Hercus 9A Tailstock Reassembly Problem

**AntJS** · 10th January 2013, 01:20 PM

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking here for a while but this is my first post. I hope someone can help.

I've begun overhauling my Hercus 9A (A5803BS), starting with the tailstock, as I guess that's the simplest part! The problem is that after dismantling, cleaning and mostly reassembling, I can't get the top and bottom parts back together. The elevated section of the lower part just won't go back into the rebate in the upper part.

It was very difficult to get it apart, but by screwing in one of the side adjustment screws it did separate. I've tried assembling it on the bed and using the cam-locking lever to pull it back into place, but no luck. It's got about 1mm to go on one side - the other side is okay.

Does anyone have any hints on this? Or should I just try harder with the cam lever?

Thanks,
Anthony

**rickw72** · 10th January 2013, 04:50 PM

Hi Anthony,

Your assembly method is the one that I normally use. The parts are generally a VERY neat fit so using the tailstock cam to pull them together is usually the only way to go.

Maybe dis-assemble them again and double check that there are no nicks, dings or grit that would be stopping the assembly?

Apart from that, my other suggestion would be to make sure that the cam nut is only just done up. ie. the lever is nearly going over centre, this will give you the most leverage. Also using the screws to work it side to side (reverse of what you did to get it apart) might help.

**AntJS** · 11th January 2013, 09:49 AM

Thanks for that Rick! I'll take it apart again this weekend, make sure it's all really clean and have another go. Good point about maximum leverage with the cam; I hadn't quite thought that bit through. I'll also try pulling it down with the cam lever whilst winding it across with the screws. Headstock next!

**localele** · 12th January 2013, 07:06 AM

Ease the edges of the top with a fine file and check for burrs and add a bit of oil to help it slide together.You know it does fit in there so brute force shouldn't be necessary just correct alignment.

Tiptoeturtle · 12th January 2013, 07:39 PM

If all else fails - depending on the geometry - on a very hot day try leaving one part in direct sunlight at midday for an hour, and at the same time leace the other component in a freezer for an hour before trtying again. There could be about 40 to 50 degrees of temperature difference, one part will contract slightly while the other will expand.If[QUOTIf E=localele;1596919]Ease the edges of the top with a fine file and check for burrs and add a bit of oil to help it slide together.You know it does fit in there so brute force shouldn't be necessary just correct alignment.[/QUOTE]

**AntJS** · 14th January 2013, 10:40 AM

Thanks for all the tips guys. I took it apart again, found that the edges had already been nicely smoothed, cleaned it all again, then realised that the little screw that holds the cam lever in was sticking ever so slightly out of its hole... Went back together quite readily with Rick's method after i'd sorted that out.

Pic below - this is not a restoration, just a service and cleanup, but I might polish the paintwork while I'm at it.

DSC03879.jpg

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