Stiffen Z axis on a TAIG mill

[tikka308]

Any folks out there seen or done a similar project to this - http://www.engineeringhobbyist.com/p...olumn_support/

It looks logical; you still have the ability to nudge the Z column for tramming purposes. I'm thinking about doing something like this combined with a 100lb steel plate fastened to the bottom to give it the most rigidity.

I don't have any specific requirements - just enjoying and experimenting.

[Stepper Monkey]

As much of a fan of the Taig as I am, there were a couple of aspects about the whole Z column that I never liked either. That being said, a properly trammed and torqued Z column should be able to take about anything the rest of the machine could ever reasonably throw at it. Rigidity has never really been a complaint I've heard as regards the Taigs. As little bench mills go, it is pretty stout.
Maybe you could simply drill and pin the connection after tramming if you are worried about it simply shifting, but if you really are running the mill hard enough to get the Taig actually flexing, bracing probably won't help - you are probably doing serious enough work that you really should be looking at full-size mill instead!

[tikka308]

Stepper - Fair point. I agree if a larger mill is appropriate if you're running it that hard

Sounds like what you're saying is that the bolt & nut, if properly tightened, should hold the Z axis upright with plenty of torque for the machine. I can't say I've had any problems - but was thinking about overall rigidity and vibrations.

Any other experienced TAIG users have opinions on this? Is the Z-axis solid as-is? Is this not a worthwhile upgrade?

[cartertool]

It shouldn't move, unless it's not tightened enough. Don't over tighten - 40 ft/lbs is way too much, and don't ask me how I know...

It is important that the mating surfaces be clean, and not lubed...

[tikka308]

Nick - is there a trick to knowing approximately how much 40 ft/lbs is?

[Andre' B]

Nick - is there a trick to knowing approximately how much 40 ft/lbs is?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_wrench