BCA m3 jig borer Linear scales

[swood1Participant @swood1]

Hi all,

I'm looking to add linear scales to my BCA mk3 jig borer. Looking at it I believe I can fit both an X and a Y linear scale but a Z would be too messy/complicated. Does anyone on here have experience with adding such a scale to this machine?

Kind regards

Steven

[swood1Participant @swood1]

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Sorry, Steven … I have no experience of fitting one : But I will be interested to see what suggestions are offered.

One thought is that Duncan Webster’s rotary encoder idea [designed for a lathe tailstock] might be adaptable in miniature form.

MichaelG.

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Ref: https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=171077

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 17/03/2021 16:42:14

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

If you look at the link below on the modelenginemaker site you will see how Jo has fitted a DRO to her BCA.

https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,2401.0.html

Colin

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

I didn't bother with a DRO on the Z axis of my Boley & Leinen jig borer, I just did the X & Y axis.

For the Z axis I did however add a conventional micrometer depth stop which serves its purpose very well.

Phil

[swood1Participant @swood1]

Thanks everyone for this. I like Phil's solution as dont really see a benefit of adding DRO to vertical for the work required.

Phil,can I ask where did you get your copmact Sino Linear scales from? Im going to go for the most accurate ones as may as well utilise the accuracy of this machine.

regards

Steven

[swood1Participant @swood1]

The more I think about it the more I realise that micrometer depth stop is actually a really good idea Phil.

Good solution..

[swood1Participant @swood1]

Hi Michael,

What are the benefits to the rotary encoder? Is it more compact?

Regards

Steven

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

The guy I bought the DRO kit from is called Colin Robinson, his company is called C B R Electronics in Nottingham.

He also sells on ebay as username "3977colin".

The kit has performed without fault since I installed it, you need to make sure and ask him for the slimline scales as they take up much less space.

Glad you like the micrometer depth stop, I do use it a lot.
You need to make sure the gib on the Z axis is not loose, if it is the head can tip over when you come down onto the micrometer as it is offset to one side, other than that it is very simple to use.

Phil

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Steven Woodward on 18/03/2021 15:18:10:

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What are the benefits to the rotary encoder? Is it more compact?

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It could be more compact, depending on the components you select … I was pondering the possibility of fitting it to the fine-feed worm.

The disadvantage, of course, is that it relies upon the mechanical accuracy of the feed-screw and the worm drive.

[ but this is a BCA after all ]

MichaelG.

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P.S. __ Phil’s micrometer stop looks excellent, but I had assumed you were seeking some particular benefit from a digital system

[Clive SteerParticipant @clivesteer55943]

Hi Steven

I've fitted DRO scales to all three axis on my BCA Mk3 with X & Y being optical and the Z axis the much more compact magnetic type which are all relatively easy to fit without major alterations to the BCA. If you PM me I can send pics of how I did it.

Clive

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Clive Steer on 18/03/2021 19:30:45:

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Hi Steven

[…] If you PM me I can send pics of how I did it.

Clive

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You may have valid reasons for the secrecy, Clive … in which case, please forgive me for asking

But might it be better to put the pics in an Album, so that all those who are interested can see them ?

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

It appears to be a ‘bitza’ but this may be of interest to someone: **LINK**

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BCA-EXCEL-JIG-BORING-MILLING-MACHINE/143999144005

They didn’t make many with rectangular tables.

MichaelG.

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

Clive,

I would also be interested in seeing the DRO installation on your BCA. It is something I am considering for mine.

Colin

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