Our Blog - See Examples of Spindles We've Repaired

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Welcome to our blog. Here, you'll find examples of spindles we've repaired in the past. We explain what was wrong, have images, videos and more. If you're looking for more specific brand information, or can't find a brand click here, or try the "brands" link above.

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  • Bridgeport VMC1000XP3 Spindle Repair

    Bridgeport VMC1000XP3 Spindle Repair

    10,000 RPM

    Sometimes the cause of failure is not what you would expect. This spindle lies in that category. As we rebuild all makes and models of spindles we have a huge knowledge base to build from. After cleaning and inspecting this spindle we found that the rear roller failed. The rear roller that came with the spindle for repair was rated at 10,000 RPM grease. As this is exactly the rated speed of the spindle so we upgraded the rear roller to the high speed design to allow for a cushion. We also did a kiss grind to the taper to correct the 3 microns of run out. The spindle was returned to the customer and is performing well.

    We have seen other rebuilders putting in parts that are rated on the edge or below the spindles performance specifications to increase their profits. Northland Tool always looks at the cause of failure and looks for ways to increase your spindles performance and lifespan. In the long run this increases your profits with better part quality and longer spindle life between repairs.



    Bridgeport VMC3020
    Bridgeport VMC3020

    Bridgeport VMC3020

    40 Taper
    8,000 rpm
    The rear bearing of this spindle was loaded incorrectly during it’s last assembly causing the bearing to fail prematurely. We adjusted the preload and repaired the spindle for our customer.


    Bridgeport VMC 760
    Bridgeport VMC 760

    Bridgeport VMC 760

    Beware of the spindle rebuilder that is not qualified!!!!!!!!
    This customer sent his spindle to be repaired to a repair house who frankly did not know what they were doing. This is a list of the damage they did to the spindle in their attempt to repair it:
    Front bearings were installed wrong (backwards), rear roller not loaded, hydraulic nuts are made wrong and not functioning properly, shaft taper has 50 microns run out, front journal has 37 microns out, front and rear shoulder have 15 microns run out, tail of shaft has run out. Rear housing is over sized.  dremmel cut in the hydraulic nut area of the shaft, rear bearing was spinning in the housing.
    This made our job much more difficult but we were able to salvage the spindle and it currently runs as good as new!!!