The spindle speed placard [1] denotes the RPM that the spindle is running at. The outer circle corresponds with low-range speeds, while the inner circle corresponds with high-range speeds. 

Speed change handwheel [2] can be used to change the spindle RPM. Crank the wheel at a moderate pace while changing speeds. Do not change speeds as fast as possible.

Note: Only use the speed change handwheel when the machine is running. Do not change speeds when spindle is stationary. 

The High-Low Speed Range lever [3] can be used to switch from high to low gear. If lever gets stuck when switching gears, rotate the spindle by hand to help guide it into place. 

Note: Only change the speed range when the spindle is stationary. Never change while the spindle is in motion.

The quill lock [1] can be tightened to lock the quill at a specified height. This is recommended for any operation that does not require changing the quill height. 

The quill feed handle [2] can be used to manually raise or lower the quill. When the handle is in an inconvenient position, it can be pulled off and re-adjusted. 

The spindle brake [1] can be pulled to stop movement of the spindle. Use the brake before interacting with the spindle (i.e to change a tool) or performing an operation that requires the machine to be stopped (like changing gears).

The micrometer knob [1] can be used in conjunction with the ruler attached to the front of the machine to set a precise stop location for the quill. 

When quill stop [2] impacts the knob, it will prevent the quill from traveling any further, allowing the user to complete multiple operations at the same depth. 

Quill auto-feed can be engaged by moving the quill feed lever to the engage position. Auto-feed should be disengaged whenever manual movement of the quill is desired. 

Note: If auto feed lever does not engage, rotate spindle by hand to help gears mesh.

The feed control lever [1] should be engaged to initiate spindle movement. The lever is pulled out to engage and pushed in to disengage.

The feed control overload clutch is designed to disengage the quill auto feed when the quill experiences too much pressure (such as when the quill stop impacts the micrometer nut). 

The feed rate lever [1] can be used to control the spindle feed rate. The feed rate is reliant on spindle RPM, as described below:

Feed          Rate (in. per rev.)         Rate (mm per rev.)            

H                            .006                                   0.15    

M                           .003                                   0.08

L                            .0015                                  0.04

Note: The feed rate should be changed with the quill auto-feed engaged and the spindle running

The feed direction plunger [1] can be used to control the direction of the quill auto-feed. 

When the plunger is pulled fully out, the quill will feed upwards. When it is fully depressed, the quill will feed downwards. 

Neutral is between the upwards and downwards positions. The plunger should be left in neutral when the auto-feed is not in use. 

The fine control handwheel [3] can be attached to the machine when more accurate movement of the spindle is desired. The quill auto-feed lever [1] and feed control lever [2]  must be engaged to use handwheel. The feed direction plunger should be in the neutral position. 

The handwheel can be removed when not in use. 

The components of the power feed table are as follows:

• The direction control handle [1] which will initiate table movement when turned to the right or left. 
• The speed control knob [2], which can be rotated to change the table feed rate. 
• The circut breaker [3]. 
• The power indicator [4], which lights up green to indicate the device is recieving power.
• The power switch [5].

The table can be moved in the x-axis using the table handles [1]. The handles must be pushed towards the table to engage. 

The table can be moved in the y-axis using the saddle handle [2].

The table can be moved in the z-axis using the knee handle [3]. The knee handle is detachable and can be flipped out of the way when not in use. 

To adjust the roll of the head, loosen the four bolts [1] on the front face of the machine.

Note: Do not remove these bolts. 

Use the pivot bolt [2] to rotate the head until the angle indicator [3] reaches the desired value. Tighten the bolts [1].

To adjust the head pitch, loosen the three bolts behind the spindle head [1].

Note: Do not remove these bolts.

Use the pitch adjustment bolt [2] to rotate the head until the indicator reaches the desired angle [3].Tighten the bolts [1].

Loosen the ram locks [1]. Use the adjustment bolt [2] to move the ram to the desired position.  For heavy operations, the head should be positioned as close to the column as possible, for the best rigidity. 

Note: Do not remove the ram locks

To adjust the head yaw, loosen the four bolts [1] at the top of the column. Rotate the head until the indicator [2] reaches the desired angle. 

The table locks[1] can be engaged to prevent the movement of the x-axis. It is recommended to engage the table locks for any operations that don't require the movement of the x-axis. 

The saddle lock [2] can be engaged to prevent the movement of the y-axis. It is recommended to engage the saddle locks for any operations that don't require the movement of the x-axis. 

The knee locks [3] can be engages to prevent the movement of the knee. It is recommended to engage the knee locks for any operations that don't require movement of the knee. 

Note: Do not remove the axis locks
 

The top right readout [1] displays the DRO mode while in normal use, and displays the results of calculations while in calculator mode.

The left readouts [2] display the X and Y axis positions.

The keypad [3] functions as a calculator and numerical input. 

[X_0] [1] and [Y_0] [2] set the current position for the X and Y axes to zero. 

[ABS/INC] [3] switches between the absolute and incremental coordinate displays. 

[in/mm] [4] switches the DRO unites between inches and millimeters. 

For more information on the complex functions of the remaining buttons, see the ES-8A Digital Readout System Operation Manual. Refer to the table below for button names and page number information. 

Select the smallest possible tool collet that fits your cutting tool.  Place the cutting tool in the collet. 

Adjust the position of the cutting tool. The end of the tool collet should be gripping the round shank above the threads [1]. Keep the stick-out of the cutting tool as short as possible to avoid vibration while the machine is running. 

Do not clamp the tool collet on the threads [2]. If your cutting tool has a groove, the collet should be clamped below the groove [3].

Move the spindle to the top of travel with the quill feed handle [1]. Lock the quill [2].

Insert tooling in an appropriate collet into spindle head. Rotate collet until the keyway [1] aligns inside the spindle and the collet can be pushed up into the spindle head. 

Note: Use caution when handling tooling. 

 Press and hold the tool IN button [1] to clamp tool with drawbar. 

Move the spindle to the top of travel with the quill feed handle [1]. Lock the quill [2].

 Note: Do not touch tool while spindle is in motion. Spindle must come to a complete stop before changing tools. 

Note: Use caution when handling tooling. 

Hold the tool and collet in one hand. Press and hold the tool OUT button [1] to unclamp the tool.