[AggieJack]

Hello all. Been reading everything here I could on the different BF 20-30 size machines and decided to order a G0704. Read most of the 704 build threads and learned much from the intelligence base here. Will be making a few mods per Hoss's ideas/threads. Planning on keeping it manual and adding DRO's. (We'll see how long that lasts. Just going to make small parts for around the house and my Shelby Cobra replica that I street and race.

Just tired of making funky parts with drill press with bent spindle and a grinder.

What kind of stock do you guys keep on hand? Hoss must have some GOOD friends the way I see him chewing up big blocks for fun

Can't wait till Friday!

AggieJack

[Sk8Ter]

Where you get that G0704!?............. Grizzly says they wont have none till dec 16th...


waiting for Mat to call me tomorrow and see whats in the crate


if your looking for very reasonable tooling (like me) there is a guy on ebay that has very very good prices and free shipping on the entire order if you buy 3 or more of his stuff!!

ebay name
jayhoward53

I just bought a bunch enjoy

[AggieJack]

Got it from Grizzly. Really kinda weird. After reading here about all the backorder and lead time to get one, I called Mat, Lathemaster, and Grizzly about a month and a half ago after to see who had some coming in and available. Grizz was earliest available early to mid Dec. Since I wasn't ready yet anyway I didn't order. just needed the info. (didn't yet have "permission to get it" ).

Got it arranged to get one and called Grizz back on Oct 17 to order and lady said it will ship today from PA warehouse. I wasn't ready to receive it yet so had her delay shipping until the 31st.

Don't know if I'm getting a return or what. I hope not but we'll see. You might call and get a different lady and find one. Normally they ship here from the MO warehouse. Can't help any more. Good luck

This is my first mill - no lathe.

AggieJack

[Sk8Ter]

if your looking for very high quality NO BACKLASH couplings here is what i bought...

get the clamp style not setscrew style


[ame="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=oldham+coupling&sprefix=oldham+cou"]Amazon.com: oldham coupling[/ame]

I bought 4 oldham couplings for 77.00 delivered!

[hoss2006]

I'd suggest getting setscrew oldhams for the g0704.
I tried the clamp on type first and no matter how tight I could get them (even to the point of stripping the hex)
the 570 motors still spun them on the shaft.
I recommend the setscrew type on a flat on the shaft with a dab of threadlocker loctite
and you won't have any slippage.
Hoss

[Sk8Ter]

but clamp style is a better option that will not slip..... clamp style = more surface area = better clamping=no slipping.... ...IMMHO

[hoss2006]

Because clamping couldn't handle the torque of the 570 but you can use whatever you like.
You use a setscrew with a flat, the setscrew is below the diameter of the rest of the shaft and
therefore can't slip as long as it's tight, hence the loctite.
Hoss

[Sk8Ter]

digging into that softish stepper motors shafts via set screw will not hold up long..IMMHO

let me clarify you need to buy "through hole" clamp style ...thats what i bought.... that way you can slide the entire shaft through the coupler and then clamp it down....I guarantee you that it will not slip the dam couplers are rated for over 2000 inch pounds!

Hoss maybe your stepper shafts are not the size they are suppose to be did you measure them?


on another note.... funny how you cannot answer me in email but are so quick to defend/argue on the forum.....why is that....

maybe i should ask the questions here?...


have a nice day!!

[hoss2006]

Yes my shafts were the correct size.
Do you understand what a flat is?
You aren't relying on a setscrew digging into the circumference of the shaft.
I'm not giving you my opinion on how I THINK it works, I'm telling you what I experienced
you can just take it at that.
Have a good one.
Hoss

[Sk8Ter]

please keep us posted on how your couplings hold up....

and i will do the same....


still did not answer my question?..will you ever!!!!

[hoss2006]

About a year and a half and not one bit of trouble with extreme testing, see, experience.
Good luck.
Hoss

[Fastest1]

please keep us posted on how your couplings hold up....

and i will do the same....


still did not answer my question?..will you ever!!!!

Not sure what question you pmed Hoss or if he will ever answer but I will say Hoss proves his stuff. He pushes it hard and you can watch it in videos yourself. He is helpful and makes things that amaze the rest of us in the hobbyist community. This isnt his first machine or mod either. Doubt his knowledge and experience all you want but there are only a few like him. Simpsons36, Hoss, Tryally, DumpsterCnc that is about it. Throw out a video with your coupler arrangement. He could be wrong. BTW I have clamp type Oldhams on 570's and the G0704. Havent run them yet and maybe a set screw will be added also?

[hoss2006]

Hello all. Been reading everything here I could on the different BF 20-30 size machines and decided to order a G0704. Read most of the 704 build threads and learned much from the intelligence base here. Will be making a few mods per Hoss's ideas/threads. Planning on keeping it manual and adding DRO's. (We'll see how long that lasts. Just going to make small parts for around the house and my Shelby Cobra replica that I street and race.

