Thread: New To Milling, questions to the experts (LM)

Hi there Guys,
Long time lurker finally adding some content to the forum, which i admit has been a great asset when searching for information. Hopefully I can add to the group without too much nonsense.

Well here we go.
Just recently I acquired a second hand 825 Lucas Mill, which is approximately 10 years old. I Have very little experience milling straight from the log, but as working self employed as a cabinet maker with a liking to work with solid i thought that it was a logical progression. I Have a great arsenal of solid machinery in my workshop and the rather bitey LM Blade is not too daunting (but still feared and respected)

I have a few questions about the best way to service and maintain the mill. Most of these questions are from a going over on the weekend while trying to beat the heat.

On of the immediate things that i noticed was that all of the locking cams (main rails and on horizontal adjustment) are loose. should i shim them or is it just easier in the long run to replace?

Attachment 195705
Attachment 195706

On the the first dummy run i saw a small metal disk launch off the mill and scuttle across the workshop floor. I found this was apart of what appears to be the clutch. Is this essential to keep debris out of the clutch or does it keep its guts in. It appears that rust was the culprit.

Attachment 195707

The only other thing was that the previous owner said that the battery was not charging. I found a few loose wires which could be the cause. Is there any other tests that can be done too see if this is the case.

Attachment 195709
Attachment 195708

Any other general servicing tips would be great as well (oil changes etc)

When the weather is a better, im planning to head out for a while with a mate to make some dust. What would people recommend as far as spare parts to take with the mill.
I already have 3 blades and about 12 chains of varying types.

A bit of a long winded thread, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Slow Cabinets