Topics include, Machine Tools & Tooling, Precision Measuring, Materials and their Properties, Electrical discussions related to machine tools, setups, fixtures and jigs and other general discussion related to amateur machining.
I actually got a chance to work in the shop. (This made me happy. )
The first order of business prior to starting my inconsequential project (a stand for a rain gauge), was to check the tram on my mill. (Grizzly 3616 https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzl ... mill/g3616.) I trammed the table after I moved the shop equipment from storage in KC--where it had all been stored for four years--to the Ozarks. (Zero rust!) But, I did it hurriedly, so I checked it today.
Over a distance of 16", the horizonal is out by less than 0.0002" and the front to back is out by less than 0.0001". (I made it to be half that.)
I wasn't worried about the horizontal; that is adjustable. But the front-to-back isn't . . . or at least I don't know how and where to do it.
So now I have no excuse to not use it, or anything else in the shop.
How did you go about the test, Bill?
For a meaningful result, the indicator should be pivoted via the spindle bearings. If you traversed the indicator by moving the X & Y members, the results define the knee (sag in either direction), but not the relationship between the table and spindle.
I really like the "no rust" comment. I applied cosmoline to the surfaces of my equipment, secure in the knowledge that rust would be an issue. I was right in doing so, as a tiny area on the mill table got disturbed and rusted. Luckily, not very badly.
H
Wise people talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.
well....if your machine is that close...it is probably well within the manufacturer's spec.
looking at the manual for that machine:
what you are looking for: front-2-back -> does not appear to have an 'adjustment' as you would expect to find on a Bridgeport or wells-index look alike machine.
the advantage to that is 'it is more rigid (manufacturer's view of things)' -> the dis-advantage (real world) -> is that 'if it is out, you are stuck with what you have because there is no ready way to 'tram it' along that rotational plane.
but like Harold asked: are the numbers from spindle rotation or by linear axis motion?
Harold, spindle rotation. I used my BesTest DTI. Regarding storage, I paid $90 per month for a temperature and humidity controlled environment. Still, I worried greatly.
Bill, ha! I was hoping I was somehow wrong regarding the front to back adjustment.
Thank you. I've certainly missed the comraderie and the willingness to help by sharing hard won knowledge and experience from you and other stalwarts on this forum.
I am eager to share the same things as I've always contributed; my ignorance and eagerness to learn.
Great news, Bill. Those numbers are to be admired. When sweeping in the head of my Bridgeport, I tend to swing a 9+" circle, and shoot for less than a half thou. I, too, use a BesTest. I also make minimum contact with the tip, so it glides over the T slots without effort. A couple thou is more than enough once you're close.
I suspect the extra cost of environmental control for your storage paid dividends. I didn't have the luxury and lost a few things to water damage due to a small leak that was not detected until we unloaded.
As the other Bill said, I'm pleased to see you back again. We have a very nice collection of people on this board.
H
Wise people talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.
I'm sure the reason I have a BesTest is because you either mentioned it in passing or I asked you years ago what I should get for that purpose.
I jacked the knee way up so as not to extend the spindle. I locked the knee, table and spindle and had the DTI tip just touching the table so as to easily navigate the t-slots.
Wonder where I learned that?
Question: Could one eliminate the t-slot issue by placing a surface plate on the table? I was thinking about that but did not know if the bottom of the plate is "perfectly" parallel to the top.
)
