Lead Screw backlash adjusting tool- DIY

[Janderso]

I contacted Sharp to price the tool required to adjust the backlash on my Sharp TMV mill. Would you believe $800 with shipping?!!!!
There is no access to measure the locking ring or the adjustment ring.
I ordered the rings in order to make the tool.
With the pipe and rings, I’m saving $650.
These mills are BP clones on steroids. Some components are completely different.

 

[extropic]

I like your thinking there Jeff.

 

[DavidR8]

Very clever Jeff.

 

[Janderso]

Have you ever had one of those great ideas that actually work better than planned? It’s very rare for me.
I finished the tool, removed the end cap and bearings, placed the tool to loosen the lock nut, spun the tool 180, turned the adjustment nut about one and a half turns. Put everything back together with no issues at all.
I now have .006” vs. .042”.
The dro shows .005” now. I zeroed the X, pushed the table for maximum movement.
Before when I did this I had a reading of .042”
Great!!

 

[homebrewed]

I love it when that happens! I've had that moment a few times when you just KNOW your idea can work. Now get back to work

 

[Dirtroad_Machineshop]

This is exactly what I need to build. I just picked up at First lc185 that uses the same leadscrew nut design. I currently have .052 on the x and .085 on the y. Something tells me the y might be to be replaced. Do you happen to have the dimensions of the tool?

 

[ltlvt]

This is exactly what I need to build. I just picked up at First lc185 that uses the same leadscrew nut design. I currently have .052 on the x and .085 on the y. Something tells me the y might be to be replaced. Do you happen to have the dimensions of the tool?

I contacted Sharp to price the tool required to adjust the backlash on my Sharp TMV mill. Would you believe $800 with shipping?!!!!
There is no access to measure the locking ring or the adjustment ring.
I ordered the rings in order to make the tool.
With the pipe and rings, I’m saving $650.
These mills are BP clones on steroids. Some components are completely different.

Excellent idea and excellent execution of your idea. If the queen was still alive you would be Knighted as Sir Thinks Alot. I am suggesting Sir that your status be changed from Hobby Machinist to Toolmaker. I love seeing shop made tools.

 

[Old96er]

Have you ever had one of those great ideas that actually work better than planned? It’s very rare for me.
I finished the tool, removed the end cap and bearings, placed the tool to loosen the lock nut, spun the tool 180, turned the adjustment nut about one and a half turns. Put everything back together with no issues at all.
I now have .006” vs. .042”.
The dro shows .005” now. I zeroed the X, pushed the table for maximum movement.
Before when I did this I had a reading of .042”
Great!!

I need to make one of these but would like to avoid buying the nuts. Would you kindly measure the nut diameter and slot dimensions on your nuts for me? Thanks!

 

[Ulma Doctor]

Nice work Jeff !

 

[Janderso]

I need to make one of these but would like to avoid buying the nuts. Would you kindly measure the nut diameter and slot dimensions on your nuts for me? Thanks!

You bet.
I'll PM you. I need to find the nuts. Wait one