Removing and Installing the Leadscrews on a RF-30 Mill/Drill

This article explains how to remove the leadscrews and associated nuts from the X and Y axes of a RF-30 Mill/Drill. It is a particularly grimy job.

If you are interested, please see

http://rick.sparber.org/RFLS.pdf

Thanks Rick! I've added your Mill Leadscrew Removal and Installation Method to our Cleaning category, as well as to your builder page: Rick Sparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/mill-leadscrew-removal-and-installation-method"><img src="http://www.homemadetools.net/uploads/120222/mill-leadscrew-removal-and-installation-method.jpeg" /></a></div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/mill-leadscrew-removal-and-installation-method">Mill Leadscrew Removal and Installation Method</a> <span> by <a href="/builder/Rick+Sparber">Rick Sparber</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/mill">mill</a></div> </div> </div> </div>

When I did mine, I found after a short period of time the X axis mount would loosen up for some reason (even though it was locktited) so I drilled a couple of holes and inserted spring type roll pins and have had any movement in over 10 years.
As for hand wheels, I lost mine based on several conversations that I had in various forums. Haven't missed them at all. The jog keys and MDI commands are more than adequate for moving the table around. Some also indicated the handles present two potential problems. One is of course during rapids, your rotation rate is way above what one can do by hand and the handle will unbalance the assembly and the other is that flying handle can do bodily damage to you if you get in the way!

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There must be a reason that the X axis mount loosened up. It is good that the roll pins prevented further movement but the underlying reason is probably still there. It must not be serious or you would not go 10 years without further problems.

Spinning hand wheels certainly are dangerous so it is good that you removed them. Besides, unnecessary mass forces you to go with a lower top acceleration and deceleration during CNC operation.