LMS Large Table Assembly

[ellik]

Well I finally decided to get the bigger table assembly for the X2 from LMS. It arrived yesterday and seems to be pretty decent upgrade from the original table, although not cheap when considering shipping. For me it was either a new mill, which would mean all new electronics as well. So instead of spending $3000 on a new mill and cnc it I decided to spend about $600 (including ballscrews) for a similar work envelope. The Table is 18.125" (460mm) long and 4.724" (120mm) wide. Travel is a little more than 12" along X (more than LMS specs) and just about 5.5" (not confirmed yet) and I will probably be able to increase that even more with little effort. The lead screws are 20tpi, (why would anyone use for manual milling) and the X lead screw is supported on both ends, the standard thrust bearing and a copper bushing on the other end.
The base is very different from the original one. Its longer and the column mount is lower than before so Z travel is reduced. My plan was to put a spacer there anyway to move the column back.
Overall not bad so far.
Next step is to make some drawings and make room for ball screws.

[ellik]

Made some progress on a ballscrew mod for the LMS table assembly. The larger saddle has plenty of space for ballnuts, just needs a little trimming. My plan is to have limit switches for both X and Y hidden, X switches under the table and Y switches under the base.

[Enraged]

I think your ballnut flange is going to interfere with the travel of the table

looks good!

[mattbesquare]

Very nice clean work man~

[Crevice Reamer]

EXCELLENT!

CR.

[ellik]

Here is a little update on the progress so far.

Brackets, ball screws and limit switches all installed. I plan to swap out the old base and table this weekend and make some motor and way covers. Need to get it up and running quickly to make conversion kits.

EK

[Starleper1]

Very tight quarters. I like the limit switch triggers. Good work.

[ellik]

Replaced the table assembly yesterday, man what a difference.

[Crevice Reamer]

The finish on the large table looks to be better than stock. Have you tested it for straightness and bowing? How accurate are the dovetails cut? Any binding?

CR.

[Arich0908]

Nice job ellik,
Your Craftsmanship is first rate, thanks for posting so I can read.

[ellik]

All done. Just need to build a new enclosure to get full use of the extended X travel.

The table is considerably flatter than the old stock X2 table but still bows down about 0.002 in the middle. I have not done any thorough measurements on it yet. The column is off by 0.001 per inch on Z so more tramming is needed. My plan is to build a steel base with a welded channel to support and adjust the column back and forth to get it square. This table also requires a 1" spacer on the spindle head to make full use of the table. The spacer will also help with tramming the spindle with the column to make everything square. I see a spacer kit for this in my near future

[sfrankland]

Funny I mention bending up some aluminum for way and stepper covers and I see you copied my idea . Anyway send me the drawings for the base and brace so I can get that welded up for you. I think I have a way to get it over to you for free.

Looking real good. I guess I will have to one up you and go with stainless for my covers.