A little warmer this evening!
OK, I’m now ready to remove the top main column from the base & tray. I just need to get the hoist in position. I also have no idea where to sling the ropes!
Its far too cold to get on my hands and knees to attempt to remove the motor but a quick look has me puzzled – what is the best way to do this?
With the hoist in place I gingerly raised the main casting! What appeared to be happening was that the boss for the z-axis spindle was rusted to the drip tray. 
It took a little while to work this out as the tray seemed well fixed at this point. Anyway a block and a sharp knock and the drip tray dropped clear. Above is the rusty crud around the hole holding it all together.
So, how do I now remove the nut at the bottom of the screw?
Hi Matt,
That’s fantastic! Many thanks.
I think that it would be wise to remove the z-axis wheel and shaft (just like you did) to avoid the risk of damage, even if strictly not necessary. Where is this set screw located, and do you just unscrew it and then pull the shaft out?
I take it you “see” my mail address? If so, then if you send me a mail, I can send some pics of the machine.
Regards,
Lucas
One thing I rememeber, the collar above the bearings in the picture (which in turn are above the gear) was a tight fit in the drip tray. So make sure you undo the scres that hold down the drip tray to the lower casting – you need a large screwdriver to move them.
Hello from Sweden,
I’m picking up an Aciera F3 tomorrow morning Saturday 4 June. The machine is not in the same need of restoration, so I’ll just leave it “as is” for now.
That said, I need to separate the upper casting from the base for the transport, which would seem like a simple operation. But what about the Z-axis spindle? Will this simply separate from the angled gearbox at the bottom?
I know this the 11’th hour, but if you could give me some advice, then this would be very much appreciated.
Hi,
Good news on the immenent arrival!
This page http://www.aciera.co.uk/?p=241 shows the gear at the end of the z-Axis spindle. You should be able to unbolt the top and this spindle then lifts away. Whne I dismnantled mine, I removed the z-axis wheel and shaft first but I don’t think you need to do that. The shaft is held in place with a set screw underneath the large collar that slides into the lower casting.
Let me know if you need any other advice.
Regards, Matt