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+--- Thread: Adding power to the z-axis (/thread-895.html)
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RE: Adding power to the z-axis - DanH - 10-07-2012
Dallen,
Even with the 2 springs it took more than a 2 fingered force to move the head. I noticed that with the RF45 mills that had the crank on the right side, the crank looked much shorter than mine. Maybe the worm gear ratio is different?
Dan
RE: Adding power to the z-axis - petertha - 10-20-2012
Hi DanH. I'm new to the forum but read your great post. I have a RF45 mill too ('98 vintage Taiwanese) & spent many hours looking at gear drive motors on ebay for this exact application. I'm glad I chickened out because it looks more involved as I suspected. Actually I'd be happy to just lighten the hand crank load with gas springs. Did you post that installation somewhere? I tried search & didnt see anything.
RE: Adding power to the z-axis - DanH - 10-20-2012
petertha,
Thanks for the kind words and welcome to the forum.
The motor install is well worth doing even if a bit complicated. For me, the electrical part was the hardest as I am not that sharp in that area.
The gas spring installation was actually pretty easy. On the left side I drilled and tapped holes for the ball end mounts (.25-20UNC) in the base and the main head mount casting. On the right side I made a mount at the upper end so the gas spring would clear the z-axis locks and a simple mount for the lower end. If I was to do it over I would make both sides mount like the right does as I think it is a cleaner setup. Here are some pictures of the spring mounting.
[attachment=3445]
[attachment=3446]
[attachment=3447]
[attachment=3448]
Even one spring will make it easier to crank the head up and down.
Dan