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Info Req - Kempsmith #2 Universal KMB "Master-Mill" - Manual / PM / Lube

DNR_Star

Plastic
Joined
Apr 16, 2020
Hi there, long time lurker, first time poster. Tear me up ye sagely hoard.

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Recently procured a 1960 Kempsmith "KMB" Universal knee-type horizontal mill for ~$800. Has factory installed universal 50T head, 3axis powerfeeds (functioning, all), 3ph 7.5/2.5 hp original spindle/feed motors, good-but-filthy ways, screw, wipers and table (w/ petina all), B&S flood coolant system, & recent (ca 1995 [sic]) Mitu glass DRO. Machine was purchased new by shop in 1961 - apparantly - and has been run infrequently since, rarely making cuts, minimal but sometimes performed PM work.
Guy is relativley mint (was cleaned maybe never , so exterior is gross and needs a repaint). "Government property" tag on the side; old-man's old-man was a boeing/govt-sub skunky cold-war-jig-bore type mystery machine however, so no surprise.

gov1.jpg

However, have been Googling, cold-calling old men, and forum-spelunking for weeks; can find NO manual nor specific info on this unit, at-all. Other than the brochure and old auctions. Stop it internet, I already bought one!!

Brochure is all i can find... posting for future searchers - if pages are wrong, will correct below.
Master Mill Brochure 1.JPG
Master Mill Brochure 1.2.jpg
Master Mill Brochure 1.1.jpg

Will post more pics in add'l.

QUESTION:
Does anyone have a resource for this machine's manual? I can find manuals for "G" Kempsmith mills and can assume similar lubrication stds and choices, etc. However, the powerfeeds, backlash adjust, etc are very specific to these machines, and I need to do a full 5-yr PM and inspect before using. The-obsessive-inside requires. Would pay real-bux for a moth-eaten paper copy even.

Also, any advice where to start getting this safely functioning? Have only performed full teardowns upon purchasing old machines, never miminal maintenance to get running straight away.
thoughts:
#0 external full clean (mostly done), confirm transmission oils circ and levels. -done-
#1 spindle transmission oil check level and visc -done-
#1.1 general zerk greasing (just gotta-catch-em-all zerk-search? any 'ol non-EP grease/light machine oil?)
#2 table powerfeed worm drive powerfeed transfer box open and checkup - oil change if draining needed
#2.1 table lube system - need to fully clean out? or just lubricate, sys rebuild later.
#3 white scrotchbrite and oil - clean petina and chips in ways, wipers, screws etc. Move axes 3", repeat.
- what to do with petina, idc or i do?
#4 rotate universal head axes 15deg, run, repeat
#5 run, listen, look, repeat for ~5-10 run hours
#6 change oils , open an clear resevoirs / inspect gears
- powerfeed gearbox (sae 160 per "g" manual - assume yellow parts/non-EP additive)
- rapid traverse gearbox (sae 160 per "g" manual - assume yellow parts/non-EP additive)
- spindle drive transmission gearbox (per "G" manual sae 90 - recommendations?)
Have found many threads on this forum for oil sources, only need info if specific to brand/era/known.

Many thanks in advance!!!
~DNR
 
I assume you’ve checked Vintage Machinery’s manual section? Got one for a type G there once upon a time. I also got the impression Kempsmith was still operating in some capacity. Maybe they can help?

I found the G pretty antiquated in the power feed design and controls. (Like they designed it in 1910 and stuck with the plan for 30 years. )

This master mill looks like a big step forward.

Otherwise, don’t overthink it. It’s an older mill roughly equivalent to K&T, Cinci, Van Norman etc. and should have same general lube needs.
 








 
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