Face mill finish

[magicniner]

Yes, as I said in post No. 4, that's how I did it, and it's perfect. But aligning the column is not enough, you also need to align the spindle axis.

To give you an example, if you tilt the whole column 20 degrees to the right, your spindle will also tilt 20 degrees to the right because it is attached to the column, but you want to be able to tilt both independently.

Edward

You don't tram by measuring the column with a non-angle adjustable head, you tram by measuring the error with a spindle mounted indicator.

Calculate the error in parts which will result, if it's not acceptable strip the head off and scrape the dovetail to correct.

[Edward]

I have a feeling we are talking at cross purposes:)

Forget the word "tram" for a minute.

Basically you align the column first so it is square to the table.

Then, and only then, you align the spindle to the table. In that order. That's provided you can do it. Not possible with a fixed head.

Alternatively, you make sure that column and head run parallel to each other, then you just square them to the table.

I guess modifying the dovetails would do it, if properly done, but that's way beyond my scope.

Edward

[magicniner]

Basically you align the column first so it is square to the table.

Not if you can't independently adjust the orientation of the spindle to the column you don't, you rely on the manufacturer having made the head align to the column, if they didn't you send it back or adjust the fit of the head to the column to correct the error.

[Edward]

Agreed, as I said above:)

Luckily the error is something I can live with.

Edward