WvW]

My quick internet search brought me to the same conclusion. I don't have the skills without practice, and it looks like the bits I need to even have a crack at it are pricey for a one off - even more so if I make mess.

Things had been going well until that point. Got the head on this weekend.

 

[WvW]

Anyone able to help an idiot?

 

[optima21]

there was this post a few weeks ago about something similar

How would you braze this?

It's part of the table rise & fall rack on a meddings drill. It's cracked completely through where the black mark is. It's not under much stress, probably been broken for ages. Its function is to stop the rack bowing away from the column. As per the other thread it is likely cast iron so I plan...

www.mig-welding.co.uk

 

[WvW]

Thankyou - completely missed that. I will take a look.

 

[Dcal]

If you want to chance sending it to me, I would be happy to braze it for you.and send it back.
Someone more local might be able to help but the offer is there if not.

 

[WvW]

That would be a massive help to be honest - any help would be better than me on a first attempt. Just tooling up is going to cost me a load, and even then I might screw it up.

I will obviously reimburse you for your time.

 

[RobCox]

Been there, done that!

I did the same to mine when I was rebuilding it after a complete strip down. At the time, I had a little SX2 mill thet the Elliott replaced which I used to machine a new one from a piece of 3/4 in thick steel flat. Lots of chain drilling to save wasting the middle bit, then on a dinky rotary table to mill the inside and outside. Drill, thread and split as the last operation.

I thought about brazing the two parts of the original together but 4 years on they're still tucked away as the replacement works fine.

 

[WvW]

At least I'm not the only one. Christ knows what I was thinking - it was a tight enough fit without any turns on the bolt. A moment's loss of concentration and then the crack, followed by expletives.

I wish I had a mill to do the same, but this is the only one I have. If I can preserve the original it would be great.

 

[RobCox]

I didn't fret too much about keeping it original. Nice, yes, but it's a tool to use (and look after!) so as long as it's functional its good enough for me.

It was only made from cast rather than steel originally for cheapness.

If your original doesn't get returned to a useable condition and you need help making a replacement give me a shout.

 

[MattF]

This's why I generally put some type of shim between gaps like that, nowadays. Something thick & solid enough to prevent excessive tightening, but with some give to allow being compressed. An air gap isn't a great choice on a clamping assembly.

 

[roofman]

Should not be too difficult to replicate that in steel if the repair does not work..painted you would not even notice.

 

[WvW]

It's funny that the horizontal mill support bracket has a clamping arrangement has a similar clamp type setup, but it does have a spacer. It is a good idea really - stops those silly mistakes.

 

[Brad93]

Send it to me and I'll do it

 

[Brad93]

Or I'd just cut a blank out steel on the plasma for you.

 

[WvW]

This place is brilliant. Thank you Brad - much appreciated. It's unusual to be a first dibs for help, but Dcal is going to have a go at it. But I massively appreciate the offer!