Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Maximat conversion

Hi Peter,

If you can remember your old egroups password...or if it's st5ill stored in
your computer...you can get to the old pages by visiting
http://www.egroups.co.uk/mygroups That's the ONLY way I can get there.

Did some more checking on the mill today. my column isn't built the same as
yours. Mine only has three screws on top holding on the top plate. These
holes are drilled and tapped right into the steel column...no snap rings
used at all.
The lead screw in the column runs thru a threaded insert which is held in by
a set screw. I COULD remove the lead screw and the threaded insert and
drill out the bottom of the casting and a 5/8" ball screw would fit.
however, after thinking about it some...I'm going to use a bracket mounted
on the outside. This will allow the ball nut to clear the base of the
column in the down position and provide a bit more travel. This will also
allow me to use the same motor mount casting on top that I'm using for the X
(and maybe the Y) axis.

My column doesn't any kind of auto..or manual lube system. I suppose it
would be a good idea to add one if I'm going to use this as a CNC machine.

I haven't been able to actually measure the column diameter (need a bigger
measuring tool) to see if it's the same all the way along but the travel
feels pretty smooth and even for the full length after loosening the
adjustment screws. I'll have to go borrow (or maybe buy) a bigger set of
mikes. I'm really surprised to hear your column diameters were off. EMCO
usually puts out much better quality products than that. The high quality
is one of the reasons EMCO costs so much more.

It looks like I have two choices on the cross slide lead screw...i can
either use a 3/8" ball screw or up to 5/8" ACME screw. Anything bigger
won't fit! As a last resort, I suppose I could make a special bracket and
pulley ass'y. and use the original screw. At any rate, whatever I decide on
here has to be easy to change back to the original system as there is a
cross feed gear mounted on the original screw.

Smoke