Sherline Z-axis ballscrew feed.

I have a question for the group of experts here.

How difficult would it be to create a Z-axis for the Sherline milling
machines that used a zero-backlash ballscrew drive mechanism? I am not
suggesting that you retro-fit a ball-screw to an existing Z-axis. The
Z-axis simply bolts to the X-Y table and the spindle and motor assembly
simply bolt to the Z-axis.

How difficult would it be to completely replace the Z-axis with a ballscrew
assembly and then re-mount the Sherline motor and spindle to the new Z-axis?

It seems that this would be quite a worth while upgrade for the Sherline CNC
system. The Z-axis is the weakest link in the ability to do repeatable work
on the Sherline. There is no backlash adjustment mechanism and the spindle
and motor do not weigh enough to always stay at the bottom of the leadscrew
pitch. This can, and has, resulted in large jumps of the Z-axis downward as
it settles to the bottom of the screw pitch.

Daniel J. Statman, Statman Designs
www.statmandesigns.com
dan.statman@...