I got the rest of the parts for my column assembly and did some work on it today.
This is a 2" ID bearing assembly from McMaster Carr. It will reside on the column base to make it "float"
when I turn it.
I machined a pocket in the column base so that the bearing sits .002" proud leaving the column "float" when unlocked. The lock will clamp the base tight to keep it in position.
This is the finished column base. It is made from a piece of 12L14 steel , 4" in diameter and 1" thick. It is a snug sliding fit on the 2" column and held securely with a 1/4-20 set screw.
This is the column base assembled.
I assembled the grinding head to the column. It works perfectly. The elevation screw turns smooth and easy. The head moves up and down smoothly. Paying close attention to tolerances has paid off here. The complete assembly turns effortlessly on the bearing. I cannot detect any back lash at all.
In this view , you can see the support bar I added. This bar was not really needed but it does add a lot of stability and it looks good. It will get the black wrinkle finish.
The next important thing is to determine the best position for the column in relation to the table. In this photo , the column is turned to the position for grinding flutes (if using a cup wheel ). A flat grinding wheel will require the column to be rotated 90 degrees from this position. The table has to be able to get close to the wheel in either position. While it will work in a stationary position, I will be making the column able to move forward and backward in a 4 inch travel range. This will give the grinder a lot more versatility which will be a big help grinding specialty cutters like mill cutters.
This is one of the anti-vibration leveling feet acquired from McMaster Carr. they are 2 3/16" in diameter with a 1/2-13 stud.
I have discovered that I cannot lift the grinder when all parts are assembled.
This probably means I will have to assemble it on the bench where it will reside.