Biax IV/EB maintenance

Hi Guys.
I picked this scraper up last summer and I’m getting ready to try my hand at repairing a compound on my P&W lathe sometime this winter.

It’s hard to believe but I guess this thing could be 70yrs old. Can someone tell me what type of maintenance I should do to it before I put it to use? It’s in great shape, it sounds good and the wear plates are tight.

Thanks
Andy

Depends on how deep you need or want to get into it. Minimum, it's good to periodically clean the external slide mechanism with some mineral spirits or solvent, and lubricate it often with something like a medium way oil (just treat the slide mechanism like any other total loss oiled system that can't be over oiled). Also be sure the brushes are clean and intact. The rest of the internal stuff doesn't need as much attention once you know it's clean and intact. If you want to take it apart further, I'd recommend leaving the front mechanism together unless it's obviously gunked up or has problems. Just give the assembly the same clean/oil treatment. Be extra careful taking the motor end apart, especially with the fan blade on the armature. It would be good to clean any carbon dust and grime out of the motor. Just treat it like any other motor taking care not to damage the wire or plastic elements.

Take a few more pictures showing us the model. The number doesn't mean a lot . Those old machines could have a Biax factory made motor or a Bosh - there are differences. If you decide to take it apart, on the Biax motored machine you have to remove the brushes first. So take a few more pictures. You need to oil the center shaft next to the ways too, as it has a Babbit bushing it runs up and down in. . Do you have the T-Handle to adjust the stroke length? Some of those old worn machines the cap screw the T handle fits into spins easy, it needs to have a drag and still turn. If it needs to be tightened, remove the cotter pin and turn it turn one notch.

I have one that had the rear bearing disintegrate. The front and rear are angular contact bearings and still available so this one is still working.