I recently purchased a used Busy Bee A1S (8 x 30) knee mill to replace my round column mill. I plan to do a CNC conversion of this mill and am seeking advice regarding replacing the ACME lead screws for the table.
This is a hobby type application and I don't need (or want to pay for ) super accuracy. Somewhere I read that decent quality economical priced ball screws are available, possibly on Ali-express?
This mill came equipped with a power feed on the X axis, I obviously won't need that if I add steppers/servo motor. I also won't install the spin handles, so the new shaft could be several inches shorter. I have zero experience with selecting and ordering ball-screws so any and all advice is appreciated.
Suggestions on vendor?
What details do I need to provide; length, diamter, thread pitch, details of keyways, diameter etc for original handles, what else?
What about the nut and how it mounts?
Cost?
Any words of wisdom are welcome, assume I know next to nothing about this topic.
This is a hobby type application and I don't need (or want to pay for ) super accuracy. Somewhere I read that decent quality economical priced ball screws are available, possibly on Ali-express?
This mill came equipped with a power feed on the X axis, I obviously won't need that if I add steppers/servo motor. I also won't install the spin handles, so the new shaft could be several inches shorter. I have zero experience with selecting and ordering ball-screws so any and all advice is appreciated.
Suggestions on vendor?
What details do I need to provide; length, diamter, thread pitch, details of keyways, diameter etc for original handles, what else?
What about the nut and how it mounts?
Cost?
Any words of wisdom are welcome, assume I know next to nothing about this topic.