1963 Mills compact

[702collector]

Does anyone have a video or can make a video of removing the reels from a compact? I’m trying to walk my dad through it over the phone and it’s not going well. All the videos online are non compact machines so they don’t have the escalator across the top. Thanks for any help / advice

[63mini]

702collector,

Do you mean one like this? If so, I have no video. But I might be able to do some photos for you.

[702collector]

63Mini, exactly like that. Pictures would be greatly appreciated.

[63mini]

702collector,

Once the front door is open you should see two latches on the left and right side as seen in the first photo. These will hinge out. Once they are hinged out (opened) then grasp the hook as seen in the second photo. Pull them all the way out until they stop then rotate them to lock into the notch in the cabinet. More to follow.

[63mini]

Once the hooks are turned and locked into the cabinet notches. You can securely grasp the mechanism and slide it out. It will be sitting in a tray on slides. Once the mech is slid out on the tray it can be rotated 360 degrees to access all spots of the mech. If further service is needed, you can lift the mech out of the tray. Please note - the mech may be bolted or screwed to the tray. Mine is not.

Also, when the mech is slid out it can become a bit unstable. You don't want it to crash to the floor.

Hope this helps.

[702collector]

Thank you 63mini. The issue was actually getting the reels out of the mech. He got them out. The problem he is having is the reels are not spinning or spinning extremely slow. They are cleaned and lubed. They spin great by hand but the mech is not kicking them fast enough.

[63mini]

702collector,

So, when you cycle the mech and stop the clock, do the reels spin freely by hand? Do they spin freely individually? I just want to be sure that they are not binding on each other.

Were the reels disassembled to thoroughly clean the reel bushings and axle? If so, was the kicker removed and cleaned? You could have a worn kicker, or it just has hardened grease and is not pivoting properly to kick the reels.

Those are the first things I would look at.

[702collector]

Thanks for your help 63mini. I think it was the kicker that was gummed up. My dad appreciates the help. Is there a manual available for these machines?

[63mini]

702collector,

I am not aware of a specific manual for these machines. If you have a manual similar to this, it will give you enough information to get by with most Mills machines.