Precision matthews PM-932M User manual

PM-932 Manual 2014 v9.docx 1
Heavy duty milling machine
6-speed gear head
Powered table (X axis)
Powered headstock (Z axis)
Quill DRO & depth stop
Total weight 1000 lbs
Cast iron stand
Model PM-932M
Quality Machine Tools, LLC
701 Parkway View Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

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This manual describes PM-932M machines as shipped from January 2014. There may be detail differences
between your specific machine and the information given here (with little or no impact on functionality). If you
have questions about any aspect of the manual or your machine, please call 412-787-2876 (east coast time), or
email us at [e-mail]. Your feedback is welcomed!
New installation?
After uncrating the mill, please pay attention to the following:
Read the installation instructions at the BACK of this manual.
Handling the mill is at least a two-man job.
Hand-crank the headstock down until the spindle nose is just clear of the
table. Remove the hand crank, and set it aside.
Lifting gear –sling, hoist or forklift –must be rated for at least 1500 lb.
Working location of the mill must allow:
1. Full left-right travel of the table
2. Access to the back of the column (Z axis leadscrew maintenance)
3. Headroom for the Z-axis motor
Power requirement is 220V, 60Hz, 1φ, 15A circuit protection (spindle motor
8.6A, full load).
Extension cord not recommended; if no alternative, use 12 AWG not longer
than 20 ft.
BEFORE connecting power be sure that:
1. The machine is on a firm footing.
2. The Z-axis (headstock) and X-axis (table) motors are safely situated, not
installed in their working locations. Don't let them dangle on the cables!
3. There are no clamps or locks on moving parts.
4. The gearbox contains oil –check the sight glass at right of the headstock.
5. The gear levers are set for the lowest speed: Hi-Lo to L, 2-3-1 to 1.
6. The gears are fully engaged –hand-rotate (jiggle) the spindle forward and
back while applying light pressure on each gear lever, listening for the click
as the gears engage.
This manual contains essential safety advice on the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and
service of the PM-932M milling machine. Failure to read, understand and follow the manual may
result in property damage or serious personal injury.
There are many alternative ways to install and use a mill. As the owner of the mill you are solely
responsible for its proper installation and safe use. Consider the material contained in this manual to
be advisory only. Precision Matthews, LLC cannot be held liable for injury or property damage
during installation, or from negligence, improper training, machine modifications or misuse.

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Section 1 INTRODUCTION
MODEL 932M Milling Machine features and specifications
General information
The 932M is a robust "square column" mill designed for day-in, day-out use in the busy model shop. With an all-
up weight of 1000 lbs it can handle far more than the typical small machine, including end mills up to 1-1/4" and
face mills up to 3". For precise control of cutter depth there is a worm-driven quill downfeed with graduated dial
and DRO, completely independent of headstock up/down position.
The reversible spindle runs in high-quality (ISO355) tapered-roller bearings enclosed in a 3" diameter quill with
coarse and fine downfeed options. An oil-filled gearbox provides 6 spindle speeds from 90 to 1970 rpm.
Features of the headstock include choice of manual or powered elevation on dovetailed ways, 90o –0o–90otilt,
and a quill depth stop for drilling operations. The 31.5" x 9.5" table is powered in the X axis by a variable-speed
dc motor. Table movement in both X and Y axes is along scraped dovetailed ways.
Supplied accessories
R8 drill chuck arbor and 1/2" (13mm) keyed chuck
22-24mm open-end wrench
14 mm vise keys (2)
R8 shell mill keyed arbor, 1" diameter, M10 threaded hole
Floor plan
These are minimum space requirements for full motion of the table.

