Gallery, Projects and General > The Design Shop
Longer column for mini mill...?
John Rudd:
--- Quote from: rvt on March 28, 2011, 12:50:49 PM ---Thanks for your help. A longer column is basically what I was thinking of, but I was just wondering if anyone else had done this and how to go about it. I measured what you suggested, and I've got around 100mm of free column above, this with the table in place and taking into account a small end mill and a thin work piece. The point behind this is that I can't get a rotary table + chuck in there with enough space to work (even the smallest barely fits at all). I'm not sure how I'd go about shifting the buttom of the column to a higher position yet, I'll have to give it some thought.
The column as it is 360mm, excluding the part that is in the base, 30mm ED. Realistically I think we need to get this to atleast ~500mm. I'm not sure what the two holes by the column are for, but perhaps they could be used for some sort of bracket.
Bill, do you know if you can buy columns like this anywhere? I assumed I would have to have one made specially.
Many thanks,
Richard
--- End quote ---
I would have thought the 2 holes were for bolting the base down onto a bench?
As for the column,it would need to be a ground finish I suspect..
How about a chromed leg from a pair of motor cycle forks of suitable diameter?
Rob.Wilson:
Hi Richard
I was looking at getting one of those drills ,,,,,,,,,,,, what are they like are they worth the money ?
what diameter is the column ?
Rob
rvt:
--- Quote from: Rob.Wilson on March 28, 2011, 01:48:38 PM ---Hi Richard
I was looking at getting one of those drills ,,,,,,,,,,,, what are they like are they worth the money ?
what diameter is the column ?
Rob
--- End quote ---
Hi Rob,
They're good for the money I think. This is essentially why I bought mine, because I needed a small mill quickly and this one was in the price range where I could buy right away. So I'd only recommend it if price is the main factor, or physical workshop space, other than that, it doesn't really have any advantages "IMO". I've had a bit of trouble with mine, the motor went, which although was fixed promptly (great customer service from AET), it's also had problems with the DRO being completely erratic (soon to be replaced hopefully). I don't find the micro feed particularly great either, the worm seems to just not connect well most of the time. Also, when I change the belt to run at higher speeds, the vibrations are a little too high, and I'm not sure if this is what contributed to the motor going in the end. So not to be overly negative, as it does the job okay, but you get what you pay for in many respects - not exactly brilliant build quality, and you're limited to a very small system.
Hope that helps,
Rich
p.s. column diameter = 30mm.
rvt:
--- Quote from: John Rudd on March 28, 2011, 01:43:28 PM ---I would have thought the 2 holes were for bolting the base down onto a bench?
As for the column,it would need to be a ground finish I suspect..
How about a chromed leg from a pair of motor cycle forks of suitable diameter?
--- End quote ---
Arh yes, that would be right. I haven't bolted it down simply because of worktop space at the moment, and it generally being stable enough.
"chromed leg from a pair of motor cycle forks of suitable diameter"
Hadn't thought of that. I no nothing about bikes though, so no idea what sort of length these would be. Would the column on my base likely be solid chrome?
Also, does anyone recognise the fitting underneath the column? I thought I had something that would unlock it, but doesn't seem I have the right tool, or atleast not one that would fit in place..
rvt:
I measured the bottom of the column this time, when the mill is at it's lowest usable point with the table in place. I've got about 120mm below. How about a ~50-60mm rod that is turned down to 30mm after bottom/unused section, to held support it?
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