Index model 55 mill

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H&NERY
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Index model 55 mill

Post by H&NERY »

So I have someone who wants to trade me this Index 55 mill for my Little MFB Atlas. Is anyone here familiar with the Index 55? It’s a giant leap forward from the Atlas, which I didn’t use. Is there anything I need to watch out for? Thanks.
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SteveM
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by SteveM »

I don't know anything about it, but you can read up on it here:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/index/

Only question I would have is:
R8 or B&S9?

Steve
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H&NERY
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by H&NERY »

It has the N0.9 B&S
pat1027
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by pat1027 »

I have an Index Model 45 which is similar but smaller. It's a nice machine. No. 9 B&S. If the 55 is in decent shape and you have room it's a good trade.
jscarmozza
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by jscarmozza »

I've had mine for thirty years, it's a good old machine, make sure there isn't too much play in the spindle spline and no play in the spindle bearing. Victor Machinery Exchange sells B&S 9 collets.
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Bill Shields
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by Bill Shields »

or you can send the spindle back to Index and have them grind it out to fit R8.

I have a slightly newer model, and just love it..

they are still in business (Jackson Machine) and parts generally available....
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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ALCOSTEAM
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by ALCOSTEAM »

First thing I would do is get that spindle reground to R8.. from what I have read looking into getting one reground is Jackson machine doesn't put the index pin in so if you do something whacky you could possibly spin tooling in the quill. That isn't saying for more $$ they might go the extra effort and put the pin in. We have an Index at the group shop and if it were mine it would either have already been sent off to get rid of the B&S 9 or replace it with a bridgeport head. There is real value in common tooling and R8 stuff is everywhere.
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Bill Shields
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by Bill Shields »

I have a regrind and found that I do not need the pin.

I was concerned at first, but after talking to the guy at Jackson...the pin is for holding in position while tightening.

Once tight, the collet will slip on the tool before the collet will slip in the spindle. Granted I do not do a lot of insert roughing...and have no one piece tools keyed to the R8 shank...that type of work goes to another machine.

Biggest annoyance is when first tightening the collet as it may spin with the drawbar.

I did have to rework the thread on the drawbar from a rolled thread to a cut thread and reduce it a few thou.

I also have found a few collets with undersized ID threads that I no longer purchase.

Most were cheap Asian imports. I kept one as my "must fit" standard for when the drawbar needs to be replaced every 10 years or so.
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
pat1027
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by pat1027 »

Mine came with a piece similar to what is in the pictures of the No. 55 and a set of Z collects. It's stamped "Universal Z - B&S 9". Spin that hex collar off and see what is in there.
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H&NERY
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by H&NERY »

I got the mill home today, I will get it unloaded tomorrow and check it over some more, I got to run it before I brought it home, seems like a nice tight mill.
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NP317
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by NP317 »

And you left the aircraft there????
RussN
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Bill Shields
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Re: Index model 55 mill

Post by Bill Shields »

Wow ..I have thought the aircraft were 'there'
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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