Just tired of making funky parts with drill press with bent spindle and a grinder.

What kind of stock do you guys keep on hand? Hoss must have some GOOD friends the way I see him chewing up big blocks for fun

Can't wait till Friday!

AggieJack

I get most of my stock from Speedymetals.com, have another order on the way aamof.
They always have what i need.
Check under "accessories" on my site g0704.com, plenty of links there for mill stuff.
Hoss

[AggieJack]

Thanks for the responses folks. May not have been clear about what mods I may make. Reference to Hoss' ideas and threads( referring to discussion threads on forum not his mill ) I'm NOT planning CNC at this time - keeping it manual. Just a tinker machine for making misc parts. (subject to change without notice).

for no/little backlash on acme threads I assume just adjusting under ways + locktite? I will get x axis power drive but not steppers. So assume discussion re Oldham couplings won't apply?

Any and all advice welcomed as I dig into this. I have some technical/mechanical background and had a machining class in college (early 70's - I'm old) and ran a 30's vintage engine lathe to make a few parts. About all my experience. Don't have a lathe so interested Hoss's mod/projects that can work around no lathe.

Thanks again - looking forward to more.

AggieJack

[jeremy0203]

but to the OP have fun with the mill. i didnt use mine once at all before i started my CNC conversion, im sure the bug will bite you eventually

[paulsv]

Plus 1 on Speedy Metals. Also Online Metal Mart. I don't keep much extra stock around. I tend to buy it on a project basis.

As for mods, the three bolt heaod mod and the tramming aids are must haves, as well as a spindle wrench. Plans for all are available free on Hoss' site and in his thread. Lathemaster sells a owe feed for the X axis for $249. I don't have one, so canny comment. DRO is very close to a must have IMHO. I added a small fan to help keep the motor cool. Hoss's belt drive is a very nice option too. Plans are available for peanuts. (plus shipping of course.) I haven't gotten around to building that one yet.

[AggieJack]

Yeah, I've already decided on the 3-bolt head attachment and tramming aid. Would like to do belt drive so won't have to worry about breaking plastic gears. Can't tell if the v-belt drive allows for use of quill or not and I like the MAD drawbar but know know enough about it to know if it works with the R-8 taper or if its just for the quick change tools (Tormach?). Also the spindle lock on his x2. Don't know if that option works on 0704. Obviously newbie questions -I'll know more once It's here. Sooo much to learn and my clients still want me to work for them!!

Only another day and a half :banana:

AggieJack

[jeremy0203]

Yeah, I've already decided on the 3-bolt head attachment and tramming aid. Would like to do belt drive so won't have to worry about breaking plastic gears. Can't tell if the v-belt drive allows for use of quill or not and I like the MAD drawbar but know know enough about it to know if it works with the R-8 taper or if its just for the quick change tools (Tormach?). Also the spindle lock on his x2. Don't know if that option works on 0704. Obviously newbie questions -I'll know more once It's here. Sooo much to learn and my clients still want me to work for them!!

Only another day and a half :banana:

AggieJack

i need to do the 3 bolt mod on mine. need to mill me out a head support so i can bring it down onto the support and loosen the head and pull it away with it sitting on the table. id like to flip the z at the same time but i dunno. the drawbar works with R8 but you basically leave the r8 collet in the spindle and it opens it enough to drop the tool. havent looked at plans for it but im clueless as to how that crap works, ive heard talk or some spring washers and air cylinders and stuff so im guessing the washers pull up on the drawbar to keep it tight and an air cylinder or manual action pushes it down to push the drawbar/collet down.

belt drive is also one of my wants. ill prob ramp up the speed until i kill the stock bearings and then swap em out.

[paulsv]

Yes, one version of the belt drive allows you to keep the quill action.

[dugpits]

I get most of my stock from Speedymetals.com, have another order on the way aamof.
They always have what i need.
Hoss

Plus 1 on Speedy Metals. Also Online Metal Mart. I don't keep much extra stock around. I tend to buy it on a project basis.

I like SpeedyMetals also. I usually look at the FireSale items for stuff.

BUT...I have found that OnlineMetalSupply seems to be cheaper (not OnlineMetals)

Example - Al 6061 Plate 3/8 x 12 x 24 at Speedy = 68.70 + 5.00 packaging (for plate) + 16.30 for UPS ground to Dallas + 7.42 tax. Total 97.42.

At onlinemetalsupply Al 6061 Plate 3/8 x 12 x 24 = 38.75 + 12.04 shipping UPS Ground + 0 Tax = 50.79 Total.

I would guess that would be similar for you in College Station.

Depending on the metal and the size you need the best vendor MAY vary...but I've been shopping around for a big piece to make a tooling plate and OnlineMetalSupply has been the cheapest I can find anywhere so far - save the occasional deal on e-bay.

I too am currently making the tram aids, and converting to belt drive.

Don't forget to upgrade the bearings if going to belt drive!

Have fun


-Doug