CNC watch lathe

[N4NV]

When finishing very accurate machine tools, grinding is usually the step before scraping.  If you ever get a chance look at Connelly's book Machine Tool Reconditioning.

Vince

[N4NV]

I loosely mounted the Z rails until I install the X platform. I will be working on that next. I have about 20 holes to drill in it to mount it so the Z axis and also to mount the X rails.  I installed longer screws on the ends of the rails to prevent the trucks from running off and loosing all those ball bearings.

Vince

[N4NV]

I started on the X axis cross slide. I ordered some precision ground flat stock. It was +-.0001". After I cut it, it curled up to where the ends were now .0004" low and the middle was .0004" high. It took me almost 4 hours of scraping to get it back to flat +-.0001". I cut a groove down the center (before I started scraping) with a 5/8" ball end mill to made room for the Acme nut. It did not warp any after the groove which surprised me.

Vince

[N4NV]

I cut the ball slides for the X axis. It turned out they were hardened and the only way I could cut them was with a peanut grinder and an abrasive wheel. I mounted them on the carriage to see how they would fit. I found when trying to adjust the Z axis ball slides parallel, even .0002" would cause the carriage to bind a little. It took a lot of adjusting to get is just right. Of course I will have to do it all over again since I have to take it all apart to get the motor mount supports attached to the lathe bed.

Vince

[Overloaded]

  All ready for York by now I suppose.
Thanks,
RC

[RICH]

Thought you were done with the lathe? Keep posting your progress.
RICH

[N4NV]

Thought you were done with the lathe? Keep posting your progress.
RICH

When I was working on the lathe earlier this year I was laid off.  I am back working now and very busy.  I need to get back to it but I have had several projects that are taking president.  I still plan on completing it, and when I work on it I will post.

Vince