Mill Tip - Accurate Depth on Z Axis

[@zyzzy1944]

Hi, I solved that problem on my mill in a similar manner. I purchased a steady rest riser (part number 1290) from Sherline and mounted a bracket with a 3/8 hole for the indicator on it. I can easily slide it to the top of the column when not needed and down when I use it. I enjoy your videos - Thanks. Jack

[@jimthornton1349]

+zyzzy1944 Good idea. I also just tried my steady rest (part number 1074) and it works as well. I just need to figure out a mount for a dial indicator.

[@bhein67]

What a great idea. I had never thought to do this. I have about .045" of backlash in the Z axis on my mill that causes me no end of grief. Thanks

[@williampeters2046]

If you are using the Sherline linuxcnc software, you can set the backlash in the config file and and the software will adjust for it.

[@williambilger3388]

A video on how to take out the backlash on the mill 'z' axis would be nice. Willy

[@jimthornton1349]

That is a great idea! Also congratulations on upload #50! Your timing on this series is great for me since I'm just starting out with a Sherline Lathe and Mill. As I said below I tried my steady rest bracket and it worked great on the mill column. Just need to figure out a mount for the dial indicator. Also I like zyzzy1944's solution since it might be easier to make a dedicated bracket. In the meantime I think I figured out how to deal with the backlash on the z axis. With the x and y axis I always take out the backlash in the clockwise direction. That doesn't work with the z axis because of the weight of the spindle and motor. If I set it to a certain dial reading (I'll use zero) going in a clockwise direction and lock the z axis, when I release the lock, the spindle drops down the amount of the backlash (.0035 in my case). What I'm trying now is to lower the spindle to a certain reading (lets use zero again), then turn the handle back counter clockwise to take the backlash out in an upward direction (in my case the zero adj. hand wheel collar will now read .0465). Then when I want to lower it a certain amount again, I will unlock the z axis, turn the handle back to zero, then move it the amount I want to lower the head, and repeat taking out the backlash in a counter clockwise direction. I will test this to make sure it works, but I think it will. All that said I still see the dial indicator solution in my future. Might be a good MiniMachining project. Hint hint!

[@MiniMachining]

+James Thornton I've been thinking of a couple of projects that involve clamping onto the dovetails, and what the easiest way to cut the odd 55.5 degree dovetail on the Sherline is. Let me spend a little more time pondering the best solution and you'll see a holder for dial indicator or other stop in a video shortly :)

[@jimthornton1349]

+MiniMachining Sounds great! I've been checking out dial indicators (already have a Starrett Last Word test indicator). I'm thinking a 2" range might be the way to go.

[@danmartinrc]

that was a a great tip! thanks for posting