Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Z axis conversion

Wally K wrote:

> 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.

As I say, I have not seen any loosening of this bolt. I have had a few
crashes that tripped the servo amp offline, so that was a 200 Lbs +
inertia impact. I occasionally check the backlash, and it has stayed at
about .001", so it is not getting loose. I did tighten it a good deal.
Note that the current Bridgeport Ez-Trak system uses this exact method
on the Series-I J-head with Z-axis option. The stop ring does get a
good whack once in a while in manual use when the quill is brought
down or up fast.

Jon