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 Post subject: Graves 5xl questions
PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 6:19 pm 
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I have a Graves 5xl and have two questions:

1. I cannot keep the micrometer tight. I tighten it up according to the Graves Technical Notes using the provided tool, but it keeps loosening up. When I move the stone back and forth on the lap, the micrometer will move. Very frustrating. I don't want to over tighten the micrometer adjustment. The machine is fairly new having cut maybe a dozen stones.

2. Has anyone used the girdling attachment? I think I've figured out how to attach it onto the 5xl, but I cannot find any pictures telling how to install it.

Thanks!!

Greg


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 Post subject: Re: Graves 5xl questions
PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 11:39 am 
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tanstaafl,

On your query 1) not sure if the micrometer is unscrewing from the housing or the reference point is drifting around.
If unscrewing from the housing then a little bit of a liquid thread lock may help.

On item 2) This girdling attachment is a very crafty design, it will do 2 things for you, slow you down while you fiddle with it so that a girdle take forever to cut.
Ensure that cutting a girdle is a frustrating experience.

Your 5XL is way more accurate for the job and a lot less hassle.


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 Post subject: Re: Graves 5xl questions
PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 2:57 pm 
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Sean Lines wrote:
tanstaafl,

On your query 1) not sure if the micrometer is unscrewing from the housing or the reference point is drifting around.
If unscrewing from the housing then a little bit of a liquid thread lock may help.

On item 2) This girdling attachment is a very crafty design, it will do 2 things for you, slow you down while you fiddle with it so that a girdle take forever to cut.
Ensure that cutting a girdle is a frustrating experience.

Your 5XL is way more accurate for the job and a lot less hassle.


Sean Lines:

1. The reference point drifts back and forth as I move the stone back and forth on the lap. Again, I've tightened it according to the tech notes, but it loosens back up fairly quickly.

2. LOL.

Thanks.


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 Post subject: Re: Graves 5xl questions
PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 6:15 pm 
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tanstaafl wrote:
I have a Graves 5xl and have two questions:

1. I cannot keep the micrometer tight. I tighten it up according to the Graves Technical Notes using the provided tool, but it keeps loosening up. When I move the stone back and forth on the lap, the micrometer will move. Very frustrating. I don't want to over tighten the micrometer adjustment. The machine is fairly new having cut maybe a dozen stones.

Greg


The micrometer should be glued in and not require any tightening. In fact, no tightening tool exists for it. Are you certain that you are using a 5XL?

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 Post subject: Re: Graves 5xl questions
PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 10:27 pm 
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He's referring to the micrometer head loading. It should require some effort to turn it. http://www.gravescompany.com/mark5xl-ops.html

BTW, the Graves website has been updated for the first time in quite a while. Maybe a good omen?


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 Post subject: Re: Graves 5xl questions
PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2018 11:52 am 
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Ah, Albalmer has the correct terminology, micrometer head loading.

Thomas is also correct as it is unusual to have to fiddle with this even in a machine shop where they are in constant use.

Anyway Greg, try unscrewing the Micrometer shaft from the body, (not the housing) as in the instructions, but this time remove it completely. Looking at the threads from the top, on the inside of the threaded section you will see a few slots cut into the thread section, this will allow you to put a little load on it. Try tightening it a bit with the shaft removed and see if it helps.

Otherwise something like teflon tape on the threads or an o-ring placed where the tool fits may help.

Good luck.


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 Post subject: Re: Graves 5xl questions
PostPosted: Sat Feb 24, 2018 5:10 pm 
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My micrometer changes from where I set it from time to time. Now I try to keep it around 15 and clean and add a little reel grease to the bottom of micrometer and plastic stop.

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 Post subject: Re: Graves 5xl questions
PostPosted: Sat Feb 24, 2018 5:29 pm 
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That page is at least ten years old. Note in the illustrations, some photos are from an XS3. A spanner to adjust the head should have been included with the machine.

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