Hello:
?
On Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 11:42 AM, Peter Brooks wrote:
... seen the youtube video ...
Heavy duty machining ...
Indeed ...
?
It is the closest I have seen to solving the problem with the Unimat milling columns.
But if after all the trouble of getting it done you still have to tram the head after moving it, the problem is not solved.
Just ameliorated.
?
I have the Unimat mill all set up with a new motor+PWM control, a new set of bushings and a piece of thick felt pad soaked in light oil which I lodged in the void between the upper and lower bushings to keep things going smoothly as time goes by.
?
But as I am still in the middle of acquiring the ER stuff, I have only used it as a drillpress.
And losing the head position as you raise or lower the head it is a nuisance.
?
What Urwick's fantastic triangular gib invention clearly shows is that the problem at hand lies in the key itself.
But I think that getting the same thing done on the Unimat columns is not feasible.
The diameter of the U3 column is just 28mm and the headstock adapter (where the quill holder is articulated) could not have been made with less material, it looks skimpy when compared to the one made for the older Unimats.
?
Like with some other parts of the U3, Emco really made an effort there.? 8^¡ã
?
Maybe the solution to the problem (like for Urwick) lies in the design of the key?
eg: instead of a snubbed bolt (a ? 8mm cylinder) use a long triangular key where two same length sides center the part.
(see attached photo)
?
Best,
?
JHM
