[everettengr]

i just purchased a 2007 (re-man) VMC-15 and have read the weights needs to be secured for transporting, but i can't seem to find the exact procedure to do this?
i will keep searching, but any input is appreciated.
thanks

[NismoGT]

There are two holes on the side of the Z axis column that line up with two holes on the counterweight. You adjust the height of the spindle head until these holes line up. There should be two pipes with the machine that slide all the way through one side of the column upright then the counterweight then the other side of the upright. I can post pics if this doesnt make sense.


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[everettengr]

There are two holes on the side of the Z axis column that line up with two holes on the counterweight. You adjust the height of the spindle head until these holes line up. There should be two pipes with the machine that slide all the way through one side of the column upright then the counterweight then the other side of the upright. I can post pics if this doesnt make sense.


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thank you. yes, a photo would be helpful. i do see one hole at the top of the column, but not the second.
if the weights are not lined up and the machine is not under power, are there options to move the head manually?

[ianagos]

thank you. yes, a photo would be helpful. i do see one hole at the top of the column, but not the second.
if the weights are not lined up and the machine is not under power, are there options to move the head manually?

Take off the z cover and spin the ballscrews by hand but I’ll warn you it’s not easy.

The two holes are right under the arm that holds the atc.

[NismoGT]

thank you. yes, a photo would be helpful. i do see one hole at the top of the column, but not the second.
if the weights are not lined up and the machine is not under power, are there options to move the head manually?

Here are where the holes are:


Here is the solid steel bar partially in the hole. There are two bars, which is preferable to securing the counterweight, but in a bind, it will work with only one.


The bar is about 1-3/16 dia and 15-1/8 long.



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[everettengr]

Here are where the holes are:


Here is the solid steel bar partially in the hole. There are two bars, which is preferable to securing the counterweight, but in a bind, it will work with only one.


The bar is about 1-3/16 dia and 15-1/8 long.



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Huge help. Thank you!!!!
I will get these installed before moving the mill.
It is currently in a riggers shop and the rods are not currently installed :-(
Hopefully no damage has already been done.

[everettengr]

it looks like i am going to have to make these.
can you provide the length and bolt hole spacing.
i am going to meet the trucking company at the riggers and verify everything get loaded properly.
thanks

[ianagos]

it looks like i am going to have to make these.
can you provide the length and bolt hole spacing.
i am going to meet the trucking company at the riggers and verify everything get loaded properly.
thanks

I just use some 1” heavywall pipe or solid bar. Length ain’t critical about 20” should work. No need for the flanges and bolts.

[everettengr]

I just use some 1” heavywall pipe or solid bar. Length ain’t critical about 20” should work. No need for the flanges and bolts.

what keeps them in place when driving down the road?

[ianagos]

what keeps them in place when driving down the road?

Friction from a couple hundred pounds of counter weight.

[everettengr]

Friction from a couple hundred pounds of counter weight.

got it :-)
thanks

[ianagos]

got it :-)
thanks

Just shipped one from Georgia to Carolina on a trailer without air ride and it made it fine with some random bars that fit through the holes. Make sure it goes through both sides of the column all the way to the electrical cabinet.
Used a 4x4 to rest the head on.

Edit to add
Make sure you do not rest the head on the spindle. I see that so much and it can cause damage to spindle bearings. Also make sure the wood is not pinching any hoses and is sitting on the casting not sheetmetal.