Hey guys, we're looking at purchasing some way covers to protect them as there are tons of chips falling on them and kinda sticking because of the oil... Do any of you have any idea how much test cost ? What are the best materials ... etc etc !

Thanks !

One suggestion is clean the ways with acetone, ie get rid of all oil. Then use a PTFE spray, or anyother non-film lubricant. I use this on my saws and router and it provides a low COF and does not collect any dust. There are also graphite based dry lubes.

I got the square bellow from McMaster for my mini mill. Also, google for Gortite.

I cut the square bellows into two U shaped bellows.

Just make sure you can get to the ways for oiling.

-Jeff

do you mind telling me the part# for McMaster?

For instance, see 9742K35 at mcmaster.com

Also, on the same page (3554) you will see bellows just for way covers.

-Jeff

http://www.thomasregister.com/olc/SmartCat.aspx?type=list&az=00200006&template=http://www.gortite.com/linear_way_cover_kit.htm&ptno=11614D08+11614D12+11614D16+11614D24+11615D04+11615D0611615D08+11615D12+11615D16+11615D24+11616D08H+11616D08V+11616D12H+11616D12V+11616D16H+11616D16V+11644D08+11644D12+11644D16+11644D24+11645D08+11645D12+11645D16+11645D24+12223C08+12223C12+12223C16+13334A08+13334A12+13334A16+13334A24+20607D+20609D&tablealign=center&tablewidth=475&fontsize=1&font=Arial&show=part_number+For_Rods+Extended_Length+Same_as_Thomson_Part
Gortite - Linear Way Cover Kits for Thomson™ Rails

Any pictures?

I will have some good pictures for you on a the covers sometime this week. Cost on them is around $150 for the set. Covers Y & Z axis as well as wipers on the front of the Y.

Great! Looking forward to it. I was planning on using the Gortite bellows from McMaster for the Z-axis at least, wasn't sure if the Y-axis would really need them. But way wipers, I just assumed those where not available. Is this going to be a set I have to buy from Syil America or is it something that is readily available?

The way wipers are common, they just need a few modifications to be functional. The McMaster covers are fine, however I'm trying to find some custom ones that may fit a little tighter. I'm working with a neat idea that allows you to add or remove them without modifying the machine in anyway. No drilling or screws required.

Here is a preview of the way covers kit.

http://www.syilamerica.com/images/TechSupport/Way Covers.jpg

Hi SyilAmerica... (What's your NAME btw?)

The Y axis looks good.

The Z axis concerns me. I made my Z cover the same way, and I manage to get lots of chips behind the cover. I think the chips stick near the edge, and then the coolant washes them behind the cover.

What's the thing on the left of the column with the round bellows?

-Jeff

that thing on the left looks like a gas strut

The round bellows is covering the gas strut as bryanrabb mentioned.

When will they be available?

When will they be available?
+1

scyan,

I posted someting on my way covers a while back but can't seem to find where I posted it. So here it is again. Sorry everyone for the repitition. The material is 1/32" Buna N rubber and the rest of the installation is from my scrap pile. I have been using this same system on my Bridgeport for the last ten years without any problems. I prefer the smooth surface of the rubber sheet to the accordian material as it is much easier to clean the chips from. I believe that I purchsed the material from McMaster-Carr and it wasn't very expensive.
You will note that the cover on the Z axis is attached at the top with a large hose clamp. This isn't very elligant but it has been successful and doesn't require drilling and tapping on the head.

OM