Wood Turning - How to change the drive belt and bearings on the Axminster AT1628VS

[@series180]

Hi Mike . I have had the same lathe for about four years ,it has often crossed my mind how to go about changing the belt now I know . A very helpful video thanks Mike. Paul

[@MikeWaldt]

+series180 Hi Paul, glad toy found it of interest. Cheers Mike

[@markhampton8123]

Hi Mike, I just went back 5 years to you first video....informative as ever, keep up your excellent work!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Mark Cheers Mike

[@alansimpson596]

Thank you Mike. This video will be helpful to the owners of lathes regardless of manufacturer. I can hardly believe you've had that lathe for four or five years. I've had my lathe for around eight years and, not surprisingly in view of all the masterpieces I've produced, it's showing it's age. I am eyeing up new lathes in the way I looked at cars in my youth. I just hope my bank manager has a good sense of humour when it appears on my monthly statement.

[@MikeWaldt]

+Alan Simpson Lol Alan, as always thank you for watching and commenting, you always make me smile. Take care Mike

[@oaksho]

Great video to help out those who have the same lathe, I'll watch it again in two weeks when my AT1628VS arrives,, Whoohoo!!!! All the best Tony

[@MikeWaldt]

+oaksho Hi Tony, nice one mate, please let me know what you think when you get it. Take care Mine

[@oaksho]

I went to collect it last Saturday Mike. looks really nice. I never got the stand as it made it to high for me, Almost got the new workshop finished and I'll be ready to start posting vids again. All the best Tony

[@whirled_peas]

I'm of the mind that to be an effective woodworker you have to understand your machines and be able to do this sort of task yourself. Spindle replacement techniques shown here apply to basically every woodworking machine so very valuable!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Sam, appreciated your comments my friend. Cheers Mike

[@naorshachar]

Thanks mike. I'm in the middle of overalling my wivamac used lathe that i just bought. No help from the company. It took me two days to figure out how to take it apart. Cost me around 100 pounds for the bearing and belt. I'm glad i did it myself because i like to know how my machines work and assembled. All the best .shachar

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Sachar, hope all goes well with your overhaul. Take care Mike

[@robertevans6481]

Very informative glad my mini lathe has a easy change belt. The bearings well that is a whole different beast altogether...have a great week...

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Robert, you have a great week too mate :) Cheers Mike

[@PaulLockwood]

Interesting Mike. I may not have one and may never own one but it shows how they are put together which will certainly be of help to others who need to do a similar job.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Paul, that was the idea behind the video mate, glad you agree with my thinking :) Take care mate Cheers Mike

[@billgiles3261]

Have just bought this lathe so I hope I remember where this video is! (I wrote it down in the instruction manual to remind me.)

[@MikeWaldt]

Lol you'll be very happy with it Bill I'm sure 🙂

[@stephenmcfadyen1385]

Thanks Mike I have a Woodfast Lathe with almost the same configuration and I also was not looking forward to doing it. Your video has give me the confidence to have a go myelf Regards Stephen

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Stephen, good luck when you do have a go. Glad to hear it was of some use to you. Take care Mike

[@JimsonMakes]

Great video Mike, very valuable info for a fellow AT1628VS user like myself. Cheers, Jim

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Jim, it may be handy one day mate ;) Cheers Mike

[@coltaylor5878]

Thanks for that Mike it was very informative and as you say could be very similar for most lathes with the belt encapsulated on the spindle between the bearings. Thanks as always for sharing. Kind Regards Col.

[@MikeWaldt]

+Col Taylor Hi Col, hopefully someone will get shine use from it. :) Cheers Mike

[@MikeG3PGA]

Hi Mike... Don't forget to put the belt back on before fitting the spindle back in. Great video. Regards Mick the Grinder

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Mick, and thanks for reminding me!! ;) Take care Mike

[@glennmay6204]

Hello Mike, I shall be looking to get this model in the next month or two. It almost seems worth ordering a spare set of bearings and a belt at the same time. You have made replacement at home look straightforward while the item cost is relatively low. They can be sold on with the machine which would enhance its value and they are current stock for the model ..... basic future proofing. I am really pleased that you are doing these pieces. Axminster bless their cotton socks, seem somewhat backwards. It ought to be a selling feature.. . . .. Rant over. Grateful regards, Glenn.

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Glenn, and I agree with what you say mate, all good in the end though....thank goodness! ;) Take care Mike

[@maggieirving]

Thanks for this Mike, I've just ordered this lathe from Axminster! I'm sure I'll make use of this in the distant future.

