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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Benchtop Machines > mini-mill z-axis/column rigidity
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
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    0

    mini-mill z-axis/column rigidity

    Hi guys and gals,

    I have an HF x2 mini-mill and want to make the column more rigid. I don't need to tilt the column, so I am planning to brace it to the bench. I was thinking of 2 x 2 tubing with triangulation out to outriggers to the sides, and maybe out back. The bench is rigid and should have plenty of space. I've been searching for pics, but not having any luck. I'm sure there are plenty of pics here, and maybe better ideas. Could you point me to a thread or post a pic?

    BTW: the column is "stock" except for a DRO on the right, which I can move, and all the torsion lift and its' associated gagetry are gone. I have added an extended rack for more travel.

    TIA,

    jon

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    724
    check out crevice reamers z axis brace for the X3 crevicereamer.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    3655
    Quote Originally Posted by knudsen View Post
    Hi guys and gals,

    I have an HF x3 mini-mill and want to make the column more rigid. I don't need to tilt the column, so I am planning to brace it to the bench. I was thinking of 2 x 2 tubing with triangulation out to outriggers to the sides, and maybe out back. The bench is rigid and should have plenty of space. I've been searching for pics, but not having any luck. I'm sure there are plenty of pics here, and maybe better ideas. Could you point me to a thread or post a pic?

    BTW: the column is "stock" except for a DRO on the right, which I can move, and all the torsion lift and its' associated gagetry are gone. I have added an extended rack for more travel. jon
    Hi Jon. Welcome to the Zone!

    It sounds to me like you have an X2, not an X3. There are some good suggestions for X2 column improvement on Hoss's site:

    http://www.hossmachine.info/Shop_Info.html

    CR.
    http://crevicereamer.com
    Too many PMs. Email me to my name plus At A O L dot com.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
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    0
    Thanks for your answers. That's right, it's an x2. Wish I could edit the title, but I can not Perhaps a mod can change that.

    Crevice Reamer's z-axis brace is close to what I had in mind. Going off the top like that, I wouldn't have to move the DRO.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    4553

    Post

    Knudsen,

    You can edit the title, see attached images for direction.

    Jeff...
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Edit.jpg   Edit Title.jpg  
    Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    0
    Thanks, Jeff!

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