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T-slot dimensions
Dimensions
Weight, including cast iron stand 990 lb
Size W 49-1/2" xD 34-1/2" xH 75-1/4"
Stand footprint Approx. W 18-1/2" xD 27"
Electrical
Power requirement 220V, 60Hz, 1φ, 15A breaker
Full load current 8.6A, spindle motor only
Power cord 14 AWG x6 ft
Motors
Main (spindle) Cap-start induction, 1.5 HP, 1725 rpm
X-axis (table traverse) DC gear motor, 1A
Z-axis gear motor (elevation) Cap-start induction, 120W
Headstock
Vertical travel (Z-axis) 13.5 in.
Left-right tilt
90o – 0o – 90o
Spindle
Speeds (rpm) 90,210,345,670,1180,1970
Internal taper R8
Top end 6 splines,28 mm OD
Quill travel 5 in.
Spindle to table 18 in. max
Spindle centerline to column face 10 in.
Drawbar 7/16 x20, 18 mm wrench
Table
Size W 31.5 in. xD 9.5 in. xH 1.6 in.
Surface height Approx. 35" from floor
Maximum load 220 lb
Leadscrews Acme, inch pitch, 10 tpi
Front-back travel (Y-axis) 7.9 in.
Traverse (X-axis) 19.5 in.
T-slots (3) 14 mm wide,80 mm centers

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No list of precautions can cover every-
thing. You cannot be too careful!
Everyday precautions
This machine is designed for milling and drilling operations by experienced
users familiar with metal-working hazards.
Untrained or unsupervised operators risk serious injury.
Wear ANSI-approved full-face or eye protection at all times when using the
machine (everyday eyeglasses are not reliable protection against flying
particles).
Wear proper apparel and non-slip footwear –be sure to prevent hair, clothing or
jewelry from becoming entangled in moving parts. Gloves –including tight-fitting
disposables –can be hazardous!
Be sure the work area is properly lit.
Never leave chuck keys, wrenches or other loose tools on the machine.
Be sure the workpiece and machine ways are secure before commencing milling
or drilling –hold-downs and/or vise fully tightened, X-Y-Z axes locked, cutting
tool secured.
Use moderation: light cuts, low spindle speeds, slow table motion give better,
safer results than "hogging".
Don't try to stop a moving spindle by hand –allow it to stop on its own.
Disconnect 220V power from the mill before making adjustments, changing
tooling, or servicing. For routine mechanical work, only, disconnect by pressing
the RED power button on the control panel. Before opening the control panel,
disconnect by unplugging the power cord from the 220V outlet.
Maintain the machine with care –check lubrication and adjustments daily before
use.
Clean the machine routinely –remove chips by brush or vacuum, not
compressed air (which can force debris into the ways).

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Section 2 USING THE MILL
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
Connect the mill to a 220Vac source.
Press the green Power button to energize the main
contactor in the control box. The power lamp, top
left, should light, indicating that power is available to
all motors.
Press the Obutton to disconnect power from the
three motors.
The E-stop button, bottom left, has the same effect
as the Obutton, but it should be used only for its
intended purpose –emergency disconnect. The E-
stop button is not momentary; once in, it stays in
until twisted clockwise.
The Up and Down buttons control the Z-axis motor
(head elevation).
The main motor (spindle drive) is controlled by the
rotary switch at bottom right. F= Forward, S=
Stop, and R= Reverse.
SPINDLE SPEEDS
This is a gear-head machine with a constant speed motor and a two-stage gearbox providing a choice of six
spindle speeds. The first stage (H-L) selects the speed range, high or low, and the second stage (2-3-1) selects
a specific speed within that range.
Before switching on the spindle motor, be sure that both stages are properly engaged. Hand-rotate
(jiggle) the spindle forward and back while applying light pressure on each shift lever, listening for the click as
the gears engage.
Allow the spindle to stop completely before shifting gears
Spindle speeds (rpm)
L-1
90
L-2
210
L-3
345
H-1
670
H-2
1180
H-3
1970
Excessive cutter noise, chatter, poor finish and tool wear are often the result of too high a
feed rate, and/or too high a spindle speed. If unsure, go slow!
Figure 2-1 Electrical controls and gear levers

