specs: harbor freight round column benchtop mill. What would be a good way to make sure that the x-axis ballscrew is running parallel and concentric to the x-axis ways? I could run a test indicator along the face of the ball nut housing to get the housing parallel to the x-axis, but what about alignment? I'm not so sure that the holes drilled for the original x nut mount were aligned correctly. If they were then I could use coutersunk socket head screws that would sort of "self align" to the bottom of the x nut mounting holes, being that they were drilled and have a taper from the drill bit. What approach do others use for this process?

Have a look at www.industrialhobbies.com , they have a series of steps that show setting up an x-axis on their mills.

Jay

Thanks, had a brief look at the site. nice site. I'll keep lookin through.