Z-axis huge slack / beginning a conversion

[diy-john]

Think you got it spot on, Robin, crude conversion first = thanks I like that.

I am a cnc -virgin, and perhaps a big concern is, will there ever be a running machine.

My primary aim at the moment, is to get a shopping list ready.
- For that purpose, have done now two (2) things

1) Take measurements of the mill (King Midas)
- take photos too.
- Here are a couple of greasy pics, from dismantling the X/Y -table (From left to right: 1) overview; 2) X-axis dismantled; 3) X-axis leadscrew is 260mm, think it could be a bit longer; 4) x-axis one end; 5) Leadscrews are 18.34 mm thick; 6) Y-axis leadscrew at 175mm, think it could be longer)


2) Make a sketch of the Z-axis ballscrew -conversion
- think how the motor would be mounted
- how long ballscrew one might want
- how the thing would work
- This sketch is from side of the mill. (used inkscape to create the original graphics)
- Green is the body of the mill
- Blue bits are those that I'd try to buy ready made
- Red bits move up/down as "one unit", with the quill (and ballnut)




I am a bit concerned about the (horizontal) distance between the ballscrew, and the quill.
- the King Midas -milling machine is a bit difficult shape, like a mushroom.
-- Thought about using pulleys/belts, to bring ballscrew horizontally closer to the quill. But then, if possible I would like to avoid any added complexity, because of my non-existing experience with these beauties.
-- Another concern I have is the length of the Z-ballscrew (somewhere around 370mm), and no support in middle.