How do you remove the apron from an ATM260

[dle147]

So I'm currently completely stripping down my ATM260 which I just bought and I'm stuck trying to figure out how to remove the apron - the saddle's off so that's not an issue.

Looking at it and the Maintenance Manual, the only way I can see of doing it is to remove the leadscrew, which probably means pulling the gearbox apart/off, and then running the apron off the end of the leadscrew.

Anyone done this before and if so, what's the secret - if there is one ?

[nadroj]

Unlike the Hercus 9 inch lathes, the 260 leadscrew detaches from the gearbox easily, so you don't need to take them both off together. The end thrust is controlled at the right hand end of the leadscrew (not LH within the gearbox as in the 9 inch).
From memory, the method is to unbolt the RH bearing block and, with half nuts engaged, wind the apron to the right, taking the screw with it. Then disengage the half nuts and slide out the leadscrew.

Jordan

[tanii51]

dont loose the key in the left hand end

[dle147]

Thanks guys, that makes sense - I'm bagging parts as I go so as not to lose any. I've been staring at this for so long I forgot that the RH bearing block can be unscrewed. The lateral thinking evaporated.