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INSTALLING AND REMOVING TOOLING
The spindle and drawbar are designed for R-8 taper collets,
drill chucks and other arbors with the standard 7/16"-20
internal thread. The drawbar is threaded into the R-8 device
by a few turns of the upper nut, which is solidly pinned to the
bar. With sufficient length of the thread engaged, run the
lower nut down as far as it will go, then tighten it using two
wrenches, 17 mm upper, 19 mm lower (or 11/16" and 3/4").
To keep the spindle from turning too freely in this procedure,
select a low speed such as L-1. Another way of tightening
the lower nut is to hold the spindle using a 6-spline wrench,
nominal size 28 mm.
Replace the drawbar cap to protect bearings
and spline.
To remove the R-8 device, loosen the lower nut one half turn
or less, then tap the top of the drawbar with a brass or
dead-blow hammer to unseat the taper. Unscrew the
drawbar by turning the upper nut with one hand while
supporting the R-8 device with the other hand. Why?
Because tables, vises and workpieces can be damaged by
falling tools and drill chucks.
MOVING THE TABLE
Conventionally, left-right movement of the table is
said to be along the X-axis (also called "longitudinal
travel" or "traversing"). Front-back movement is on
the Y-axis, sometimes called "cross travel".
Each axis has a leadscrew with handwheel and
graduated dial with 0.001" divisions, Figure 2-3. If the
mill is not equipped with digital readouts (DROs), the
table can be accurately positioned by counting whole
turns and divisions, bearing in mind leadscrew
backlash. This means that table motion must always
be in the same direction up to the point of reference,
then on to the desired location. For example:
A hole is to be drilled exactly 0.25" on the Y-axis
relative to the front edge of a workpiece in a vise, or
otherwise clamped to the table.
Figure 2-2 Spindle and drawbar
Both nuts on the drawbar are 19 mm or 3/4". The spindle can
be held using a 28 mm spline wrench (not supplied). The
gearbox is vented through the metal elbow, right, and clear
plastic tube.
Figure 2-3 Y-axis handwheel, X-axis locks & limit switch
In the limit switch assembly, arrowed, there are separate
microswitches, left and right , actuated by adjustable spring-
cushioned stop blocks (3).

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Figure 2-4 Y-axis locks
Figure 2-5 X-axis power feed
1. Install an edge-finder in collet or chuck (a tip diameter of 0.2" is assumed).
2. Lock the X-axis by tightening both leaf-screws, Figure 2-3 (1).
3. If the reference edge is to the back the spindle centerline, do nothing; if not, rotate the Y-axis handwheel
clockwise to send the workpiece backwards (toward the column).
4. With the spindle running, lower the quill as necessary, then bring the table forward (counter-clockwise),
stopping at the point where the edge-finder just makes contact. Stop the spindle.
5. Loosen the thumbscrew on the Y-axis dial, Figure 2-3 (2), zero the dial, then re-tighten the screw.
6. Raise the quill, then rotate the handwheel one exact full turn counter-clockwise (0.1") to bring the reference
edge to the spindle centerline.
7. Rotate the handwheel 2-1/2 turns counter-clockwise to bring 50 on the dial opposite the datum; the spindle is
now 0.25" to the back of the reference edge.
Be sure to loosen the X-axis lock screws before
moving the table, especially under power
X-AXIS POWER FEED
Power lamp
The power lamp, a small LED on the right-facing
surface, lights when the Power switch is on.
Direction lever
Before setting the lever to L or R, make
sure the X-axis locks are FREE, and the
speed control is fully COUNTER
CLOCKWISE
Press the Rapid Traverse button (momentary
type) to drive the table rapidly in the direction set
by the L-R lever.
Reset button
If the power feed unit draws more than 3.5 amps
for more than 10 seconds, the overload switch
will cut power and the reset button will pop out.
Press the Obutton on the main control box to

