RE: Z axis conversion

Joe

There are as many ideas of the best way to do a Bridgeport Z axis conversion as there are stars in the sky.

My opinion is the quill should be grabbed in 2 place. Many people have mounted the quill in the factory quill stop location only. I feel in order to get minimal deflection a second mount should be used. I use a band style clamp at the bottom of the quill as well as the factory quill shop mount.
The factory slot for the quill stop should be custom fit to reduce rotational slop. A band at the bottom of the quill will reduce the total travel, but will add much needed rigidity. Keep the ball screw as close to the quill as possible. Mount every thing well as peck drilling at 100 ipm will test the best conversion.


Joe wrote;

Can someone point me in the right direction for info on converting
the "Z" axis of a Bridgeport-Type mill. I'm reffering to the
mechanicals of getting a backlash free mechanism. Is there a worm gear
in there or what?