stuck unimat

[Anonymous]

I have an old Unimat SL that had given me years of scratchbuilding enjoyment. I had to store it for a few years and when I tried to use it again I found that the tool bed had become stiff to move with the main screw shaft. As I tried gripping it (protecting the threads with wood between vicegrip jaws) it became stiffer to turn as it moved toward the end of the shaft. Now it is completely frozen. I have tried penetrating oil but since I cannot grip the threaded shaft hard enough to prevent it from turning I have not been able to get the two apart to give them a proper cleaning. Does anyone have suggestions of how to get these parts separated and cleaned so I can continue using this wonderful old tool?
Thanks,
N.E.D.

[Fergmiester]

Wish I could help as I too have a unimat 3. Campbell tools deals and sells part for Unimats you might try them.

[Anonymous]

Thanks,
I called Campbell Tools about it a while back but the person I talked to did not have any suggestions other than buy new parts for $100+ or try calling Blue Ridge Machinery. I have not had the time or the phone number to do that. I am sure there is someone somewhere who has had this happen and knows what to do.
N.E.D.

[cwclark]

if the threads are stripped there isn't much you can do but chunk it and buy a new one...there are all kinds of ways to separate it, but it will require drills, screwdrivers, hammers, saws, pliers, taps, easy outs, dies, a lathe to turn new parts and not to mention it will tear up the existing parts that are giving you trouble anyway ( let's say the tools you will need to separate it will cost as much or more than what a new one would cost)

[jrbarney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by erdiehl

Thanks,
I called Campbell Tools about it a while back but the person I talked to did not have any suggestions other than buy new parts for $100+ or try calling Blue Ridge Machinery. I have not had the time or the phone number to do that. I am sure there is someone somewhere who has had this happen and knows what to do.
N.E.D.

N.E.D.,
Did a Google search for Blue Ridge Machinery, their Web site is:
http://www.blueridgemachinery.com/
and their toll free number is 1-[phone]. Why not call them before you try anything more drastic. Please let us know how it turns out.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[Anonymous]

The threads aren't stripped, they are all good except for the ones I can't see, it is just stuck from dirt and old oil. Thanks for the BRM Co. ph#, I will give them a call soon.
N.E.D.

[Fergmiester]

Maybe what you need is degreaser or other solvent which will cut throught the dirt and disolve it. I believe there is a product called liquid wrench. Another alternative providing there is no plastic or soft metal in the construction is heat (I cringe at the thought) but this maybe a last ditch alternative.

Fergie