New to the forum within the past few months after recently purchasing a JMD-18. I'm quite impressed with this forum's demeanor, knowledge/skill set, and overall willingness to share information (in comparison to some other forums) so I figured I'd share my project here.
I've wanted a benchtop mill for the past few years to support my off-roading hobby and other small projects, but never pulled the trigger on purchasing one due to limited garage space. Additionally, I always seemed to make due with the tools I have. But then there was an estate sale of a "friend of friend...", so I purchased an WMC (rebranded JET JMD-18). The mill was practically in brand new condition, used for a couple wood working jobs, as it still had the corrosion resistant grease on the column most other surfaces. It also came with some HSS end mills that were brand new and the original vise (which has already been replaced).
So on to the machine upgrades. After researching a few modifications and determining that a CNC upgrade would be nice, but not practical for my needs, I decided my first few upgrades would be a power feed for the X-axis and a 3-axis Digital Readout DRO.
I purchased the power feed from MSC as it's just a rebranded version of the Align AL-500P and the best price I could since they offer coupons. The power feed was pretty straight forward as an installation. I opted to install the limiting switch, which does reduce X-axis travel, but it's not a concern for me at the moment. When installing the drive gear on the X-axis Table Lead Screw, I did spot drill the lead screw surface, where the set screw would, and applied blue loctite. Additionally, I ensured there is some backlash throughout the entire rotation. I didn't measure it, just did it by feel. It's been working great the past few weeks.
As for the DRO, many thanks to @DavidR8 and @Gravydog for their informational DRO posts as it gave me some great information on what to buy and ideas on how to mount my scales.
I decided to purchase the AliExpress YIHAO YH800-3 and opted for the Slim scales with 1um. The additional cost for the slightly smaller scales and the more finite resolution was worth the extra IMHO. After several measurements and re-measurements, I ordered 150mm for the Z-axis, 200mm for Y-Axis, and 600mm for the X-Axis. After installation, I don't think I would have changed any of the lengths.
Each one has approximately 1/2 to 1" of travel remaining at each end of the mill capacities with the X-Axis power feed. I used some 1/4" and 1/8" angle for the Z-axis and some 1"x1/4" aluminum for the X and Y-axis to provide a mounting surfaces.
Some key notes for those that are considering this upgrade:
- I found the mounting brackets with the kit useless. They didn't align well with any of the scales mounting provisions. Get some bar and angle stock that your can modify for how you want to mount your scales.
- Mounting the X-axis scale behind the table does reduce Y-axis travel. You will have to be cleaver with kit in how you create a hard stop as not to damage the scales. I used a long SHCS with two jam nuts to hold the chip guard and double as a Y-axis travel stop.
- Before mounting any scales, connect each axis and test the system. Although I didn't have issues with mine, it always a good idea to test before installing.
- Buy some extra SHCS in 4mm and 5mm various lengths from 10mm to 30mm. This could have saved me about 4 additional trips to the hardware store.
Overall I'm impressed with the kit and would purchase again. Hopefully this thread will be helpful for those that want to add a DRO to their mills in the future.
Next up the no-fog lubrication and possibly an led halo light. Thanks for reading.
I've wanted a benchtop mill for the past few years to support my off-roading hobby and other small projects, but never pulled the trigger on purchasing one due to limited garage space. Additionally, I always seemed to make due with the tools I have. But then there was an estate sale of a "friend of friend...", so I purchased an WMC (rebranded JET JMD-18). The mill was practically in brand new condition, used for a couple wood working jobs, as it still had the corrosion resistant grease on the column most other surfaces. It also came with some HSS end mills that were brand new and the original vise (which has already been replaced).
So on to the machine upgrades. After researching a few modifications and determining that a CNC upgrade would be nice, but not practical for my needs, I decided my first few upgrades would be a power feed for the X-axis and a 3-axis Digital Readout DRO.
I purchased the power feed from MSC as it's just a rebranded version of the Align AL-500P and the best price I could since they offer coupons. The power feed was pretty straight forward as an installation. I opted to install the limiting switch, which does reduce X-axis travel, but it's not a concern for me at the moment. When installing the drive gear on the X-axis Table Lead Screw, I did spot drill the lead screw surface, where the set screw would, and applied blue loctite. Additionally, I ensured there is some backlash throughout the entire rotation. I didn't measure it, just did it by feel. It's been working great the past few weeks.
As for the DRO, many thanks to @DavidR8 and @Gravydog for their informational DRO posts as it gave me some great information on what to buy and ideas on how to mount my scales.
I decided to purchase the AliExpress YIHAO YH800-3 and opted for the Slim scales with 1um. The additional cost for the slightly smaller scales and the more finite resolution was worth the extra IMHO. After several measurements and re-measurements, I ordered 150mm for the Z-axis, 200mm for Y-Axis, and 600mm for the X-Axis. After installation, I don't think I would have changed any of the lengths.
Each one has approximately 1/2 to 1" of travel remaining at each end of the mill capacities with the X-Axis power feed. I used some 1/4" and 1/8" angle for the Z-axis and some 1"x1/4" aluminum for the X and Y-axis to provide a mounting surfaces.
Some key notes for those that are considering this upgrade:
- I found the mounting brackets with the kit useless. They didn't align well with any of the scales mounting provisions. Get some bar and angle stock that your can modify for how you want to mount your scales.
- Mounting the X-axis scale behind the table does reduce Y-axis travel. You will have to be cleaver with kit in how you create a hard stop as not to damage the scales. I used a long SHCS with two jam nuts to hold the chip guard and double as a Y-axis travel stop.
- Before mounting any scales, connect each axis and test the system. Although I didn't have issues with mine, it always a good idea to test before installing.
- Buy some extra SHCS in 4mm and 5mm various lengths from 10mm to 30mm. This could have saved me about 4 additional trips to the hardware store.
Overall I'm impressed with the kit and would purchase again. Hopefully this thread will be helpful for those that want to add a DRO to their mills in the future.
Next up the no-fog lubrication and possibly an led halo light. Thanks for reading.
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