While I'm waiting for some parts to arrive for the CNC conversion of this machine, I have added a gas strut to the Z Axis. As the design is a knee mill, where the whole table rides up and down on the column, there is a far amount of weight to lift so I decided some assistance would be a good idea.

The attached photo shows the lead screw for the Z Axis with the shrouding removed. The nut is stationary, being bolted to the bottom of the frame. The top of the screw is secured by a thrust bearing into the casting that supports the X axis and the table. A crossed helical gear set is driven by a large handwheel to raise and lower the table.

Attachment 404006

You can see at the bottom of the picture two round tubes (one partially obscured) that are set into the base. These tubes prevent coolant from entering the base of the machine. The visible one allows the lead screw to move as the table is lowered. The partially obscured tube is unused.