Z axis Column Modifications

Here is some of the work I'm doing to the Z-axis column.

The first video covers the plan for the placement of the Z axis ball screw inside the column.

Next video shows making the arm to connect the milling head to the z axis ball nut

Here is the milling of the slot into the column

More work on finishing the clearancing in the column for the Z axis ball nut and screw

Final part 3 video on the clearancing inside the column

Here's my first attempt to straighten the base.  This shows some of the challenges of the weak casting on this machine.

Here I am getting into what is being done to stiffen the column

Here is the second part explaining the stiffening of the column

Here I am cutting the gussets

Here is with the gussets mounted explaining how they will work

This is a fun video where I actually measure how square the column is before I correct it.  I also apply a force on it and measure deflection to show rigidity

Here’s the fine adjustment I’m going to use for the column

Here a test piece I made for the cam

In this video I show how I square up the casting bracket for the column 

This video shows the completion of building the gussets, mounting them, indicating the column in straight and a final test of the more rigid state of the column after the improvements.