Here are some pictures from this weekends column support build
Picture 1 - Just getting ready to drill and tap the holes in the column
Picture 2 - Main column support done! - I had to end up changing the upper 6 bolts to something that had a smaller head profile so they could mount under the circuit board inside the box easier, I clear coated the bottom of the circuit board and the bolt heads just as a precaution. As you can see by the 1-2-3 blocks I just got done tramming before I built the Y tramming bracket.
Picture 3 - Y tramming bracket with 6 holes (most have 4, I like having things solid)
Picture 4 - Drilled and tapped holes in the column support, column, and base - The Center holes are just short screws to screw the bracket to the column, next holes are the ones that make the head nod forward as they push against the base, the outer holes are the ones that nod the head back as they screw into the base.
Picture 5 - Y tramming bracket done, I can't believe at how nice this is!!
Picture 6 - My completed column support! - I spray painted the control box while I had it all apart, I also clear coated it - Yes I work on wind turbines... I made the sticker on a hacked Cricut machine...
Picture 7 - 6 inches off the table I am showing the dial test indicator zeroed
Picture 8 - 6 inches off the table I am showing the dial test indicator showing .002 as my wife pushes on the top of the column from behind. (I said as hard as you can....)
Picture 9 - Just showing how I square up my vise more accurately than the normal method... (Wish I could get a 12" straight bar, even more accurate)
Picture 10 - My little Machine shop - The sliding miter saw in the background has an aluminum blade in it - works very well!!
My next project will be a tramming aid, I need to get out more than 3" from center to get a more accurate tram, something like Hoss's tramming tool he made. My tool will be longer than his and also make it so I can tram with the head at the top of the column. Accuracy Rules!!!