Hi guys -
I have been lurking in this forum for quite some time, and finally pulled the trigger on an LMS solid column HiTorque Mini Mill as well as a HiTorque Mini Lathe. I have never done any machining before, but am anxious to learn. After watching numerous youtube videos and reading a couple of machinist books, I started learning to use the tools. My first big project, of course, is to convert the mill to CNC.
I thought about just purchasing the CNC Fusion kit, but I felt that for the price I could take it as an adventurous learning experience and build something myself. Also there are just a couple of things that I am not fond of with the kit - the extension to the X-axis, covering up the Z gibs, and the preloaded bearing mechanism.
Rather, I decided to grind away some material on the underside of the table in order to fit the ballnut mount inside the carriage, eliminating the table extension. I also followed the preloaded angular contact bearing methodology found on CNC cookbook: CNC Cookbook: Eliminating Backlash, Part 1
Well, I started this journey about 3-4 weeks ago, so I will post some pictures now. Unfortunately, I got deep into the work at various points and forgot to take pics.
Laid out my first couple parts - X and Y ballnut holders
Test fitting and grinding down the table a bit for fitment