Mill mods: auto gibb locks

[Former Member]

I fully understand why you use locks and consider auto locking. Just be aware that DRO is the next step, power feed and finally once you've spent your money ...... CNC.

Save some money and time, go straight to CNC.

Welcome to the rabbit hole....

 

[CWret]

The stock handles were the typical sprung type that could be adjusted by pulling out & reset to a different angle on the spline. I just found a position where they tightened about 6:00 (down).

Yes I did that, sort-of, I set mine to tighten at 9 and lose at 3. But it seemed to often need to be readjusted and also the 9 & 3 fix didn’t help the visibility issue. My first fix (visible in photo above, post #13) was to replace the stock spring handle with a handle that has no conflicts because it’s shorter. To get it tight enough requires pressure with both your thumb and a finger (see pic below) and it is a bit awkward. I did that fix long ago but I much prefer the more recent socket extension fix. It’s simple, visible and out of the way.
I may do a linkage fix (good ideas in your pictures Peter) but that's way down on the round2it list.

 

[CWret]

While on the topic of gib locks - my X axis gib lock handles were too long and would conflict if in the down position (6 o’clock). In the picture below i install my unused Y axis handle to illustrate the conflict. The shortened handle is lying beside it.

 

[Susquatch]

While on the topic of gib locks - my X axis gib lock handles were too long and would conflict if in the down position (6 o’clock).

What a dogs breakfast all this is.

I generally like my RH Thread lock handles tight at 3. That way gravity works to try to keep them tight. Doesn't always work though. Especially if there is no room to go through 12.

The worst case I ever had was my quill lock. What a mess. The cam design doesn't give you a choice. Gravity always loosened it and my Z-set would get all F'd up. I ended up reversing it so that the handle was at the back instead of the front. It's a bit inconvenient, but gravity is my friend again now and it hasn't been a problem since.

 

[CWret]

@Susquatch ‘s ‘dog’s breakfast’ - yep, agreed!!
It’s like the guys who build this stuff never use it. Such simple things to correct by the designer but can be: very difficult to fix; break something; dangerous; or just a pain to live with.

Aside comment- A couple months after buying my new MIG (Millermatic 220) - I got a seemingly personalized letter from head office, i was randomly selected to comment on my experience with the welder. WOW I thought, they are asking for user input. I spent nearly a day to respond (with photos). It listed about a dozen minor modifications (some would cost nothing, some a few dollars) that would IMO significantly improve the machine. I heard NOTHING back and the machine is still selling exactly the same 4+ years later. Last time I’ll do that.

So back to my mill and the dog’s breakfast.
-1st photos: the safety chip shield hits the underside of the electrical box when fully up. It dented it about an 1/8”
- Next: the shield hits the corner of the mill when being closed. Note my finger where I’m pointing to the plastic modification (maybe I’m using the wrong finger)
- shield conflicts with the spindle lock if it is at 6 o’clock
- spindle lock handle conflicted with the spindle wheel (simple fix)
- i added washers behind the x axis limit switch for better mating contact, but if i added any more washers (for proper contact) then it would conflict with the y wheel.

I still love this mill - and my welder.

 

[Susquatch]

It’s like the guys who build this stuff never use it. Such simple things to correct by the designer but can be: very difficult to fix; break something; dangerous; or just a pain to live with.

Amazing really!

Aside comment- A couple months after buying my new MIG (Millermatic 220) - I got a seemingly personalized letter from head office, i was randomly selected to comment on my experience with the welder. WOW I thought, they are asking for user input. I spent nearly a day to respond (with photos). It listed about a dozen minor modifications (some would cost nothing, some a few dollars) that would IMO significantly improve the machine. I heard NOTHING back and the machine is still selling exactly the same 4+ years later. Last time I’ll do that.

Don't give up. I'd say 1 in three reports I do like that get a really nice thoughtful reply and an action plan. But ya, 2 out of 3 are usually just pissing into the wind.