Re: Machinig Ball Screws

Hugh,
A company near me have the UK contract to remachine ballscrews for
THK.
They cut them to size with an abrasive chopsaw and then all the rest
of the work is done on conventional machines with carbide tooling.
The turning and threading is done on a Colchester Master and the
keyway milling is done on an old CNC Bridgeport series 1 that's now
on manual.
They have been doing this for the best part of about 8 - 10 years.
They have some big home made collet arangement for both machines but
other than that there is nothing special.

John S.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., currinh@O... wrote:
> CNC Crew:
>
> I can not find the original message. Wasn't someone asking about
> machining ends on ball screws recently? Trying to temper (heat &
slow
> cool) the ends in a lathe to make them easier to machine.
>
> Anyway, I'm facing the same problem and am also looking for advice.
>
> I understand hardened ball screws can be machined using carbide
tooling.
> I am planning to do this for a rough cut. I'm then planning to use a
> tool post grinder for finishing. For those who've done this, does
this
> procedure make sense?
>
> I have not used a tool post grinder but it seems like a good thing
to
> have around. I keep finding applications for shafts with ball
bearings
> fits which I find hard to machine without grinding. I'm about to
start
> construction of "A Lathe Tool Post Grinder for Serious Grinding"
from
> plans by D.E. Johson in the Jan/Feb & Mar/April 1999 Home Shop
> Machinist. It uses a laminate router for the power source.
>
> So, before I go off on a tangent, I thought I would ask the group
for
> comments on any of 1) genral process using carbide and tool post
grinder
> on ball screws, 2) use of tool post grinders & 3) if anyone has any
> experience with these particular plans.
>
> Thank you greatly. :-)
>
> Hugh Currin
> Klamath Falls, OR