NM-145 Locations / Dimensions

[cteufert]

While waiting for my NM-145 to arrive I would like to begin designing some fixtures to attach to the table. There are several dimensions I need and hope someone with a machine can take a couple measurements.

With the table Y fully back how much clearance is there to the nearest obstruction? (Dim A if the sketch uploads) At this point is the centerline of the spindle still over the table or beyond it? How far? (Dim B)

The official spec sheet shows the Y travel as 8", is this accurate?

Thanks in advance.

Charlie.

[JoeBean]

As I mentioned before, I don't have an nm-145, but since nobody's responded I might be able to help a little...

There should be a limit switch on the rear of the table with a sheetmetal cover projecting over it. On the nm200 it's about an inch wide.

Travel is determined by 1.) the limit switch trigger points (you can go past it but ref 0 will be determined by this, and you can set mach3 to not go past), 2.) oil line location/length (see the recent thread regarding this to see why it's an issue), and 3.) the ballscrew length. On the NM 200s2 the stated travel is pretty conservative. With slight modifications you can extend it. Again, the recent thread about the topic details it some more.

Unfortunately I can't answer specific dimension questions, but if you email Khai I'm sure he can get them to do a couple measurements for you.

[ihavenofish]

While waiting for my NM-145 to arrive I would like to begin designing some fixtures to attach to the table. There are several dimensions I need and hope someone with a machine can take a couple measurements.

With the table Y fully back how much clearance is there to the nearest obstruction? (Dim A if the sketch uploads) At this point is the centerline of the spindle still over the table or beyond it? How far? (Dim B)

The official spec sheet shows the Y travel as 8", is this accurate?

Thanks in advance.

Charlie.

theres roughtly 2" behind the table to the column thats taken up by the way covers in both Y and Z.

the useful y travel is right around 8". the machine actually has 11" travel in the Y when you pull off the guards, however there its only 8" clearance from the spindle to the z way covers, so its all moot.

[cteufert]

I see a couple of you guys responded with answers to which I am thankful but I still don't know the one key dimension that will let me determine where to position the fixture I am designing on the table... I know somebody owns a NM-145 and a tape measure and will feel sorry for me and get this measurement for me

When the table Y is as close to the Z covers as it can normally travel (covers on, not bypassing anything) where does the centerline of the spindle fall? Is it still over the table or past the edge? How far from the edge? (see the sketch attached to msg #1 Dim. B)

It is amazingly frustrating that so little documentation on the mill is available that shows relative locations of things. All I find are the same 1/2 dozen marketing images taken at funky angles. I expected some product literature to have a line drawing showing where the work envelope is at least. First thing I am doing when my machine arrives is taking a bunch of good pictures, like mug shots showing each view of the machine with the table at every max. limit. Next I'll generate some basic line drawings with dimensions. Then I'll post both the drawings and photos to the forum so they will be available for anyone to refer to.

[ihavenofish]

I see a couple of you guys responded with answers to which I am thankful but I still don't know the one key dimension that will let me determine where to position the fixture I am designing on the table... I know somebody owns a NM-145 and a tape measure and will feel sorry for me and get this measurement for me

When the table Y is as close to the Z covers as it can normally travel (covers on, not bypassing anything) where does the centerline of the spindle fall? Is it still over the table or past the edge? How far from the edge? (see the sketch attached to msg #1 Dim. B)

It is amazingly frustrating that so little documentation on the mill is available that shows relative locations of things. All I find are the same 1/2 dozen marketing images taken at funky angles. I expected some product literature to have a line drawing showing where the work envelope is at least. First thing I am doing when my machine arrives is taking a bunch of good pictures, like mug shots showing each view of the machine with the table at every max. limit. Next I'll generate some basic line drawings with dimensions. Then I'll post both the drawings and photos to the forum so they will be available for anyone to refer to.

good question. the spindle can hit the table front to back if i recall. my way covers are modified so any measurement i give might not relate. you really should waiut till youve got the machine though before making any jigs for it.

[cteufert]

Ok so I am going to have to wait for my mill to arrive to find out where the spindle aligns with the table....

So how about another question while I wait...

I am assuming the lever on the near the E-stop button is a spindle lock. (seems to not be referenced by any of the mechanical components identification pages in the manual) Does this lever apply friction or some how mechanically lock the spindle? How much force must be applied?

Another question, the legs, I am considering using leveling casters instead. Are the legs threaded in or do they use a nut from the underside? The picture in the manual shows a leg that does not look like the legs in every other photo.

Charlie.

[ihavenofish]

Ok so I am going to have to wait for my mill to arrive to find out where the spindle aligns with the table....

So how about another question while I wait...

I am assuming the lever on the near the E-stop button is a spindle lock. (seems to not be referenced by any of the mechanical components identification pages in the manual) Does this lever apply friction or some how mechanically lock the spindle? How much force must be applied?

Another question, the legs, I am considering using leveling casters instead. Are the legs threaded in or do they use a nut from the underside? The picture in the manual shows a leg that does not look like the legs in every other photo.

Charlie.

the spindle lock latches onto a flat on the spindle shaft.

as for the feet, ive never actually looked at how they are attached. ill look tomorrow.

[gmessler]

Hello cteufert,

I recently purchased a NM-145 and would be happy to help you with what I can.

With the Y all the way back the distance between the table and the front edge of the guard is 1.25" (your A dim)

As for the B it is approximately .75"

The feet are screwed on but I didn't check to see what size the bolt is.

As for that lever it is the spindle lock, or at least it's supposed to be. My machine came with this part bent so badly that it really doesn't work.

I sure hope this helps you out.

I'd also like to help you in another way. If you can get your money back before they ship the product DO SO.

I have a LONG list of issues with the machine to which I am getting no help with. It is difficult at best to get anything other than lies out of anybody over there. It is several days short of a month and I still do not have my software package (not super critical), and the spindle does not operate properly (can't use the machine) amongst many other things. The overall attitude of the staff over there has been aloof.

I'll be starting a thread early next week to explain my situation and don't wish to hijack your thread.

Best wishes

Greg

[cteufert]

Thanks for the information, it is indeed helpful. One more question about the feet. Did they thread on from underneath or was there a bolt coming down from the inside?

Charlie.

I recently purchased a NM-145 and would be happy to help you with what I can.

With the Y all the way back the distance between the table and the front edge of the guard is 1.25" (your A dim)

As for the B it is approximately .75"

The feet are screwed on but I didn't check to see what size the bolt is.

[gmessler]

They thread on from underneath.

The feet have the bolt incorporated in them which go into a threaded hole in the stand.

I'll try to get you thread/bolt size for you tomorrow or Tuesday.

[cteufert]

I understand there are two places where rods can be placed to left the mill off the base. I think the holes on the front / back of the mill base and are 1" in diameter.

My questions are: what are hole diameters exactly, are they slightly oversize so that 1" pipe (1.050") will fit, 25mm so that 1" rod won't fit or exactly 1"? How long of a rod would be needed to reach from front to back?

Charlie.

[ihavenofish]

I understand there are two places where rods can be placed to left the mill off the base. I think the holes on the front / back of the mill base and are 1" in diameter.

My questions are: what are hole diameters exactly, are they slightly oversize so that 1" pipe (1.050") will fit, 25mm so that 1" rod won't fit or exactly 1"? How long of a rod would be needed to reach from front to back?

Charlie.

the base is 24" long. the holes are big enough for my finger to fit in, haha. id say 1", but ill have to measure to make sure its not too small for a 1" pipe.