Help with Millers Falls No 34 Brace restoration

[Robert Hartmann]

I started working on a MF 34 brace resto and can't get the head off. I've seen a few resto examples where it comes off exposing the bearings. I pulled the c-clip off the end, but it doesn't come off. It may not come off. It would be nice if it did so I could clean it out. I attached some pics for your reference. thanks

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[Glen Canaday]

I have the whole 30-34 series and I can't get the head off of any of them.

I'll watch this thread.

[Nicholas Lawrence]

I have two millers falls, a craftsman, and a pexto, all with that ball bearing style head. I have had all of them apart to clean, lubricate, and replace the bearings. I do not have a 34, but I really think it will come apart. Try supporting the head in your vice, and "gently" tap on the center rod (a scrap of wood on the rod maybe, and hammer on the wood). All of mine were gunked up with 100 year old grease that turned hard and stiff, and that is probably what is making it difficult to get it off.

Be warned: the bearings are just sitting there under a little collar, and this is one of those projects that has a tendency to come apart all at once with little bearings flying everywhere. Sometimes they are in good shape, sometimes they are all corroded up. There is a place on eBay that sells small bearings at a reasonable price in little zip lock bags if you need to replace ones that are damaged or missing.

[Glen Canaday]

I also have a killer source..Axman. Local surplus everything store, sells bearings by weight!

[Jim Koepke]

Bicycle shops also often carry spare bearings.

Sometimes a groove can wear into a shaft and cause problems with disassembly.

jtk

[Robert Hartmann]

I should have mentioned it turns ok now and I haven't oiled it or done anything to it. It's definitely not smooth, which is why I want to take it apart and clean it out. I tried to gently tap the head off, but was afraid to hit it too hard. Baring any other revelations I'll try putting it in the vise as suggested by Nicholas.

[Nicholas Lawrence]

Just don't hit the shaft with a hammer directly, unless you have a plastic mallet or something. A piece of scrap between the shaft and the hammer will prevent peening that shaft, which would be a problem. They are pretty simple, but if you get stuck, PM me, and I can take one of mine apart and post pictures or something to help you.

[Robert Hartmann]

Just don't hit the shaft with a hammer directly, unless you have a plastic mallet or something. A piece of scrap between the shaft and the hammer will prevent peening that shaft, which would be a problem. They are pretty simple, but if you get stuck, PM me, and I can take one of mine apart and post pictures or something to help you.
It worked, not perfect and with a bit more effort than it should have. It came out part of the way and the top part started to separate. I took some wood wedges and managed to get it the rest of the way without damage. It looks like the c-clip formed a nice burr that was catching it. I couldn't see it (or get to it to trim it) until the head was off. Once past the burr it pull right off. thanks for the assist. Now on to filing, sanding and polishing.

[Robert Hartmann]

Thanks again for the tip on removing the head. Attached are some pics of the completed resto along with the before pic. The brace is incredibly smooth operating.
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[Nicholas Lawrence]

It looks great Robert. And they are a pleasure to use.

[Jeremiah Chamberlin]

How did you clean out the knurlings? I have that exact model, it looks better than what you started with, but far from what you turned yours into.

[Archie England]

Yes, inquiring minds need to know. I have never gotten a rehab to look that good. Great work!!!!!

[Nicholas Lawrence]

What has worked best for me is WD-40 and a stiff brush. If you go at the knurling from both directions on the diagonal, a lot of that crud will come right out.

[Robert Hartmann]

How did you clean out the knurlings? I have that exact model, it looks better than what you started with, but far from what you turned yours into.

I struggled with them for a while and ended up with a brass wire wheel in my drill press. Hit it from all different angles and they clean up real nice. I always start with an overnight soak in Evaporust (greatest stuff ever). Make sure to do the knurling first since it can leave some scratches in the adjacent areas. They aren't deep and easily sand out during the polishing. For the rest of the brace I simply used thin strips of sandpaper long enough to work it like shining shoes. I start with the highest possible grit (for this one I started with 220 due to some pitting) and work up to 2000 grit. I finish off with some metal polish (Blue Magic in a tube is my choice). I've done a number of hand drills and find all different ways to chuck up parts in my drill press, but the only thing I could in this case was the quill. It's obviously a time-consuming job, but the results are worth it.

[Bill McNiel]

Robert,
You did a truly gorgeous restoration! Very impressive.