- Joined
- Sep 2, 2013
- Messages
- 36
How can I correct a milling table that is slightly wedge-shaped?
Running the table in the X-axis under a dial indicator shows that one side is about 0.003 higher than the other. Given that the saddle and the indicator are staying put, this means that the table is slightly wedge-shaped between the ways and the surface. I am taking the measurement with the gibs tightened, so it's not that the table rides up and down on the dovetails.
I have been compensating for this by putting a shim under one side of the vise. But a shimmed joint is never as rigid as a surface joint. And it doesn't help when I work on long parts directly on the table.
I don't have a surface grinder, much less one with a 20x7 capacity. But I do have carbide insert face mills that might take out the wedge. They get a very good finish on steel, too.
How stupid would it be to mill the table flat? Sure, it would not look nicely ground anymore, but who cares? Would the rougher surface give me problems? Is milling cast iron more difficult than steel (I have never done it)?
I would appreciate any advice. Thanks,
Tom
Running the table in the X-axis under a dial indicator shows that one side is about 0.003 higher than the other. Given that the saddle and the indicator are staying put, this means that the table is slightly wedge-shaped between the ways and the surface. I am taking the measurement with the gibs tightened, so it's not that the table rides up and down on the dovetails.
I have been compensating for this by putting a shim under one side of the vise. But a shimmed joint is never as rigid as a surface joint. And it doesn't help when I work on long parts directly on the table.
I don't have a surface grinder, much less one with a 20x7 capacity. But I do have carbide insert face mills that might take out the wedge. They get a very good finish on steel, too.
How stupid would it be to mill the table flat? Sure, it would not look nicely ground anymore, but who cares? Would the rougher surface give me problems? Is milling cast iron more difficult than steel (I have never done it)?
I would appreciate any advice. Thanks,
Tom