- Joined
- Mar 22, 2022
- Messages
- 383
1998 Central machinery RF-30 clone.
Seems that there are enough minor differences in these clones that one size does not fit all!
Started with the easy one, x axis install using the dovetail that holds the work stops.
500 mm scale is about 25mm short and 50mm longer would not hurt anything. Maybe next time around if I should over run things and kill it.
Reasonably level end to end with .010 variation.
Bits and pieces involved.
Two small wedges needed tapped for #8 32 machine screws. Used a belt sander to bevel the edges to around 70 degrees, not a critical dimension and modeled after the existing work stops.
Blackened when finished.
Two 1/8" X 1" aluminum spacers with #8 clearance holes to bring the scale out from the table.
Read head mount 1" X 1" X 1/8" aluminum angle with #6 machine screws and nuts.
5/16" bolts for the existing stop used to mount the bracket.
The #6 32 machine screws threaded nicely into the read head for some reason (metric)
Slotted both for adjustment purposes.
Decided not to use the "shield" easier access to the ball oiling points as well as the table locks without it.
Y axis made with 2" X 1/8" aluminum. Kind of minimalist material wise but it was what I had on hand. If it causes problems I'll use as a template and redo in 1/4", don't think it will be an issue though.
Required couple tries, first attempt on right would have stuck out too far in front and hand wheel cutout was a bit much. Used a cheap 1 3/4" hole saw for the cutout.
somewhat apprehensive about drilling and tapping the 1/4" X 20 holes, was a non-issue. Used my "As seen on TV" drill/tap guide which worked as "advertised" in this case.
Some initial test fitting.
Little trimming on both brackets with some sloppy slotting.
Read head mount required a couple washers to get it spaced with the bracket and aligned.
Everything seems to work so going to call it good to go and have a beer!
Z axis is on the project list next.
Seems that there are enough minor differences in these clones that one size does not fit all!
Started with the easy one, x axis install using the dovetail that holds the work stops.
500 mm scale is about 25mm short and 50mm longer would not hurt anything. Maybe next time around if I should over run things and kill it.
Reasonably level end to end with .010 variation.
Bits and pieces involved.
Two small wedges needed tapped for #8 32 machine screws. Used a belt sander to bevel the edges to around 70 degrees, not a critical dimension and modeled after the existing work stops.
Blackened when finished.
Two 1/8" X 1" aluminum spacers with #8 clearance holes to bring the scale out from the table.
Read head mount 1" X 1" X 1/8" aluminum angle with #6 machine screws and nuts.
5/16" bolts for the existing stop used to mount the bracket.
The #6 32 machine screws threaded nicely into the read head for some reason (metric)
Slotted both for adjustment purposes.
Decided not to use the "shield" easier access to the ball oiling points as well as the table locks without it.
Y axis made with 2" X 1/8" aluminum. Kind of minimalist material wise but it was what I had on hand. If it causes problems I'll use as a template and redo in 1/4", don't think it will be an issue though.
Required couple tries, first attempt on right would have stuck out too far in front and hand wheel cutout was a bit much. Used a cheap 1 3/4" hole saw for the cutout.
somewhat apprehensive about drilling and tapping the 1/4" X 20 holes, was a non-issue. Used my "As seen on TV" drill/tap guide which worked as "advertised" in this case.
Some initial test fitting.
Little trimming on both brackets with some sloppy slotting.
Read head mount required a couple washers to get it spaced with the bracket and aligned.
Everything seems to work so going to call it good to go and have a beer!
Z axis is on the project list next.
