How To Motorize Your Mill's Z Axis

[henryarnold]

(06-17-2012, 01:22 PM)DanH Wrote: Rather than building my own circuit I just found a used KB DC motor controller on e-bay for $39 shipped. I also have a rocker switch on the way so I am ready to get this project started. I am also using gas springs but I am mounting them direct to the castings rather than separate brackets. I have one side on and will do the other next. Even one gas spring made it easier to crank the head up so the second one will leave it balanced quite well in the middle of the travel. No help at the upper limit but so far I haven't needed it for tool clearance.

Dan

Dan,
Mounting the gas spring ball mounts to the casting would work great on the lower mounts. I should have done this. On the upper mounts, the hole will come very close to the yoke dovetail (at least on my mill). I was concerned that it might be weak. I look forward to seeing how you improve on the concept.
Henry