New Machine Build- Mill from Milling Table

[kb9jlo]

I have an Enco milling table and a Z-axis I purchased from eBay. I want to make a lightweight milling & PCB machine. Mostly for the PCB use.

I searched but couldn't find much on making a machine from a milling table... I did find something about solidly mounting the table, though.

Here's my plan, mount the table to a large slab of butcher block counter top that I have. Buy some large threaded pipe, pipe flange & cap. Mount that to the butcher block for a column and mount the z-axis to that.
Then figure out some X & Y motor mounts... Shouldn't be too hard with the butcher block top to mount to!

I have stepper motors and a controller (a couple of different flavors, lots of power supplies, etc...).

Will the 'screws' from the milling table work?
Or should I swap them out for threaded rod?
I'm trying to utilize mostly what I have acquired already...

Sorry if this has been posted to death and sorry if I'm in the wrong forum.

Dan

[CNCfun&games]

Dan,
Which Table do you Have?
There are two Enco Cross slides that are the most used for your application.
One has 8" x 5" travel, I have no experience with this one!
The other has 11" x 7.5" travel, & I have been modifying 2 of these.
They are a quality product made in Taiwan but
have some shortcomings which I address on my thread.

Regards......W. Smith

[kb9jlo]

Yes, I have the larger one. I'm sure there are some shortcomings...
Always is it seems. But this gives me something to start with.
They had a great sale on them a year ago or so - or - maybe it was earlier this year. Can't remember...

I'll have to look for your thread.

[CNCfun&games]

The Enco Cross slide is an excellent product!!
I recommend it to anyone interested in building a Benchtop Mill.
On Thread 42227 of this forum, I describe how to modify it for CNC.
The only problem is the 2 very nice leadscrews are not supported in bearings,
and the 5/8-10 nuts are are junk & should be replaced with commercially available Delrin nuts. It's an easy upgrade.......

W. Smith

[kb9jlo]

Originally Posted by CNCfun&games The Enco Cross slide is an excellent product!! I recommend it to anyone interested in building a Benchtop Mill. On Thread 42227 of this forum....... W. Smith

I'm very interested to see how you do the mods on your #2 slide project (where you use the existing dovetails). I do not have enough machining skill to complete your "ultra" model. That's why I'm starting out with the slide and a ready made Z assembly. I figured I'd have to have bearings on the screws and your pictures really lay that out clearly.
I'm pretty sure I can get that work done around here by someone - or maybe ask on these boards...
There's nothing special about the bearing, right? Just pick one to match what you turn the rod down to and the pockets in the brackets - correct?
What couplers did you use and what size where your motor shafts?

Thanks for the help and suggestions.

[CNCfun&games]

Dan,

The Step Motors I use are #23's with .250 shafts.

I purchased the Aluminum Helical Beam couplings from KDN Tools ($8.50ea.)
The bearings are NSK 6000ZZ's ....But just have to fit your configuration.

The Y axis motor is tucked in under the Table to minimize the overhang.
The Motor mounting bracket detail drawing will be posted shortly.

Will remove the steel gibs on the standard model & install an oiler with bronze or oilite gibs for the CNC application.

W.Smith