Emco FB-2 Milling Machine improvements

Graham,

When I first read this, I thought "that's a good idea". Then, on thinking about it, I decided that since I fitted a DRO system a few years ago, the ease with which I can go to a specified position - either setting in advance and locking the Y axis, or even while cutting in the Y direction - is so reliable it would not serve much purpose. It does however look extremely well done, like all your other work, and I'm sure if I had no DRO I would be looking at copying it!

David

David,

I have made some stops for the X axis on my Bridgeport. I made these despite having a DRO already fitted. I had a lot of repetitive work to do and needed to be able to approach a position without the fear of over shooting the mark. DRO or not, it is too easy to go past a predetermined position (even heading to zero)and spoil ones work.

Excellent work as usual Gray.

Steve.

Edited By Steamer1915 on 12/03/2013 18:26:41

Edited By Steamer1915 on 12/03/2013 18:27:22

Edited By Steamer1915 on 12/03/2013 18:29:10

Hi Gray,

I agree with what David says - "look extremely well done". How did you attach the T-slotted bar to the base? (Existing holes maybe?). I don't have an Emco mill, but Y-axis stop is something I would like to have on my mill. A few more pictures (or a sketch would be appreciated.

Regards

Thor

Hi Gray,

thanks for the photos. I must try and make something like that for my mill. I can't see though how I could manage without drilling/tapping a few holes.

Thor

Why this aversion to drilling holes in machines ?

If the factory had done this then that's OK ? End of the day they are tools to be used to the best of the OWNERS ability, not worry about resale price or cosmetics.

Who's to say the factory fitted attachmnets cannot be improved on to any extent ?

Nice work Gray, I also fitted a set to my Y axis on the old POS Bridgy I had, still have to make some for this new machine even though both have DRO's fitted. It's quicker, more positive and less prone to error

Gray,

the badge says HBM BF25 Vario (Long Table), I guess it is a Weiss WMD25LV? I haven't seen any solutions describing a Y-axis stop on this milling machine, haven't been searching much though.

So far I am satisfied with the machine.

John,

I have already drilled and tapped a hole in my new milling machine, so I am not afraid of drilling holes in it. However, I will most certainly not be able to invent something as elegant as Gray's solution (or yours for that matter). So I'am open to suggestions.

Regards

Thor