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Figure 2-6 Quill downfeed controls
The lever hub (1) is full-time connected to the quill pinion. The fine
control knob (2) is connected by a worm gear to the sleeve (3),
and is free to rotate –doing nothing to the quill –if not meshed
with lever hub (1).
Figure 2-7 DRO, depth stop and quill locking lever
Set the depth stop by rotating the knurled knob, arrowed. For milling
operations, lock the quill before making a cut.
disconnect power. Investigate and resolve power feed problems –such as X-axis locks not free, or gears too
tightly engaged (see Section 6, Installation). Allow a cooling interval, press the reset button, then restore power.
Limit switch
Stop blocks on the front surface of the table can be independently set to limit travel to left and right, Figure 2-3
(3). To reposition a stop block, loosen its attachment screw, then tap it if needed to free the square nut in the
dovetail slot. (Slot dimensions: 10osides, 0.3" deep, width tapers from approx. 0.5" to 0.4".)
QUILL DOWNFEED
The quill is controlled in two different ways, coarse
and fine.
In the drilling mode, coarse feed , the mill functions
like a standard drill press –pull the upper lever toward
you to lower the quill. For milling operations the lever
hub is disengaged, and the quill is controlled by the
fine downfeed handwheel. The quill is locked by the
lever to the right of the depth stop, Figure 2-7.
Coarse feed (Figure 2-6)
For drilling operations, loosen knob (4), allowing the
lever hub to rotate independently of sleeve (3). If
desired, set the depth stop, Figure 2-7.
Fine feed (Figure 2-6)
For milling operations calling for precise, repeatable
control of tool depth, tighten knob (4) to engage the
tapered face of hub (1) with the internal taper on
sleeve (3). Tighten the Z-axis locks, Figure 2-8.
Rotate the fine control knob (2) to raise or lower the
quill. Before switching to fine control, it is usually a
good idea to run the depth stop up to the top. Lower
the quill by rotating the fine control knob clockwise,
positioning it precisely either by counting divisions on
the graduated dial, or by reference to the digital
readout (DRO), Figure 2-7. Use the locking lever to
hold the quill firmly in position.
If division-counting, be aware of backlash in the worm
drive. This means that the handwheel must always be
turning in the same direction throughout the entire
process, from setting a reference level to subsequent
cutting passes at specific depths –see the backlash
discussion in "Moving the table", above. Using the
DRO –which has no backlash issues –is less
laborious, but remember that the quill is spring-
loaded. This calls for care when releasing the quill
locking lever prior to repositioning the quill downward.
If the fine control knob has been allowed to
disengage (backed off counter clockwise), the quill

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will jump up by 0.01" or more. To avoid this, make sure the fine control is firmly clockwise, lightly loading the
quill rack, before releasing the locking lever.
DRO
The DRO is in metric mode when switched on. Press the mm/in button to display inches. By pressing and
holding the Up arrow (incrementing) or Down arrow (decrementing) the display can be set to a chosen value.
The longer the buttons are held down, the faster the change in displayed value. Zero the display at any time by
pressing the ON/O button.
Switch off the DRO when not in use!
Replace the battery by sliding the cover (small arrow) to the right. For longer battery life use a 1.5V silver oxide
battery, SR44 or equivalent.
HEADSTOCK ELEVATION (Z-AXIS)
See page 6 for the Z-axis motor controls. Use the scale right of the headstock for rough positioning, Figure 2-8.
Be sure to loosen the Z-axis lock screws before moving the headstock.
Remove the crank handle before moving the headstock under power.
Hand crank
Use the hand crank, Figure 2-9, only for occasional small adjustments, then remove it and set it aside.
Figure 2-8
Z-axis scale and locking screws
Figure 2-9
Hand crank

