The WEISS VM18L is a versatile mill/drill machine designed for precision machining operations. It is intended for use by properly trained and experienced personnel. The machine is suitable for drilling, end milling, and face milling tasks, offering a range of features for accurate and efficient metalworking.
Function Description:
The VM18L functions as both a milling machine and a drilling machine. Its primary purpose is to remove material from workpieces using rotating cutters, allowing for the creation of various shapes, holes, and surfaces. The machine's head can be adjusted vertically and tilted, providing flexibility for different machining angles and operations. The table moves along longitudinal and cross-feed axes, enabling precise positioning of the workpiece relative to the cutter.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: VM18L
- Max. Drilling Capacity: 11/16" (18mm)
- Max. End Milling Capacity: 5/8" (16mm)
- Max. Face Milling Capacity: 1-31/32" (50mm)
- T-Slot Size: 3 @ 25/64" slots (3 @ 10mm slots)
- T-Slot Centers: 1-3/8" (35mm)
- Table Size: 19-11/16" x 5-33/64" (500 × 140mm)
- Table Travel (X,Y): 8-21/32" × 6-19/64" (220 x 160mm)
- X/Y-Axis Travel per Handwheel Revolution: 0.1"
- Spindle Stroke: 1-31/32" (50mm)
- Distance from Spindle to Column: 6-11/16" (170mm)
- Distance from Spindle nose to table: 10-53/64" (275mm)
- Drawbar Thread Size: 7/16"
- Drawbar Length: 9-1/5" (234mm)
- Head Tilt (Left/Right): 90 Deg.
- Spindle Taper: R8
- Number of Spindle Speeds: Variable
- Vertical Spindle Speeds: 100 - 2250 RPM
- Motor Type: Brushless 1HP
- Power Requirement: Single Phase 110V 60Hz
- Rated Current: 10A
- Packing Size: 20" x 21-1/4" × 32-7/8"
- Net Weight: 154.4 lbs.
- Gross Weight: 196.2 lbs.
Usage Features:
The VM18L incorporates several features to enhance usability and precision:
- Controls:
- Longitudinal Handwheel: Located on two sides of the table, moves the table side to side.
- Cross Feed Handwheel: Located on the front of the base, moves the table toward or away from the column.
- Head Elevating Handwheel: Located on the right of the column, adjusts the head up or down. Locks must be loosened before operation.
- Adjustable Table Stops: Located on the table front, allows setting stops along the longitudinal axis.
- Table Locks: Longitudinal table locks are on the front, cross-feed table locks are on the right side under the table. These lock the slideways.
- Mill Head Locks: Located on the right of the column, locks the mill head.
- Quill Lock Lever: Located on the left of the mill head, locks the spindle height.
- Down Feed Handles: Located on the right side of the head casting, advances the quill toward the table. Graduated dials help with accurate movements.
- Mill Head Rotation: The head can tilt 90° left or right for angle drilling or horizontal slotting. Lock nuts must be loosened before rotation and re-tightened afterward. Support for the head is recommended during rotation to prevent unexpected movement.
- Electrical Controls:
- Brushless Motor: 1HP, 110V.
- Magnetic Switch (A, Fig.12): Functions as an emergency stop and protects the machine. Green "I" button starts the motor, Red "O" button switches it off.
- Speed Control Knob (B, Fig.12): Adjusts spindle speed (100-2250 RPM). Turn clockwise to increase, counter-clockwise to decrease. Always start the machine with the knob at zero.
- F/R Switch (C, Fig.12): Reverses motor direction (F-forward, R-reverse).
- Fuse Base (D, Fig.13): Located on the back plate of the electrical box, houses an 8A fuse. Turn counter-clockwise to open and change the fuse.
- Arbor Replacement: The manual provides detailed steps for safely replacing the arbor, emphasizing disconnecting power and proper use of tools.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the machine's precision and longevity:
- Cleaning: Keep the machine clean, especially the sliding surfaces, to prevent chips from falling into the ways. Chips should be cleaned timely, and asphalt felt should be cleaned regularly. Do not use bare hands to remove chips due to sharp edges. After each operation, clean all chips and apply machine oil to prevent rusting.
- Lubrication: Lubricate all slideways lightly before every use. The leadscrew should also be lightly lubricated with lithium base grease.
- Gibs Adjustment: Over time, normal wear will occur in the table's movement. The gibs (horizontal, traverse, and vertical) can be adjusted to compensate for this wear, ensuring continued accuracy.
- Component Care: Maintain the arbor, drawbar, worktable surface, and guide ways to preserve machining accuracy and prevent mechanical damage.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues like chatter, inconsistent depth of cut, off-center holes, erratic bit turns, and chuck problems, along with possible causes and solutions.
- Safety: Always disconnect the machine from the power supply before any cleaning, maintenance, or repair work.
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