shoptask 3/1 lathe/mill assembly and mods

[Bloy2004]

In the closeup picture above, the main bracket(blue) was salvaged from a discarded garage door opener and cut off to fit.
The "inside" bracket's extra hole was existing in another salvaged plate from somewhere. The cover "floats" between the two as the x axis glides back and forth. The signal wire is secured with a small clip fitted with a rubber sleeve to achieve tightness.

[Bloy2004]

Mill head motorized Height adjuster...

The motor came from ebay for total $31 bucks with shipping.
Mount posts were from old discarded rod, faced and threaded 1/4" on bottom, 10-32 on top(leftover seen in foreground).

Lower coupler was 1/2" milled square to fit drive screw end.

[Bloy2004]

Broader view...

The unit is solid. ....Very smooth and quiet in operation using a (on)off(on) momentary switch mounted on panel.
Further improvements....Limit switches to auto stop at top and bottom. This will eliminate keeping close eye on travel.

...am looking for a dome shaped object to paint blue and cover the setup. Maybe a large obsolete fire extinguisher?

[Bloy2004]

Here is the installation of the rpm and indexing sensor for use with Mach2 in threading operations and other functions.
Wider tape strip changes signal timing enough for Mach2 to recognize spindle position. Extra "thinner" tapes allow Mach2 to make sub-corrections for threading.

[Bloy2004]

Closeup of sensor...
This is a "reflective" type unit.
220 Ohm resistor for LED protection is embedded in liquid rubber applied to protect connections. Large Washers under bracket give sensor correct "reading" distance.

[devinchi]

Wow, some real nice mods there. I will be very interested to see how well the RPM sensor works.

[Bloy2004]

It works... gives the rpm of the spindle.
I'm learning how to apply it to threading....

[Bloy2004]

Here's some more pictures of utility and safety features added.
...this photo is from the side and depicts the covers for the millhead lift motor and the related limiting switches.

[Bloy2004]

..These are the limit switches set up and uncovered. If they fail, the millhead unit will bottom out, or top out, without damage, but is very stressful to the motor and brass ACME nut and screw.

[Bloy2004]

Indicator lamps and Up-down switch..
Green indicates bridge column is tight(locked) and that the mill is ready for operation. power to the millhead lift motor is not available.
Red would indicate that the bridge column is loose and that power is supplied for raising/lowering the millhead.

The lights also indicate when the machine is plugged in(power to the entire machine).

I can't find my Transfer letters for a plate to designate the functions, but for now ,since I'm the only operator, there isn't a problem.

[kong]

Bloy, you're doing such a fine job here, that it will a shame to use it! Keep it up

[Bloy2004]

the safety switch on the bridge and support column. it's a basic spdt with a little roller on the switch arm that extends through the bridge plate and rolls on the spider hub. When the spider is tight, the roller is compressed and sets the indicator lamp while cutting power to the lift motor. The lift motor could really rack the machine if operated while the bridge is secure....thus the safety switch/lamps.
a protective cover for this is forthcoming.