Need Help With Pm-25 X-axis Power Feed

[RegisG]

If someone has the X-axis power feed on their PM-25, please post photo of mounting. Motor just came in yesterday and I have a couple questions.
-Did the bolt holes line up on the drive section or did you have to drill & tap your table?
-Where/how did you mount the power supply (strap it on or did you open it and attach somehow)?

Absolutely nothing along the lines of instructions came with it. When I called I got pretty general answer "mount anywhere". Still waiting on call-back on drive section bolt holes. Don't know if they sent the wrong unit or if they expect everyone to drill and tap bolt holes????? Table holes are 3" and drive holes are 4 1/2" apart

Would appreciate some help.

Thanks,
Regis

 

[dlhoulton]

RegisG, I have the x power feed from Matt. I too was very disappointed with the product. Not at all what I had seen on models such as the one that fit on the Grizzly model (single box that bolted to table). I was not expecting two separate units. I called Matt asking if he had sent the wrong power feed and he stated that is what he had for the PM25. I also asked him if there were any instructions and he said it was just a simple bolt on unit and very easy to install (no instructions). I had to figure it out myself. I also asked him about any safety cut off (limit switches) and he said this unit had a "clutch". I still don't know what he meant by that. I asked how do I mount the other unit (box with plug) he said "be creative". Well first thing I noticed was it was a direct bolt on once I got longer bolts. The original bolts (socket head) on mill end plate were way to short. Just remove the hand wheel (no other disassembly). The (key hole slots) on the power feed unit were larger than the head of the socket heads from the mill. I under stand how "key hole" slots are supposed to work but not on this unit. I had to use large washers on the inside of the power feed mount side just so the socket head bolts would have a good seat and be able to tighten down. As for the separate electrical box, it just sits on the floor. Someday I might drill and mount it to the side of the stand.

 

[RegisG]

dlhoulton,
Sounds like you have almost the same problem I'm having. PM was no help. The one I have won't even go flush against the table. I have to leave the bearing/spacer in place. I'll have to make some kind of spacer so I can't over tighten the bolts that will be in the open.
Here is what mine looks like before going to get bolts that will fit. The keyed shaft fits fine but shaft close to the table is too large for the hole in the motor. The unit looks stout enough but not pleased with odd installation. I'll probably mount the power supply on the wall behind the mill.

Thank you for showing that this is a common problem and to not expect any help from Precision Mathews.
Regis

 

[dlhoulton]

RegisG, look at my table picture then yours. You have a totally different table end cap. One thing Matt did ask of me was to send him pictures of my machine with end table shots. This power feed unit was designed for the "newer" PM25 mill. Matt should have confirmed which PM25 machine you had. I'm thinking your machine is the older model.

 

[RegisG]

dlhoulton,
I just bought my mill in April of this year. I hope they did not send me an old refurbished one...... They never asked anything about my mill and they found my original order so I did not have to give address. They knew what I had.
I finally got some spacers and screws to mount this. Here is what mine looks like installed.

Regis

 

[dlhoulton]

RegisG, That looks pretty darn good!! Like how you adapted and made it work. I don't know about you but I'm still a little upset with the lack of support on this. I mean no instructions, no hardware, no limit switches. Feel like it's just a basic unit with no extras. In my research I've not seen one that didn't have limit safety switches. I just wish Matt would have explained a little more. Seems like his attitude toward this was, if you got the machine you should know these things. I think he forgets some of us are total new to this type of stuff and need at lest some basic instructions/diagrams. I also noticed on mine at least there is no way to turn the power feed off. My green light does not work and the red light stays on all the time. There again, no instructions or literature!

 

[brav65]

I just got one of these as well, but have not had a chance to install. My mill is 2 years old and needed a new lead screw and end plate. When I install I am going to break it open and see if I can wire up some limit switches. I both proximity and snap switches, I am not sure which I will use. I pretty much got similar answers from Matt, I don't think he has any info on them yet from the factory.

 

[dlhoulton]

brav65, would you have any idea by what Matt would mean by this having a "Clutch" instead of limit switch? Like I stated above when I asked Matt why it didn't have this safety feature his reply was it has a "Clutch"!!

 

[RegisG]

dlhoulton,
Thank you but, I like your flush mount much better than my stand-off.
How do you operate yours? Plug in, engage "clutch" select direction then adjust speed? or do you use different sequence?

brav65,
When you get limit switch figured out, please share it as I sure would like to add it on mine.

Thanks,
Regis

 

[dlhoulton]

I'm not sure which is the correct way but I usually keep the feed rate knob (mm/min) always on zero to prevent any rapid/unwanted movement until I'm ready. I also keep the "engage" knob in the disengage position. I select which direction I'm going to travel "forward/reverse" ( I prefer left or right travel). Then select the engage and slowly turn the feed speed up. But that's not set in stone. I've done it in several different order of operation without any grinding or adverse problems. But I always keep the rate of feed knob (mm/min) turned down after machining or when there is a change in cutter or repositioning the part being worked on. Just an anal safety precaution. I keep the unit plugged in at all times. I'm not sure if this is bad or what. It doesn't get warm or hot and it would be a real inconvenient to plug or unplug the power feed. That would be like unplugging your mill or lathe every time you were done with it. I guess it could be done but a real bummer.