12z Update And Status After A Year.

That is always the achilles heal when folks start converting a machine to cnc... unless they start with two machines, at some point all you have is a pile of parts. You always need a manual machine standing by, even if you purchase a "complete kit", since the manufacturing variances on the smaller chinese mills invariably means machining is required.

You mentioned "handle modifications" before. My understanding of one of the reasons you usually don't use ballscrews on a manual machine is that the ballnut friction is low enough that you can actually rotate the leadscrew by pushing on the table (never a problem with a normal acme screw). That means you have to lock the handle in place to keep the axis from moving while machining.

How does this work?
 
So true. I have had enough situations where a second machine saved a situation that when I move, if I have sufficient room I will likely keep El Hefe even if I do get a LMV-42.

Paul at CO was telling me that the ball screw conversion on these mills is becoming so popular that they now have a modified ball screw kit just for their manual machines. And according to him, none of his customers are complaining about the table moving, but I will have the table/saddle locks cinched down just in case as I do now for any cut more than a inch or so in length.

If the table/saddle locks are insufficient for heavier cuts, I have a idea of how I can use a quick release shaft clamp of my own design, similar to a Ruland quick clamping shaft collar. I'm a bit concerned about longevity with the Rulands because they are aluminum, but may try those to see how they hold up.
 
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Used the Foredom and a carbide burr to dig out a relief for the ball screw nose. We're making progress now. Next is to center the screw in the saddle and drill and tap the extra holes.
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More progress. Got the Y-axis ball nut mounted to the bottom of the saddle, ran the screw/nut assy through the mill base and put the saddle on the base so I can attach the two.
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Next is mounting the fixed bearing block to the back of the base. One bolt in, two more to go.
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More progress. Got the Y-axis ball nut mounted to the bottom of the saddle, ran the screw/nut assy through the mill base and put the saddle on the base so I can attach the two.
View attachment 117117

Next is mounting the fixed bearing block to the back of the base. One bolt in, two more to go.
View attachment 117118
Looking good Bill. Excited to see results on how well it all works.

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Somehow I totally missed this in my news feed. I need to machine the raised flat on the saddle where the x nut mounts to true the ends up. It is probably overkill, but I'm going to use that as a key to lock the nut in place along with two screws. That I can't reasonably reach with the G0704 so I'll stop in at my FIL's and use the BP.
You cheated and had someone else do all the PITA figuring it out. Looks like the 20mm ballscrews which is what most people (who aren't too pig headed like me) use on these and the rf/zx 45s as well for cnc conversions. Probably 5 mm/rev pitch. Did you have to open up the (not sure correct nomenclature) "silver slidey plate" to fit around the y nut?
 
Love it when you talk technical... :D

Yea, the silver slidey plate had to be opened up to clear the Y-axis ball nut mount. Clamped it down on some 123 blocks on the PM and went to town. Not a real critical dimension. :rolleyes:
 
Well, it was a good day. Got the Y-axis fixed bearing block mounted and everything on that axis connected and lined up except the front support block. I can grab the front of the screw in my fingers. twist it, and move the saddle back and forth with no bind. Got the oiling system hooked up too. Not bad for a hack. :D
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