[@MikeWaldt]

It'll be a long time in the future Maggie, but as there is nothing on the job anywhere, I thought it might be of use to someone :) Cheers Mike

[@andrewjolley4007]

nice info to no mike I did my record power belt and bearing change a while ago and basically the same method,proper job as we say in cornwall

[@sidmatheny8500]

Nice video Mike and I have changes belts on a couple of lathes and it was about the same as yours. By the way what you called a bar, we call a keyway.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks for the input RB, will know next time...hopefully it'll be a long way off! :) Cheers Mike

[@ErikAnderson1]

Thanks Mike good video even though I don't have the Axminster, I watched it all and it was great. Peace Mate!

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you found it of interest Erik, and thank you. Cheers Mike

[@scorpionscorpion8099]

Nice one Mike , I think as you say Axminster need to assist more in this respect for owners of their lathe to be able to change belts with out having to send heavy lathe's back to them , and not as you pointed out having to deal with the cost of all that packing etc. just to change a belt :-( so a point for Axminster to pick up on here I think . well done Mike keep up the great work , New Turner inspired by your work thanks Mike .

[@mikefricker3603]

Hi Mike. A useful video. Mine is a AW1416VS with bed extension. Would prefer one like yours tho! Thanks and regards, Mike

[@MikeWaldt]

thanks Mike, much appreciated. Cheers Mike

[@leksey7870]

Repair of the machine is always a problem. Good Luck Mike!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Aleksey. Cheers Mike

[@icespeckledhens]

A very well explained video Thanks James

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks again James Take care Mike

[@Lostfriar1]

Thank you for sharing. I have a smaller lathe; (a Delta 46-460) and there is no information given on how to change it's drive belt or bearing either. As you noted, the cost of shipping a lathe back for repair, even a small lathe like mine, is very cost prohibitive, not to mention the time the lathe would be gone.

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Tarry, glad you enjoyed the video Cheers Mike

[@Bramsshed1913]

Great video mate , although I don't own that model ( and highly unlikely that I will :( ) This will provide invaluable info for owners to carry out the repair , Well done mate! Nice home made bearing drift btw Cheers Bram

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Bram, the bearing drift is my mates invention ;) Cheers Mike

[@soltisolti]

Great video Mike, thanks

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Solti, much appreciated. Cheers Mike

[@MARKBaid]

Great video Mike and very well done. Take are my friend and do a kindness Mark

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Mark, and thanks for stopping by my friend. Take care Mike

[@Trev044]

Good video Mike . You do realise that you will need to set up a tool hire company for the bearing rplacement tool !!!

[@MikeWaldt]

+Trevor Olner Thanks Trevor, and a huge LOL mate :) Cheers Mike

[@martkt10]

Nice video Mike, bit surprised there was no bearing lock glue in the housing and that Axminster didn't know the torque and end float for the bearings.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Mark, it all came good in the end :) Cheers Mike

[@decalboy4746]

A bit off subject but thought I would ask. I have a Comet II midi lathe. Just wondering what type of stand you like better. A bench top type or stand with legs ? As of now mine is a substantial cabinet with a 24" x 36" sold top. Collects a lot of wood. I asked Carl as well to see his response. Thanks for your time.

[@MikeWaldt]

+Decalboy My preference are the legs, as long as they are sturdy and weighty :) Cheers Mike

[@decalboy4746]

Thanks for the input. I am kind of new at this but like it so far. Great videos and very informative.

[@MikeWaldt]

Any time :)

[@harryformbickerbickerbeast7850]

Hi Mike, a very informative explanation....................................BUT In the final stages of your video the belt "appears" to be out of alignment. Maybe it is camera positioning but I would check it out. If it is out then you will be going through a belt change again, how long it will last is down to amount of use & belt quality. It may also put a strain on the bearings, reducing their life. For your own peace of mind check it please, ps that piece of square metal that locks the pulley to the shaft is "probably" a Woodruff Key. IE: curved at the shaft & square on the pulley if it gets stuck when servicing tap lightly at one end and it will come out very easily. Here's another BUT.....But these bearings are likely to last a considerable amount of time provided the belt is not over tensioned or out of alignment. My comments are not nit picking, only to draw attention to Attention to Detail. One more thing a large socket may be a good tool for tapping on the bearing, the correct way though is to put the shaft in the freezer for an hour & the bearing needs to be, place it in a couple of small plastic bags and put it in warm water. for 1/2 an hour. The bearing will then slip onto the shaft so very easily. I am pleased to hear that the belt lasted for five years, there is no possibility of my AT1628VS needing a new belt for some time. There are some clever people out there so I expect some comments Best wishes keep it coming Mike it is all good stuff Harry

[@MikeWaldt]

+harry form bicker bickerbeast Hi Harry, and thank you for your spud advice. If I ever have to change things again, I will take heed. I double checked the belt, and all seems OK, thanks for the concern. Take care Mike

[@johnfrary5386]

a good instructional video Mike I am in the process of getting the 1628vs how often have you had to change the belt?