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Figure 2-10 Headstock tilted 45ocounter clockwise
THREADING OPERATIONS
When threading a drilled hole it is essential to align the threading tap properly in the bore. The mill is often used
for this purpose, ideally with a dedicated (non-slip) tap holder or, for production work, an auto-reverse tapping
attachment. The drill chuck can be used instead for sizes up to (say) M6 or 1/4", beyond which the chuck may
not grip tightly enough to avoid slippage. Tapping can be done under power, or by hand turning the chuck (see
below). For either method, it is essential to use a tapping fluid. Any cutting oil is better than none, but most
users find Castrol's Moly Dee the most reliable for threading.
If power tapping bear in mind that reversing is not instantaneous, so be careful tapping blind holes. Be sure the
quill locking lever is free, and start trial work with the lowest spindle speed, L-1.
Turning the spindle by hand
One way to reduce the risk of small-tap breakage is to drill the workpiece, then remove the drill from the chuck
and replace it with the tap. Lower the quill to engage the tap, at the same time turning the chuck by hand while
maintaining light pressure on the quill. After a few turns of the chuck to establish alignment of the tap, there are
two options:
1. Unscrew the tap by reversing the spindle at the lowest speed, then remove the tap and complete the
tapping operation away from the mill.
2. Leave the tap in place, then loosen the chuck. Raise the quill, then use a hand tap holder to complete the
job with the workpiece remaining in the machine vise.
Turning the spindle by hand is easier if you select H-3, but revert to L-1 if backing out under power.
TILTING THE HEADSTOCK
In routine operations the user relies on squareness of
the spindle relative to both axes of the table. Front-to-
back squareness set at the factory, and is not
adjustable (by everyday methods), but in the other
plane the headstock can be set to any angle up to 90o
either side of the normal vertical position. [Because re-
establishing true vertical (tramming) on any mill is a
time consuming process, most machinists look first for
other ways of handling a project instead of tilting the
head.]
The headstock is secured by three nuts spaced 120o
apart, one underneath and one either side, Figure 2-
11. The headstock is top-heavy, and may swing
suddenly to either side unless a helper is on hand to
restrain it. Using a 24 mm wrench, testing for
moveability as you go, carefully loosen the nuts by
degrees. Be especially careful if the head has not
been moved before –the paint seal may let go without warning. (First-time tilting may also call for unusual effort
on the wrench.)

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Figure 2-11 Headstock nuts (two of three)
Figure 2-12 Sweeping holder for dial indicator
This example shows a rectangular section aluminum bar with threaded holes
allowing the choice of two sweep diameters, 6" and 10", measured from spindle
centerline to indicator tip. The smaller sweep can be used for front-to-back
tramming, also left-to-right as here. For more sensitive left-to-right tramming, use
the larger sweep.
Set the headstock to the desired angle by reference
to the tilt scale on the headstock base casting, then
re-tighten the nuts. The tilt scale was carefully
installed in manufacture, and is good to within ± 1/4o.
A more accurate means of angle measurement will
be needed if the project calls for greater precision.
Tramming the headstock
As shipped, the mill is set to zero tilt, squared
accurately enough for initial "out of the box" test
drillings, etc. For more demanding project work
thereafter, the spindle needs to be set at precisely 90o
relative to the table. This is done by fine-tuning
(tramming) the headstock tilt angle. Tram is typically
checked by attaching a dial indicator to some form of
"sweepable" holder installed in the spindle, the aim
being to adjust tilt for the same reading on either side
of the X axis. The longer the radius arm, the greater
the sensitivity.
Figure 2-12 shows a typical shop-made
holder; it has a threaded arbor allowing the
choice of two radius arms, 6 and 10 inches
measured from spindle centerline to
indicator tip. A collet is used to hold the
arbor, in this case 5/8" diameter. The
dimensions are arbitrary, but note that the
indicator must be firmly attached, and the
arm rock-solid relative to the indicator spring
force (which can be considerable on
plunger-type indicators).
A suggested procedure for re-establishing
tram:
1. Disconnect power.
2. Set the headstock to the approximate
zero degree position on the tilt scale, then tighten the three nuts enough to avoid unexpected headstock
movement.
3. Remove the vise and clean the table surface.
4. Set a 1-2-3 block (or other precision-ground block) on the table under the indicator probe.
5. Switch on the DRO.
6. Lower the spindle using fine downfeed to give a half-scale indicator reading (exact location isn't important,
but remember the reading).
7. Note both the dial indicator and DRO readings, then back off the fine downfeed at least a couple of turns to
avoid collision when sweeping.
8. Set the spindle drive to H-3 (this will allow the indicator holder to sweep easily from side to side).

