Motorize Column?

[dvo]

Looking for a link or idea for a motorized column. Because of space and location limitations in my garage, cranking the head up and down constantly is getting painfull (literally). It not from the cranking load but the awkward manner that I have to reach in to crank it. Any idea of aproximate torque required to move the ZX45 head?

[wildcat]

I remember seeing pictures of a guy who had attached a gear head 90V DC motor in place of the crank. Looked like a really slick arrangement. I haven't been able to find the images though I'm pretty sure it was in this forum or on Bob Warfield's excellent CNCCookbook site.

To estimate the ft-lbs needed attach a lever the radius of the planned sprocket to the shaft. Attach a spring balance to the end of the lever. Lift up on the spring balance until the lever moves. The balance gives you the "lbs" part and the lever length gives you the "ft" part of the ft-lbs measurement you want. I believe the Machinery Handbook talks about this if you want to read more about it.

[jarr88]

check out the specs on house of tools on the internet they are located in canada..