Boxford 260 VMC rebuild

[mike-f]

So pretty much after checking all the parts I decided to rebuild the 260, I was originally going to scrap the cabinet as it was rusty inside and out, and also made machine pretty large for my cramped workshop. But in the end I kept it and do think it was the right decision. The plan was to replace all the electronics, replace the spindle motor with a 1Kw AC servo motor, make a new control panel with jog wheel, feed rate and spindle overrides. The controller chosen was a the very capable UCCNC UC400ETH. I had also decided to replace the spindle bearings with 7009 angular contact bearing instead of the deep groove ball races.


It took a few days to totally strip the machine, the main base is held in place with M8 cap screws one of which is hidden behind a cover that run up the edge of the column. With the bolts removed it is possible with large amount of persuasion to break the bond of the glue that seal and holds the base firmly attached to the cabinet.

With all the parts removed I made a start on the spindle upgrade this was to be straight forward and was to start off! after cleaning and removing the spindle first thing was to set up the spindle housing to drill and tap holes for a spindle nose cover, this is needed as the angular contact bearings do not have dust/ oil seals. so the plan was to use "NILOS" sealing rings and an spindle nose cover to protect the Nilos ring and act as an extra protection from swarf, I also decided to fit a Z axis wiper while the machine was apart and the Boxford is only fitted with bed wipers on the Y axis. Pictures below I hope will be useful to someone!

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Above cross section of the spindle showing the Nilos ring (yellow) and spindle nose cover

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Above Z axis wiper, which was 3D printed in nylon.

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Above test fit of a 3d printed spindle cover.

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Above: completed spindle cover fitted

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Above: I also added some oil grooves to the Z axis as it only had a 3mm hole at one end on each side.

Below are pictures of the Cabinet parts, clean up and painting.

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