Mill drill Y axis power feed

Has anybody fitted the Align type of power feed to the Y axis on a Chinese R40 type of mill drill? Superficially it seems fairly straightforward but I can't seem to find where anyone who has done so.

Me. I still have it but since I changed to CNC it is not fitted. It is as you say quite straight forward. Much better than hand cranking.

Also fitted the one above that is mainly obscured by the guard, this is a Chester Super Lux.

Martin C

I couldn't see that it would be that difficult but couldn't find any information anywhere else. Has anyone got anymore information?

H Sakura,

Have a look at my photo album !

If you clarify what you want to know in more detail I can probably answer your questions or take some photos. Vague questions will only get broad answers or clutter in the thread.

Martin C

The OP asked about a power feed for the Y axis & both replies show solutions for the X axis ?

As well as the RF30 specific unit shown on Martin's picture, Align also make units to suit the X, Y & knee axes of Bridgeport type knee mills

The picture is of a Y axis unit (according to the MSC Industrial catalogue entry). Not an inexpensive option at £500 inc Vat from them though.

Chester have Y axis units on sale at the moment at £277 (but maybe + Vat)

All that said, it may be that the OP has his Xs & Ys crossed & is looking for an X axis (table left-right) feed unit. like this one.

Note that these units are 110V & require a fairly hefty transformer to operate.

Nigel B.

That looks the same typeface "Align" use for their r/c helis? Same company?

Duplicate - but on a quick surf I notice that it is indeed the RC company. 

Edited By Lainchy on 31/03/2020 10:44:00

Yes Lainchy, same company (as you have just posted, you found that !).

Link to the Align company power feed website (with videos) below.

Align power feed

Nigel B.

No, I haven't got my X and Y axis mixed up. X axis kit is freely obtainable. There is, however no kit offered for the Y axis, I wondered why? It seems relatively straightforward and I was just looking for confirmation before buying a drive from the internet. If it's easy, I would do it. If not I wouldn't bother. It all takes time and I have many projects to get on with. This would not be a priority. If there was a kit, I would buy it. As a business man said to me once " I can buy things, I can't buy time". I know we have had time imposed on us at the moment but hopefully not forever.

Both x and y use the same basic motor assembly. The y unit has a bevel gear instead of the straight gear and a bevel gear is fitted in place of the hand wheel on the y axis, straight gear on the x axis. The y axis unit mounting bracket replaces the machine's original bracket and has a bearing to support the leadscrew.

Remove the y handwheel and bracket. Position the drive over the leadscrew and fix to the machine. This may be a problem if the holes do not align. It may need some new holes drilling and tapping and they may be close to existing holes.

Fit bevel gear to leadscrew and secure, fit supplied cover. Fit limit switch to machine, this may also require some drilling and tapping or may even require a spacer.

Points to note, this unit may hang below the existing machine and may protrude behind the front face.

Most people only power the x axis because the y axis has less travel and is often not moved during machining, only when the tool is clear of the work. This makes it an expense most people can do without.

Martin C

Thanks Martin.