Posted by John Baron on 02/02/2020 09:44:02:
Posted by Kiwi Bloke on 02/02/2020 00:35:05:
Beware of putting severe tension loads on T-slots. John Baron's toolpost obviously hasn't caused the T-slot to break (yet…), and he has fitted a reasonably long nut. I think I'd use the longest nut I could fit and would ideally spread the load by fixing the post to the nut in more than one location. The Myford/Thomas style above takes the T-slot protection further by spreading the load between two slots. The quick-change holder then adds flexibility and moves the forces outside the footprint of the post. Nothing is ideal, is it?
Actually I agree with you ! I've seen Myford's with the "T" slots broken out, and not just the rear ones. I deliberately made the "T" nut a good fit and it goes right across the bottom of the post.
I did get another piece of steel to make another support block that goes over the post and is secured in the next "T" slot, the idea being that it would effectively increase the footprint and add support. Unfortunately I have not got round to making it yet. Other projects have got in the way.
I recall Martin Cleeve suffered a tee slot breakage whilst parting off on his ML7; characteristically, he proceeded to replace his cross slide with one fabricated from steel.
Myfords apparently thought that their own RTP could be held by a single slot but I prefer the Duplex/GHT use of two.
Good point by old mart about the need to control saddle lift.