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Figure 2-13 Vise keys installed on X-axis
The keys can also be installed on the long axis.
Figure 2-14 Indicating the vise
The tip of a standard dial indicator, arrowed, rides along the side
face of a ground reference bar.
9. Reposition the 1-2-3 block to the opposite location on the table.
10. Swing the indicator holder to the new location, then lower the spindle –fine downfeed again –to give the
same dial indicator reading as in step (7).
If the headstock is perfectly trammed –highly unlikely at the first shot –the DRO reading should be as in step
(7). If not, loosen the nuts just enough to allow the headstock to be tapped a fraction of a degree in the direction
called for, then re-tighten the nuts. (The "tap" can be anything from a gentle hand-slap to a rap with a soft-face
dead-blow mallet).
Repeat steps (4) through (10) until satisfied with the tram, tightening the nuts as you go. This will likely call for
several iterations. There is no "right" tram; the acceptable difference in side-to-side readings depends on project
specs. As a starting point, aim for ± 0.001" on a radius of 5 or 6 inches.
A similar procedure may be used to check tram in the Y-axis, front to back. The difference here is that there is
that Y-axis tram is established in manufacture, and can be adjusted only by shimming the column-to-base
interface. This is a two-person procedure, requiring an engine hoist or some other means of un-weighting the
headstock (see Section 6, Installation).
INSTALLING A VISE
The mill is shipped with two hardened vise keys,
Figure 2-13, that fit snugly in the 14 mm T-slots and
many 4" precision vises (but not all: some 4" vises
come with 16 mm key slots). Before installing the keys,
check their fit in the T-slots. If necessary, ease the fit
using a few strokes of a fine stone or diamond hone –
the objective is a tight fit, but not so tight it takes more
than reasonable effort to lift the vise clear of the table.
The other objective is a setup that allows the vise to be
removed and replaced routinely, yet be accurate
enough for general machining without the need for
indicating every time.
A typical setup for indicating is shown in Figure 2-14.
Make sure that the spindle does not rotate throughout
the procedure. There is no spindle lock, but you can set
the gears for the lowest spindle speed (L-1), then apply
light spring pressure if necessary to the splined upper
portion of the spindle (not shown). Set the indicator tip
against the upper edge of a precision reference bar or,
if not available, use the front face of the fixed jaw of the
vise instead –check for dings, hone if necessary.
Adjust, the Y-axis to pre-load the indicator to mid range
(say). Lock the Y-axis.
Note the reading at one end of the bar, then traverse to
the other end. Note the discrepancy between the two
readings. Ideally, the two should be identical. If the
difference is unacceptably large, say more than
±0.002" over the width of the jaw, consider a
stainless steel shim (such as feeler gauge stock)

PM-932 Manual 2014 v9.docx 14
Figure 2-15 Shimming the fixed jaw
Do this to correct misalignment between the vise keyways and the
jaw.
behind the fixed jaw, Figure 2-15. There is no "right"
deviation; what is acceptable depends on the project.
Setting up the vise without keys
If shimming is unacceptable, remove the keys and
align the vise by eye. With one of the clamp nuts
snug, but not tight, tighten the other one just short of
fully-tight (but tight enough so the vise won't budge
without a definite tap from a dead-blow mallet).
Traverse the table slowly, indicating from the tightly
clamped end toward the looser end, tapping the vise
in as you go. Repeat the process as often as
necessary for the desired accuracy, progressively
tightening the "looser" nut. Then, fully tighten both
nuts, and re-check again (tightening a nut can itself
introduce significant error). An established routine
like this –tight to loose –can save a lot of time.

