Quote Originally Posted by John11668 View Post
I looked at converting a small vertical milling machine. Mine was a Sealey model but as far as I can see it was very similar to yours in spec.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-SM25.../dp/B000RO681O
I had already fitted ballscrews and steppers to another project and was looking to turn this machine into a dedicated CNC mill. When I stripped the table to look at the leadscrews I came to the conclusion that all was a bit compact to shoehorn ball screws into there. The existing screws were only supported in a single end bearing and the crossheads so unsupported at the outer end . Not sure if that would suffice
I wonder what sort of gear is fitted into the CNC variants of these machines. I think it would be good toget a peek in order to get an Idea what you may wish to replicate.
The OP's AMA25 is almost twice the size of the sealey.
As for a sealey conversion... I say.. 'don't do it'.

From experience of my one:
Yes you can fit 1605 in there with a little work.
Don't use thrust bearings on chinese C7 screws use Angular Contact ones instead.
The 350w motor stalls very easily even with light cuts on various tools.

If you're wanting to do a conversion save up and get the next machine size up. (Likely the VM25LV @£400 more)
I have both the Sealey type (Sieg X2) and have recently got the AMAT25LV.

Comparison, well...... One is a cutter, the other is a toy!!! Even with the solid column upgrade fitted on the toy.