PM 727 Z Axis Power Feed

Buggy Chief

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Can anyone share any information on installing (retrofit) a 727 with a z axis power feed like their 833? I am looking for a easy solution and not one that requires a lot of rigging. Thanks.
 
Haven't seen anyone do that but would think its totally possible. I would think you would need to make an adapter to put the drive gear on the z axis shaft then mount the limit switches.
 
I took a look at the PM website and it appears that the PM-727 quill downfeed mechanism is somewhat similar to to a RF-30 clone. Without a manual/parts diagram I can't be sure. I'll take some pictures of my power downfeed setup and you can decide if it will work for you.

Tom S.
 
Here's pictures of my RF-30 quill power downfeed.

I used timing pulleys to drive the stock quill downfeed mechanism because I had them laying around. You could use v-belt pulleys, chain and sprockets, gears, or whatever you can dream up.

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The motor mounting plate holes are slotted for belt tensioning.
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The quill is driven by a 90 vdc, 1A, 500 rpm gear motor. Speed is controlled by a potentiometer and control board scavenged from a treadmill. I wired in a on-off-on switch so I can reverse feed direction.
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The motor mount is bolted to the manual downfeed housing.
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The drive mechanism is engaged by tightening the drive clutch knob. At the end of the cut release the knob and the quill retracts. Hope this gives you some ideas for your mill.


Tom S.

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Thanks TomS for sharing. I have seen where a lot of folks use windshield wiper motors as well.
 
The posts and replies are very helpful. Just wondering if anyone has a easy solution for the entire head z axis motor instead of cranking? Wonder if you could adapt a x axis powered to the z axis and remove the crank handle?
 
The posts and replies are very helpful. Just wondering if anyone has a easy solution for the entire head z axis motor instead of cranking? Wonder if you could adapt a x axis powered to the z axis and remove the crank handle?

The PM-932 has a powered Z axis. Perhaps Quality Machine Tools has a motor on the shelf.

Tom S.
 
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