Precision Matthews PM-728VT CNC conversion

[koenbro]

Can anyone guide me to a replacement bellows (accordion) -style way covers for both the z-and y-axes. The PM originals are pathetic.

I need some bellows for the 4" Kurt vise while I am at it. Thank you all.

 

[Weldingrod1]

I use heavy weave fiberglass cloth that is either soaked in plasti-dip (version 1) or silicone caulk diluted with mineral spirits (version 2, still to be tested).

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[koenbro]

I use heavy weave fiberglass cloth that is either soaked in plasti-dip (version 1) or silicone caulk diluted with mineral spirits (version 2, still to be tested).

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

I was thinking more along these lines:

https://www.mcmaster.com/bellows-covers/three-sided-flat-bellows-7/

 

[pdentrem]

On the vise I use a simple magnetic sheet. Works great. The bellows should be good.
pierre

 

[koenbro]

With the electronics enclosure finished, I started today to make the mill stand version 2. The first version is very flexible in the x axis, so I decided to use 3x3x1/8" tube and will make the base 30" wide, 30" deep and 33" high. Basically a cube. Hopefully will be lots more rigid. Also considering filling the tubes with sand. So I cut the elements into 30" and 24" bits:

And will put in some holes to attach the mill before welding together tomorrow.

 

[koenbro]

Slow progress, but progress, with the base. Its skeleton is finished. Added tabs on the left to attach the control box and will add some in the front and back to attach the 8020 enclosure. Will fill it with sand to add nonresonant mass.

Front is on the right:

This is the back and right side:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[koenbro]

Wondering if a 30” structure of 3” tube needs diagonal bracing?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[pdentrem]

I would wonder as well if the 3“ tubes are enough. Seems likely to be strudy. Uline sells metal tables of similar design and they are very stiff but we are not moving heavy weights at high speed either.
Pierre

 

[koenbro]

Today I added four tabs to support the enclosure. The front ones protrude to the side and are not mechanically strong although they will not have to bear weight; can always add a buttress below if needed:

The rear ones will support weight:

And this is how the mock-up enclosure looks now although i will probably modify it to allow my HF 5-drawer mechanic tool cart to slide under (space is a critical shortage in my one-car space in the 3-car garage):

The front is on the right and will have two sliding half doors.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[koenbro]

I made two trays out of 25 gauge sheet metal that will collect the coolant. Here i am fitting them in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro