Re:Z axis drive for cnc bridgeport clone, ideas?

>
> I need a z axis ballscrew drive for a Bridgeport clone. I know about
> the Elrod but the $$$ are way too high. Someone was making a table
> drive years ago but I can't seem to find it anymore.
>
> Any sugguestions on plans, a kit or whatever is available???
>
> Your help would be most appreciated!
>
> Thanks!
>

Consider not moving the quill, but moving the table instead. I did this
on a Jet knee mill and I find it a very useful machine. I really like
having the quill free to do thing like hand drill, or just to set the Z
to the top of the work.

The weight of the table keeps the backlash on the screw under control,
so Im working fine with the standard acme screw. I just completed a 3"
taper pipe thread on it that came out perfect.

There are some photos of my Jet on my web site, plsntcov.8m.com and
there is a long thread on cnczone about a knee conversion.

ron ginger