I did some checking and messing with it last night. I'm pretty sure the table isn't completely flat. With the table centered, I can level it in Y on the right, middle and be off a little on the left side - per the machinist level. I've tried various torque on the base to table bolts and that moves it a little, but not much. Have not done anything in X yet other than a rough set.
Knowing that a mill doesn't really have to be level to work, I'm thinking about these steps for doing the best with what it may be:
1) center table in X and Y, or Y center on spindle at least
2) torque base to table bolts to all the same torque reading - say 45 ft/lbs (don't think it matters)
3) use the "corner level" method - place level at 45 angle across table center, level using the feet pointed at by the level, switch to the other 45, level those feet, throw hands up, yell "TIME!"
4) tram head to table, shimming column as necessary to get Y as close as I can
5) deal with the other irregularities that are bound to be there, like variations as table travels.
It ain't no knee mill, but I'd like to get as good out of it as may be possible. Thanks for any suggestions.
Knowing that a mill doesn't really have to be level to work, I'm thinking about these steps for doing the best with what it may be:
1) center table in X and Y, or Y center on spindle at least
2) torque base to table bolts to all the same torque reading - say 45 ft/lbs (don't think it matters)
3) use the "corner level" method - place level at 45 angle across table center, level using the feet pointed at by the level, switch to the other 45, level those feet, throw hands up, yell "TIME!"
4) tram head to table, shimming column as necessary to get Y as close as I can
5) deal with the other irregularities that are bound to be there, like variations as table travels.
It ain't no knee mill, but I'd like to get as good out of it as may be possible. Thanks for any suggestions.