Ok, I am about to embark on a Enco style round column mill-drill conversion.
This one specifically:
http://www.kingcanada.com/Products.htm?CD=36&ID=121
I just ordered:
3 Gecko 320 drives
3 USDigital 250 CPR encoders
3 Amtek surplus DC motors, 50 volts, 2100 RPM
So, a couple questions:
I have read all the horror stories about the round column mills and the PITA when you need to reposition the head on the column. My question is, if I can live with the 5" quill travel, does this mill do a good job machining with the quill extended?
What are the odds that I can build some sort of external keying (using THK rail and bearings) into the round column and move the whole head up and down on the column as a z axis? If not that, perhaps I can still use the quill for z but use the keying to keep the head in position on the column when manually moving the head?
What do you think of using the stock lead screws? I am considering the Mcmastercarr 5/8" rolled ballscrews but are they any better than the stock lead screws as far as acuracy is concerned? I know they would be more efficient. Also If I used two ball nuts for preloading will they bind because of the fact that the screw is rolled and thus not that acurate?
Anyone with experience out there I would apreciate your feedback!
Eric