Milling Machine Advice

[Washout]

Excellent pics Clive, thanks (do you have a build log?)

I'm assuming the slot in the bed and moving the replacement ballscrew up is needed to clear the Y axis carriage below it? I was rather hoping to get away without modding the main milling structures (beds etc.)

BTW - when you milled that slot were you using a 2.2Kw Spindle on your router? I've not tried running mine that slow as I thought you got torque issues below 6000rpm?

The Z axis looks like it could be converted by using a new top plate/bearing holder with a stepper/belt arrangement essentially strapped to the back of the column and abandon the "differential/bevelled gears" from the original?

Looking forward to seeing more progress shots.

[Clive S]

The Z axis looks like it could be converted by using a new top plate/bearing holder with a stepper/belt arrangement essentially strapped to the back of the column and abandon the "differential/bevelled gears" from the original?

This is how it was converted with the original screws using the original bolt holes for the top plate. You can see the arrangement for the Y axis with the motor under the x carriage and the X Motor using the holes on the yellow endplate.

Regarding the spindle it is the 2.2Kw W.C. I did try it at 5K but was happier with 5.5K I have my spindle set up so that it won't go down past 3.3K I cut the slot with no issues.

I suspect that all beds are different underneath so the clearance will differ. I will post when I get the x screw in place but I have to get them first. ..Clive