Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Z axis conversion

Hi,

I have to agree with Jon regarding the use of the quill bolt as the mounting
point for the Z axis ball-screw. I have an old Beaver Mill which is as near
as damn it a Bridgeport copy and this is the way that the factory made the
CNC conversion. They use a box drilled to the front of the head which
enclosed the ball-screw. The pulley for the motor is on the top of the screw
and driven by belt to a motor hung off the right side, as you look at the
machine from where the operator would stand. There is just the single bolt
into the quill for the ball-nut housing.

Regards,

Terry

Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Z axis conversion

> Hugh, I have had the same idea about the clamp on the quill. I
> finaly decided it would have problems because of the clearance you
> would loose. The clamp would be on the bottom of the quill and go
> down with the quill. So if you are machining something that has to
> get close to the quill there would be an interference problem. I do
> think it would work most of the time though.
>
> On the other methode of using a bolt in the front of the quill to
> move the quill up and down. The bolt loosens up because it was never
> designed to transfer power to the quill. I think the loosening is
> because of the rocking motion on 1 little bolt causing it to stretch.