[keen]

If I have done it right there should be some Pics attached!

[keen]

Nope! I'll try just one - I'm on slow dial up.

[keen]

I think the Zone is just overloaded at the moment - it keeps closing on me. i will try again tomorrow.

[keen]

Two Pics

[keen]

Big Day!

[Willyb]

Congratulations on receiving your New Tormach Mill. I know it was an exciting day when mine arrived. What is the round shiny thing on top of the Z Axis Stepper Motor?

Willy

[keen]

Congratulations of receiving your New Tormach Mill. I know it was a exciting day when mine arrived. What is the round shiny thing on top of the Z Axis Stepper Motor?

Willy

Hi Willy - I hav'nt worked that out yet! Some kind of brake I think?

[zephyr9900]

I think you're right, Keen. Greg Jackson posted in the Yahoo list "...replacement of the Z axis motor with a new motor that has an integral failsafe brake" to prevent the head dropping at power-off. Thus far, the solution has been to adjust the Z-axis gibs tight enough so the additional drag prevents the head drop.

Best regards,

Randy

[Willyb]

Hi Keen

Did you notice if there are any wires going to the brake? I can not see any in your pictures but it is possible they are coming up from inside the Stepper Motor. This brake could just add resistance to the Ball Screw which when added to the cogging of the Stepper Motor would prevent the Spindle Housing from dropping. Or more likely it is a electrically activated brake that is released when the Z Axis is moving and locked when it is not. Take a look at the Web Site below and you will see some similar brakes. I notice these units have a lever sticking out from the top that is a manual release lever. If you look carefully at Keens pictures you will notice a similar lever sticking out from the top of the brake.

http://www.electroid.com/prod07.htm


Willy

[keen]

Here is a close up Willy - any wiring must be internal.

[keen]

And one more Pic with the newest family member on its stand. You can also see my super budget plywood and oil container coolant tank partially complete.

[Switcher]

That brake looks kinda like this one ( http://www.anaheimautomation.com/brakes.htm ).

.

[300sniper]

your stand looks nice. i am excited to get my machine. it should be soon, the vice came ups yesterday.

[keithorr]

That brake looks kinda like this one ( http://www.anaheimautomation.com/brakes.htm ).

.

Thanks for the link.

[Willyb]

Hi Keen

Your Stand looks great and the Tormach looks good sitting up there. Did you receive any information about the Brakes operation with your paper work? I did't see anything in the latest online manual. I bet you can't wait to start using your Mill?

Willy

[keen]

The brake in that link looks right - and explains the operation.(springloaded friction with solenoid release when stepper powered) I did a test on the Z this afternoon. The gib is not set tight and manually winding down the head with a strap around the ballscrewshaft is very easy with the brake clutch lever moved to the disengage position - the head almost runs down by itself. With the brake clutch lever moved to the engaged position the shaft can still be turned - but it takes about X3 torque.

[dkochan]

How do you disengage it? Asked Tormach but was told to "leave it alone." (May be good advice )

Thanks,
Dave

[keen]

Dave its got a little lever on it for manual overide.