[Connor]

Well, after a ordering my G0704 from Grizzly on April 28th, It finally arrived! So, I'm starting this thread to document the conversion process and everything. Here are a few pictures of me un-packing the mill and putting it up on the stand. More to come.

[mwood3]

I know you will love to hear this but I think you have the chip tray backwards...ask me how I know... If the column is sitting on the chip try ledge you need to spin it 180.

[Connor]

It's not "ON" the edge.. in as it has enough height to clear the edge.. but, yes, the column is overhanging the back. I was so excited about getting the machine setup, I didn't pay much attention... I even used the bolts they had it secured to the crate with until I found the ones in the stand.. Same thread size, just a bit longer.. I'll flip it around when I need to take it apart for the conversion.

[mwood3]

I too was in a rush to setup my new machine.

If I recall correctly there will be a very minimal amount of clearance for the Y hand crank that leads to pinched fingers

I think this is what made me realize I had made that mistake...

if it makes you feel any better I think another Very Prominent G0704 owner here made the same mistake, not to call anyone out though

[Connor]

I too was in a rush to setup my new machine.

If I recall correctly there will be a very minimal amount of clearance for the Y hand crank that leads to pinched fingers

I think this is what made me realize I had made that mistake...

if it makes you feel any better I think another Very Prominent G0704 owner here made the same mistake, not to call anyone out though

Well, that makes me feel a little better. I used a rope and tied it to the Z axis and hung it from my Unistrut track I installed, and used the Z Axis to lift it self up enough so I could spin the chip tray around.. eased it back down and bolted it back to the stand. Scotched the whole stand to where I want it.. and now all is right in my shop!

[mwood3]

Well, that makes me feel a little better. I used a rope and tied it to the Z axis and hung it from my Unistrut track I installed, and used the Z Axis to lift it self up enough so I could spin the chip tray around.. eased it back down and bolted it back to the stand. Scotched the whole stand to where I want it.. and now all is right in my shop!

I like your style!

SO...you are converting to cnc?

[slinger]

I'm planning to run EMC as well. I'm a Linux guy, and I can't stand Windows if there is any possible way to avoid it. Saving money doesn't hurt either.

I plan to take my time and do it in stages from Hoss's plans. Looks like we may be building around the same time

[Connor]

I'm planning to run EMC as well. I'm a Linux guy, and I can't stand Windows if there is any possible way to avoid it. Saving money doesn't hurt either.

I plan to take my time and do it in stages from Hoss's plans. Looks like we may be building around the same time

It'll be a learning curve.. I've really never used a mill before. I've done some lathe work when I was younger, but not allot. and Mill != Router either.. I built a CNC router last summer and have been playing with that.. So, I have some experience with EMC thankfully. I think I'll probably go straight for the Ballscrews and belt drive. But, we'll see.

[Connor]

Which model?

[mwood3]

Which model?

I think I must have gotten one of the last models sold...it was a 4" similar to the 440V must have been the discontinued pricing I got... I will see if I can find my paper work later

I have heard the 440V is very nice though( I think this is the Glacern 4" clone) its $195

I think at that price difference I would go for the Glacern.

[photomankc]

Might also look at the Glacern 4". Really nice, well built and a lifetime warranty. Around $220 so not completely outrageous. Shar's has a clone of it that is largely the same but I don't think it's way cheaper.

[hoss2006]

shars.com - 4x418x114quot Lock Down Precision Milling Machine Vise

More choices on my site under accessories
Hoss

[mwood3]

shars.com - 4x418x114quot Lock Down Precision Milling Machine Vise

More choices on my site under accessories
Hoss

That one looks good but thats not it either...Mine is dark blue on the base and came with a swivel plate...

Look at post #55 for the picture of my vise(doesnt show the swivel plate though...)

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht...4_build-5.html

[paulsv]

Enco sells a pretty nice import 4" vise for under $100, if you are looking for something less expensive. I'm sure it is not as nice as the Glacern, but I am happy with it on my 704. If you ask around for a free shipping code, which they often have, it is a good deal. I'd love to have a 4" Kurt, but they cost about as much as the mill did. Also, you might want to look at 4" CNC style vises. They take up less room, and can be clamped on their side or front. No swivel base, but I never use mine anyway, since I have a rotary table.

[hoss2006]

shars.com - 4x418x114quot Lock Down Precision Milling Machine Vise with Swivel Base

[mwood3]

shars.com - 4x418x114quot Lock Down Precision Milling Machine Vise with Swivel Base

Your good Hoss!

thats the one I have...although I havent found a use for the swivel base yet, lol I couldnt turn it down when I got mine...it was on sale for less than the non swivel version

[Connor]

Those aren't bad looking vises. Okay, Suggestion on Endmills ?

[photomankc]

Ask around and see if a place locally sells some tooling. That way you can buy good quality end-mills as you need them and not low quality sets. I like solid carbide for working steel. Cuts beautifully and and quickly. I get the sale brand ("ATrax" I think) on those from MSC and I have been happy with them. I have a local place to get the HSS stuff from and it's great. Drills, End Mills, Taps, Dies, Boring Bars, Lathe Bits, are all things I don't have to order and pay shipping to get.

[Connor]

Questions:

My shop space is very limited.. So, I'm trying to decide on which way I want to go with my CNC conversion.

First, the Y Axis: Front mount or Rear mount? Indirect or Direct? My shop is 11' x 7'. On the left of the mill is my 7' x 39" Work Bench, on the right is a hotwater heater. Machine is set on the far back wall with a few inches between the wall and the stand. Looking at Hoss's Setup.. The rear mount indirect looked pretty good.

Advantages / Disadvantages of indirect ?

Okay, The X I'm not that worried about.. I think direct would be okay.. but, I don't know how much room it takes up vs the hand cranks..

Z will be Direct most likely.. No space issue when mounting on the top of the machine.

I want to build a chip guard like Hoss Had also..

[mwood3]

Questions:

My shop space is very limited.. So, I'm trying to decide on which way I want to go with my CNC conversion.

First, the Y Axis: Front mount or Rear mount? Indirect or Direct? My shop is 11' x 7'. On the left of the mill is my 7' x 39" Work Bench, on the right is a hotwater heater. Machine is set on the far back wall with a few inches between the wall and the stand. Looking at Hoss's Setup.. The rear mount indirect looked pretty good.

Advantages / Disadvantages of indirect ?

Okay, The X I'm not that worried about.. I think direct would be okay.. but, I don't know how much room it takes up vs the hand cranks..

Z will be Direct most likely.. No space issue when mounting on the top of the machine.

I want to build a chip guard like Hoss Had also..

Id say the advantage of indirect(specificly belt drive) is that you can easily alter your rpm/torque ratio by changing pulley sizes, and it will help absorb any shock between the motor and machine. it is also a nice compact little setup and you wouldnt have the motor sticking way out in front(not as much of a problem as you would think...I almost never stand in front of my machine anyways).

dont see many disadvantages to this setup...maybe it will get dirtier due to you blowing chips/coolant onto it when your cleaning off the jig between setups? That problem could easily be remidied with a cover to guard it.