[Tallen]

I know LMS has a kit but I'd rather DIY, did a search and really didn't find much solid. I would like to use two if possible, so which are you using?

[hoss2006]

Mine were from Surplus Center, 9-5/8" STROKE 30 LB. GAS SPRING.
They don't have anymore but you can get similar ones from McMaster Carr for $14.25, page 1182.
I emailed LMS about their spring force once and they claimed 25lbs IIRC.
Hoss

[Tallen]

Thanks Hoss. Is two overkill?

[hoss2006]

(2) 30lbers for a stock X2 would be overkill, I have more crap added to mine.
(2) 20 lbers is good (the head assembly is 45lbs), just be sure the stroke is long enough for your Z travel.
Hoss

[port_huon]

Hoss,
Any pictures on your website of the air springs?
All I can find is the counter balance project.

[ibuildstuff4u]

Does any one have pictures??? I added a longer track to mine so I can move the head up to the top of the column, but now the spring can't keep up and I have to lock the head so it doesn't keep falling down.

Thanks, Dale P.

[hoss2006]

I never took specific pics of them as a project but you can see glimpses of them in most of the projects I did after the first ATC.
This one is from the Tapping Attachment



This one is from the Flood Coolant



Hoss

[ibuildstuff4u]

Looks good, Thank you for the picts! I will have to add a shock to my mill as the falling head is getting quite annoying and it really needs more support.

I added a new power supply and control panel to my mill along with a belt drive kit. A spindle light is next as well as the gas shock.

Dale P.

[Tallen]

Here's my order.

1X 9416K125 Gas Spring with Threaded Ends 40 Force, 22.36" Extended Length, 9.84" Stroke (Same as 9416K2) $16.88 Each

2X 9416K74 10 mm Steel Ball Socket for M6 Thread Gas Spring with Threaded Ends
Please enter a quantity. $1.98 Each

2X 9512K63 Ball Mounting Hardware 10mm Zinc-Plt-Stl Ball Stud W/5/16"-18 X.75" L Thrd. $1.96
Merchandise Total $24.76

[wildwestpat]

Hi Hoss

I have a pair of adjustable gas springs. The manufacturer's data sheet states that they should be mounted with the shaft down and the piston housing vertical. The reason being that there is lubricating fliud inside that assists in maintaining the gas seal as the rod slides in and out. You have been running this machine for a while have you noiticed any drop in the weight that they can support?

I suspect the manufacturer is being very cautious and with adjustable gas springs used to support a tail gate type of door a slight reduction in pressure would be very noticeable! i.e. the door becomes more difficult to raise! I don't think this is a problem for the mill head support as the ball screw is more than capable.

Has any one tried the struts mounted the other way up? I see a lot of photos with the cylinder down and the rod up as in the X2 adapted by Hoss else most cars use these cylinders the other way up.

Just curious.

Many thanks Hoss for the excellent phots and first class descriptions of your adventures into the world of CNC very inspirational.

Regards

Pat

[LeeWay]

I have read that before and it makes sense. I am using one of the same that Hoss has. I initially installed it the way Hoss has his, but turned it over when I got a chance. These were basically reversible that way.

[SCzEngrgGroup]

Hi Hoss

I have a pair of adjustable gas springs. The manufacturer's data sheet states that they should be mounted with the shaft down and the piston housing vertical. The reason being that there is lubricating fliud inside that assists in maintaining the gas seal as the rod slides in and out. You have been running this machine for a while have you noiticed any drop in the weight that they can support?

I suspect the manufacturer is being very cautious and with adjustable gas springs used to support a tail gate type of door a slight reduction in pressure would be very noticeable! i.e. the door becomes more difficult to raise! I don't think this is a problem for the mill head support as the ball screw is more than capable.

Has any one tried the struts mounted the other way up? I see a lot of photos with the cylinder down and the rod up as in the X2 adapted by Hoss else most cars use these cylinders the other way up.

Just curious.

Many thanks Hoss for the excellent phots and first class descriptions of your adventures into the world of CNC very inspirational.

Regards

Pat

Pat,

*All* gas springs lose pressure over time. Within a few years, they'll typically lose as much as 30% of their spring force. Loss of gas through the shaft seal is *the* major factor contributing to this loss of force, so, far from just being "cautious", protecting the seals by mounting them properly is by FAR the BEST thing you can do to maximize their life.

Regards,
Ray L.

[wildwestpat]

Thanks Ray.

I am particularly concerned as the ones I have are fitted with bleed screws to adjust the pressure by releasing some of the gas.

It will be interesting to see if anyone posts experience of reducing pressure over an extended period of time.

Regards

Pat

[hoss2006]

Hi Hoss

I have a pair of adjustable gas springs. The manufacturer's data sheet states that they should be mounted with the shaft down and the piston housing vertical. The reason being that there is lubricating fliud inside that assists in maintaining the gas seal as the rod slides in and out. You have been running this machine for a while have you noiticed any drop in the weight that they can support?

I suspect the manufacturer is being very cautious and with adjustable gas springs used to support a tail gate type of door a slight reduction in pressure would be very noticeable! i.e. the door becomes more difficult to raise! I don't think this is a problem for the mill head support as the ball screw is more than capable.

Has any one tried the struts mounted the other way up? I see a lot of photos with the cylinder down and the rod up as in the X2 adapted by Hoss else most cars use these cylinders the other way up.

Just curious.

Many thanks Hoss for the excellent phots and first class descriptions of your adventures into the world of CNC very inspirational.

Regards

Pat

Glad to inspire Pat,
Wasn't aware of a right way or wrong way, I mounted mine to keep the shafts away from the mess as much as possible.
Been a couple years and they are still functioning the same so I've got my $5.95 worth so far.
They do help but a counter balance works better.
Hoss

[wildwestpat]

Thanks Hoss.

I picked the adjustable gas struts to let me adjust the loading to suit the dead weight of the head.

Keep up the postings as this helps to keep the interest going.

Regards

Pat