PM-932 Manual 2014 v9.docx 15
Figure 3-1 Gearbox drain plug
Section 3 MAINTENANCE
Lubrication
Oils are classified according to their viscosity. There are several viscosity indexes, the main ones being ISO
(International Standards Organization) and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). SAE adds another
complication with different indexes for engine and gear oils, further sub-divided into lists with and without the
suffix W, meaning "multigrade". Mistaking SAE engine oil for gear oil can be an issue; for instance, SAE 20
engine oil has about the same viscosity as SAE 80 gear oil, both roughly equivalent to just one number on the
ISO scale, ISO 68.
Recommended lubricants
Gearbox: ISO 68, such as SAE 80W90 auto gear oil, or Mobil DTE Heavy/Medium circulating oil (about 3 qts.)
Ball oilers (X and Y leadscrews): ISO 32 oil, such as 3-IN-ONE (the "motor oil" version of this brand is heavier,
about ISO 68, but it can also be used)
X, Y and Z axis ways (dovetails): ISO 68 oil, such as Mobil Vactra No. 2, or equivalent
Power feed (visible gears), quill rack and pinion, Z-axis helical gears: light general purpose grease, NLGI No. 2,
or equivalent
X and Y leadscrews: ISO 68 oil, such as Vactra No. 2 or 3-IN-ONE Motor Oil
Z leadscrew: ISO 68 oil or NLGI No. 2 grease
General
Assuming a clean environment –free from abrasive particles and machining debris –lack of proper lubrication is
the main cause of premature wear. Rotating parts are easy to lubricate, sliding parts are not. Gibs are tightened
for the best compromise between rigidity and slideability, which means practically zero gap between the ways.
Take time to understand exactly which are the bearing surfaces on the various dovetail surfaces; this is not
obvious –some of the interfaces look like bearing surfaces, but are simply narrow gaps.
Apply the recommended way-oil with a dedicated short-bristle brush such as the type used for applying flux. Use
a similar brush to apply oil or grease to the leadscrews.
Remove all machining debris and foreign objects before lubricating ANYTHING! If need be,
any oil is better than no oil –but use the recommended lubricants when you can.
Gearbox drain and refill
1. Run the mill a few minutes to warm the oil if necessary.
2. Remove the sheet metal cover from the underside of the
headstock (four 5 mm screws).
3. Place a 1-gallon or larger drain pan under the headstock.
4. Using a 6 mm hex wrench remove the drain plug, Figure 3-1.
5. Allow the oil to drain completely, then replace the drain plug.
6. Remove the fill plug, Figure 3-2, then add just a few ounces
of oil.
7. When satisfied that the headstock is oil-tight, add oil to the
halfway mark on the sight glass (about 3 qts total).
8. Replace the fill plug.
9. Replace the sheet metal cover, unless going on to service
the quill rack and pinion, below.
Unplug the 220V power cord before
any maintenance operation!

PM-932 Manual 2014 v9.docx 16
Figure 3-2 Gearbox fill plug and sight glass (inset)
The vent is open to the atmosphere to prevent the develop-
ment of anaerobic organisms in the oil. The attached tube
prevents spillage at high clockwise tilt angles.
Figure 3-3 Quill rack
Figure 3-4 X-axis gib, right end Figure 3-5 Y-axis gib, front end Figure 3-6 Z-axis gib, top end
Quill rack and pinion
Lower and lock the quill, Figure 3-3. Remove the sheet metal cover from the underside of the headstock (four 5
mm screws). Using a stiff flux brush, clean the visible portions of the rack and pinion. Raise and lower the quill
to expose the remainder of the working surfaces, locking and cleaning at each setting. Apply grease to the gear
teeth, then replace the sheet metal cover.
Spindle bearings
The spindle runs on sealed, pre-lubricated roller bearings requiring no routine attention.
Maintenance
Gib adjustment
Gibs on the X, Y and Z axes control the fit of the mating dovetailed surfaces. They are gently-tapered lengths of
ground cast iron located by opposing screws at each end. Adjusting them is a trial and error process that takes
time and patience. Aim for the best compromise of rigidity and reasonably free table movement. Too tight
means accelerated wear on the ways, leadscrews and feed motors (X and Z axes only). Too free means
workpiece instability, inaccuracies and chatter.
BOTH screw heads must be tight against the gib ends. If you loosen one, tighten the other.
Remove the pleated way covers for access to the back of the Y gib and bottom of the Z gib.

