PM728-VT power X feed and/or Z lift options

[bcrosby]

I have a PM728-VT mill on order (maybe late April or early May delivery). I'm beginning to look at upgrade options. Does anyone know of an X feed or Z lift option out there? I don't mind getting creative if that's what it takes! Any insight would be appreciated . . .

 

[Old Mud]

OOPS

 

[mksj]

I think he is looking for axis drives. Probably best to check with QMT, but they do have a, X-axis drive that is listed for a range of mills from the PM25-30.

X Axis Power Feed for Bench Mills – Precision Matthews Machinery Co.

www.precisionmatthews.com

Do not know about the Z drive, but there are a number of options that you can make. A number of people have made their own typically using a gear motor (suggest 1/8-1/6 Hp, max. 70-140 RPM) and either a belt drive or direct drive. I put a X and Z on my last mill using Bodine gear motors so was able to do direct drives from the output shaft. I went with 3 phase with VFD's others use DC drives, some people have used wiper motors. On the Z drive, I just used a centering toggle momentary switch for up down with a speed pot. On the X drive I used a joystick with speed pot and high speed transit buttons. All drives had travel limit stops for safety reasons. A few examples from others below:

PM 727 Z Axis Power Feed

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.

www.hobby-machinist.com

PM-727m New mill has arrived!

I use shop made keys for that purpose with my BP vise. They are accurately made of 1018 steel to a nice fit in both vise (tight) and table (snug but sliding), and are soft so they do not ding the slots. All the exposed corners are carefully rounded in all directions so they do not scratch and...

www.hobby-machinist.com

PM-30 Z-axis power feed?

I am waiting for the next shipment of PM-30MVs to arrive, which I understand is any day now, for my order to be filled. I ordered the X-axis power feed, but there is no Z-axis power feed available from QMT/PM. I searched on this site and more generally with google, and I don't see any discussion...

www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[bcrosby]

Very helpful! Thank you. That gives me some avenues to explore.

 

[qualitymachinetools]

X drive is all figured out, we are just waiting on them to come in. Complete bolt on with no drilling, couple minutes install, price will be $299 Also www.priesttools.com working on a Z lift drive as an option to be available soon.

 

[bcrosby]

Great to know . . . thanks!

 

[tredding]

Has this thread closed? I bought a PM-728VT Mill this year and had PM include the power X axis drive. This weekend I installed a PM-728VT Power Lift from Priest Tools. They said it would take one to two hours. I took a little over five hours. I could share the experience if the information is still needed? Terry - W6LMJ