This is an interesting question for me as I am nearly done with my Lathemaster cnc conversion. In this I have seriously lightened the millhead assembly and have a 3-1 ratio on the Z axis motor. I tighened my gibs snug and find that while it does not drop down, it would not take much for it to do so. I also do not use the lock screws to tighten the gib unless I am locking the head in position. I was seriously looking at getting an electric brake for the Z motor but you feel that you do not need one? I also understand that you had a system to help aid the lifting of the millhead with some pulleys or something. Do you feel that this is the reason you are able to just tighten the gibs and be able to keep the head from falling?
I was thinking that I might be able to just lock the gib locks when the machine is not in use and unlock them just before turning on the control unit so that the servos will lock. Only thing is you can't forget and run the machine with the gibs locked or damage will result. What are your thoughts on this method? peace  |