[@MikeWaldt]

+John Frary Thanks John, I didn't really need to change it, but I wanted to see how to do it and give others an insight as there was nothing about the subject regarding this lathe. Cheers Mike

[@garrybrpwine3073]

I wish Axminster would get distributors here in the State's... it's a beautiful lathe.. a good guess on hours of use.. The belt doesn't look square to the pulley ?

[@MikeWaldt]

Garry Brpwine Hi Garry, and thank you. I can assure you the belt is square, the camera angle is a bit misleading, the lens wasn't exactly above the belt, it was slightly to the right, I should have checked that before filming. Thanks for the comment. Cheers Mike

[@garrybrpwine3073]

Mike I was not sure.. Hate to see you do all that work and loose a belt.. FYI: Next time having to pull bearing apart or anything on a shaft. Purchase 2 plastic wedges used in cutting down trees.. when pulling gear -pulley - bearing on a shaft.. cut those wedges to form a fork.. and now facing each wedge together and using a large clamp those wedges act like ramps forcing stuff apart..

[@MikeWaldt]

+Garry Brpwine Thanks for the great tip Garry, appreciate it mate. Cheers Mike

[@jlang8213]

Would a gear puller have worked when removing the spindle? Might be easier if it did.

[@MikeWaldt]

It would have, but I didn't have one, and didn't think it was worth investing in one, that I most probably would never use again. Thanks for the suggestion though. Take care Mike

[@tiddlerfromtad]

Hi Mike. Very interesting and informative. I hope I will never need to change my belt, but at least I know where to look if I have to. One question.... Do you need to lubricate the bearings when fitting them? Cheers. Andrew

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Andrew, no need to lub. the bearings, they are sealed units. Cheers Mike

[@hollyhavencrafts]

Hi on this note ..... You might know the answer to this.... when my lathe was delivered 1628VS it was set on low range...50 -1250 RPM. When might you need it to be used on High Range 150 - 3750 RPM 🤔

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Kevin, I actually only use the low range for heavier stuff, like large wet bowls, when the extra torque is needed. I keep mine on the high range at all other times. Hope this helps. Cheers Mike

[@TurningWorks]

I have a CL4 but still enjoyed the video! 👍🍺

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you did Dave. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers Mike

[@Lee-qp6gf]

changing my bearings on a Powermatic right now but nothing went easy because of tight fits. Almost the same as yours.

[@MikeWaldt]

Hope it all went OK Lee. Cheers Mike

[@robberry2377]

Hi Mike,an amateur like you. My 1628VS has a much longer hand wheel than yours. I found out how to remove it whilst investigating the possibilities of vacuum chucking - used a hollow threaded lamp rod to keep things leak free. My understanding is that you push on the bearing inner sleeve to put the bearing on the spindle & on the outer sleeve to push the bearing into its housing. Thus you need two sizes of pipe. Seems common to use correctly sized sockets for this. Nice video. Shame on Axminster for having to rely on others to disseminate basic information & to correct their misinformation.

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Rob, mine was one of the first batch, which had the smaller hand wheel. It would have been helpful if I was given the right info from the beginning, but it all went OK in the end. Cheers Mike

[@tomasarguinzoni9022]

My lathe is different from your but whatever it is thank you for sharing the video 👍🏼

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Tomas, and thank you my friend. Cheers Mike

[@alanmullock381]

Surprised that Axy missed the ball with this,they have always proved brilliant on other matters! Maybe it's just an oversight 😆😆😆

[@MikeWaldt]

I think you're most probably right Alan :) Cheers Mike

[@watcherdude1330]

Excellent explanation, you are too hard on yourself Mike. You explained it so well that I could now change out those bearings and belt in no time and I have never find it before . And that’s because yes I am mechanically inclined but your explanation and pictures make it very easy.. in my opinion anyway. Isn’t it extremely Annoying when the advise you get from the company that sell the machine give you false information errr

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Mr B, I still find it incredible that there is no official information out there from the company, as it's the only way to change the belt, and avoid heavy costs :( Take care Mike

[@watcherdude1330]

Mike Waldt I truly believe that is done on purpose, to have the customer have to take or send it back to manufacturer. And then they get you on parts AND labour. And SHAME on them for doing this . We pay enough for the machines the least they can do is supply parts lists and instructions as not everyone is mechanically inclined.