X2 Mini Mill Mods

[bmac2]

Hi Eric
That’s a good idea. Anything that will help with the rigidity of the machine. Personally I have an absolute distain for tilting the column. I had such a miserable time getting it to where it is.
This is as far as I’ve gotten with the gas springs (I know. The springs are upside down in my drawing*bang*). But I have found local supplier. Defenatly have to get the longer rack.

 

[gwapoboy]

What I’m using is the Groz 4x4 low profile vise (Busy Bee no. B2108). Very nicely machined, smooth operation, spot on alignment, and an overall height is only 2.625” This is a huge benefit on a mill with only 7 inches of “Z” axis travel.

Do you find it limites the tables x and/or Y movement at all?

 

[bmac2]

Do you find it limites the tables x and/or Y movement at all?

Hi gwapoboy
Technically it does shorten the Y axis but by such a small amount I don’t think it counts. By the time the head end of the vise is squashing the billows, the table is within about ¼” of hitting the base. No effect on the X axis.

 

[MCRIPPPer]

one of the best mods for a mini mill is a power feed unit with a raid travel. makes aligning vise much quicker and just makes life alot easier.

here is my version of the power feed.

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/showthread.php?t=22076

 

[bmac2]

Hay MCRIPPPer
I just read your thread the other day linked off Gus’s power feed build. Started me thinking that I have a broken variable speed cordless in the garage:idea:. It didn’t like the dropped/sudden stop off a ladder this past summer but the motor and gear box are still good. Good use of the 3 R’s Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. That a foosball table?Thm:

 

[MCRIPPPer]

yea it is a fooz table lol. super sturdy because its designed for people getting too cought up in the game.

 

[velocette]

Hi gwapoboy
Technically it does shorten the Y axis but by such a small amount I don’t think it counts. By the time the head end of the vise is squashing the billows, the table is within about ¼” of hitting the base. No effect on the X axis.

Hi
If you need the last 1/4 inch you can mill off the vice body or move the hold down bolts to the centre slot in the table.

Eric

 

[zoltan]

Have you considered upgrading to the LMS solid column and base, and getting rid of the stupid pivot entirely? It does cost $250, but I did it and am so happy I did.

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4307
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4308