I have an old Unimat SL that had given me years of scratchbuilding enjoyment. I had to store it for a few years and when I tried to use it again I found that the tool bed had become stiff to move with the main screw shaft. As I tried gripping it (protecting the threads with wood between vicegrip jaws) it became stiffer to turn as it moved toward the end of the shaft. Now it is completely frozen. I have tried penetrating oil but since I cannot grip the threaded shaft hard enough to prevent it from turning I have not been able to get the two apart to give them a proper cleaning. Does anyone have suggestions of how to get these parts separated and cleaned so I can continue using this wonderful old tool?
Thanks,
N.E.D.
Wish I could help as I too have a unimat 3. Campbell tools deals and sells part for Unimats you might try them.
Thanks,
I called Campbell Tools about it a while back but the person I talked to did not have any suggestions other than buy new parts for $100+ or try calling Blue Ridge Machinery. I have not had the time or the phone number to do that. I am sure there is someone somewhere who has had this happen and knows what to do.
N.E.D.
if the threads are stripped there isn’t much you can do but chunk it and buy a new one…there are all kinds of ways to separate it, but it will require drills, screwdrivers, hammers, saws, pliers, taps, easy outs, dies, a lathe to turn new parts and not to mention it will tear up the existing parts that are giving you trouble anyway ( let’s say the tools you will need to separate it will cost as much or more than what a new one would cost)
N.E.D.,
Did a Google search for Blue Ridge Machinery, their Web site is:
http://www.blueridgemachinery.com/
and their toll free number is 1-(800) 872-6500. Why not call them before you try anything more drastic. Please let us know how it turns out.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
The threads aren’t stripped, they are all good except for the ones I can’t see, it is just stuck from dirt and old oil. Thanks for the BRM Co. ph#, I will give them a call soon.
N.E.D.
Maybe what you need is degreaser or other solvent which will cut throught the dirt and disolve it. I believe there is a product called liquid wrench. Another alternative providing there is no plastic or soft metal in the construction is heat (I cringe at the thought) but this maybe a last ditch alternative.
Fergie