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Figure 3-8 Return spring housing
Notches in the rim, arrowed, allow 6 radial settings.
Leadscrew backlash correction
When alternating between clockwise and counter
clockwise rotation of the X or Y leadscrews, the
handwheel moves freely but the table stays put.
This is backlash, a feature of all leadscrews other
than the precision variety found on CNC
machines. The acceptable amount of lost motion
depends on the user, but 0.005" is generally a
good compromise. Smaller numbers are possible,
but overdoing it can lead to premature wear of
leadscrew and nut.
Excessive backlash can be corrected by compressing the leadscrew nut, Figure 3-7. To adjust the nut a long-
handled 4 mm hex wrench is required, ideally one with an extra-thick shank to minimize flexing. The
corresponding leadscrew nut for the Y-axis is underneath the machine, accessible when a side panel has been
removed from the stand.
Downfeed return spring tension
The quill should automatically retract when the coarse downfeed levers are released following a drilling
operation. If not, the return spring may need to be re-tensioned –but first check for other issues such as
obstructions or lack of lubrication.
Take extra care when working on the spring –it can unwind violently if not properly controlled.
A pin in the headstock casting engages in one of 6 notches on the rim of the cup-shaped spring housing. Spring
tension is adjusted by disengaging the housing, see below, then rotating and re-engaging it at the desired
tension –clockwise to reduce, counter-clockwise to increase.
To adjust the tension:
1. Wear heavy-duty leather gloves for hand protection
2. Loosen one half turn, but do not remove, the M6 socket
head screw holding the spring housing in place.
3. While holding the housing firmly to stop rotation,
loosen the M6 screw to the point where the housing can
just be disengaged from the pin.
4. Step the housing round to the next notch, then run in the
M6 screw by hand to secure the housing. Test for
tension.
5. Repeat as necessary, then fully tighten the retaining
screw.
Figure 3-7 X-axis leadscrew nut

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Power feed (X-axis) brush replacement
There are two carbon brushes on the power feed motor. If removed for inspection, they should be replaced in
the same orientation. Replace both when worn down to about 0.2".

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Section 4 PARTS
PLEASE NOTE
1. All dimensions are in mm
2. Item quantity 1 piece unless otherwise stated in brackets (…)
3. Standard hardware items are available from multiple sources, and are not given a manufacturer's part
number.
4. To order proprietary parts, please give the drawing reference number, together with the manufacturer's part
number, and the revision number of this manual (see the v number in the page footer).
MANUAL QUILL FEED COMPONENTS
28 Ball bearing: 6003 (2) 82 20016 Fine feed hub (worm gear) 93 20306B Find downfeed handwheel
40 Spring 83 20117 Pinion shaft 94 20305-1B Handle
77 20015 Worm gear housing 84 20013 Coarse feed hub 95 20305-2B Screw: M8 1.25, shoulder
78 20119 Worm shaft 88 20303 Clamp knob 96 Screw: M5
79 20302 End plate 90 20017 Graduated dial 99 Screw: M5 0.8 x 8, Ph
80 Retaining ring: 14, Ext 91 20121B Lever (3) 101 Key
81 20120 Spacer 92 20301B Knob: M12 (3)

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