The Ultimate Round Column Mill Fix

[billshiff]

I like it. You are getting the most possible out of your machines by using thought instead of money. A resource often MORE valuable than money.

[gerrymasterman]

FWIW, when I had a Grizzly, I mounted a laser pointed on the headstock pointing to the opposite wall. I then made a plumb vertical line. The laser pointer was set on the plumb line at the start of every job. If I needed to move the head up or down to suit tool needs it was super easy to get back to zero

[jimpritz]

Brilliant solutions to everyday problems without the need for many thousands of dollars worth of machinery. Thank you for your common sense workshop ideas made with machines that many home work shops already own.

[dannmarks]

Really why would anyone do a dis - like. Mean spirited I guess. This is a great idea.

[jeffl.oliverson]

Boy, you have spent a lot of time and money on that modification. Great job my friend. I just use a dial indicator with a magnetic base and It is dead nuts accurate every time. I think since round column mills have been around for 40+ years, the manufactures always had in mind a simple dial indicator for alignment was much cheaper and they did not have an inherent problem that a lot of people keep pushing with alignment of the head. Should not be an issue at all. Keep up the good work!

[DudleyToolwright]

Very nice design. It's always interesting to see a moderately complex mechanical project undertaken and completed. Now you have a tool to keep your column in line and a power Z-feed.

[paulc.schiller]

I use a mag-base laser level on the head, and pointed at a tiny silver spot on the far wall, to keep the head aligned when raising or lowering. I can keep it within a few arc minutes fairly easily.

[trghtGuy]

This is a very clever solution, and with this knowledge I am a lot more likely to purchase a round-column mill should I happen on the right opportunity. Thanks for sharing!

[dizzolve]

11:39 I plan to do something like this. I have a JET mill but the castings look identical to your RF30. Thanks for providing the materials list and drawings!

[YourOldDog]

I've watched a lot of machinist videos and for my money this is one of the most useful mods on this mill/drill as I've seen anywhere. The video work is also great. If I attempt to do this I'll try using 1" square stock instead of the roundstock to hold the head in index with the column I wouldn't be surprised but what your round stock is minutely flexing. Thanks for the project.

[philcook]

Ingenious solution, well executed! Adding a couple of micro switches would limit the upper and lower travel. Accuracy refers to a standard, precision refers to repeatability.

[KF-bjce]

Thanks for your feedback. I do agree with you and did not intended to criticize your well, neatly and professional presented modification. And rightly so mankind has manufactured and created wonderful projects that are still standing and still operation today with lesser machines. No doubt what you have made will perform better and it is more than others may have attempted. It is clear to see that you have significant skills. So again sharing this and hopefully I can see a further video from you in the future. By the way I like your clean workshop.

[gjkozy]

Good approach to a problem, glad to see everything worked out without any major setbacks. Not only did you get repeatability you now have a power feed. Good job!

[allthegearnoidea]

I used to have the same milling machine as you. I had a £5 laser of the head of the machine and fired it across the garage onto the wall. I just had a vertical line drawn on the wall and put the laser dot back on the line if I had to raise or lower the head. Do to the length of the laser line any error is magnified so its easy to correct. Its an easy fix for the round column. Chris

[MattysWorkshop]

Gday, this it a brilliant fix to a frustrating problem, I’ve lost count at the amount of times I’ve screwed up and had to realign everything, pain in the ass, take care. Cheers Matty

[howder]

Excellent design Wink, I have been toying with the idea of a rod or bar and DTI to regain position when moving on the column. I have also been toying with a counterbalance to make cranking easier. You have addressed both ideas and executed the result with great success, I am looking forward to the plans when you draw them up. Good looking haircut and excellent finished project, cheers and thanks.
PS, That wood based coordinate table for the press sure is working out well for you!

[jackpestaner]

excellent video and design. I have the same mill (circa 1998 made in Taiwan) and have been looking at different solutions, and i think yours is best. I dont have welding setup, but should be able to do in aluminum and socket head cap screws. BTW, love your "pre-OSHA" shop!

[airgunsfreedomssp]

My friend has the same mill. I sent him a link because I think your idea is great. I agree with Allan below, a chain guard is a must.

[kallibrand]

I knew you were going to do something about your mill head at some point . Very nicely done functional . Thanx for sharing .

[TrudgeRC]

Take it from someone with 3/8" missing off their thumb - be very careful with fingers near chains. Made my heart skip a beat.