Controls for milling machine

[Andy Freeman 1Participant @andyfreeman1]

[Andy Freeman 1Participant @andyfreeman1]

Being a relatively new owner of a Tom Senior E type milling machine I have been busy fitting a 3 axis DRO to it which is now nearly finished. The machine came with an invertor mounted on the side of the motor. I am going to make a new 'control box' with push buttons, speed control pot etc. Apart from the obvious stop, start and speed, is it worthwhile have a forward / reverse and jog buttons?

I have also got a MachTech rpm meter which I will fit into the panel.

[John RuddParticipant @johnrudd16576]

Useful for tapping?

Better to incorporate them now while your not using the machine in anger than to find you want them later on?

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Since I fitted 3 phase and a VFD to my VMB I've found using low speed and reverse extremely useful for tapping. I think fitting some arrangement to the quill feed lever so you can instantly reverse using a button would be very useful. At the moment for tapping I have one hand on the quill feed and another on the fwd/reverse switch! Likewise having jog which runs the spindle at a low speed for things like tapping so you don't have to remember to set the frequency to a low value before tapping. One day I'm going to forget and have a bracing experience!

[Gary WoodingParticipant @garywooding25363]

I fitted DRO and VFDs to my Centec – one for the spindle and one for the power feed. Both have forward/reverse/off switches. As John mentioned, the forward/reverse on the spindle is really good for tapping. I'd hate to go back to the single speed and direction days.

[MWParticipant @mw27036]

Posted by Gary Wooding on 23/08/2016 09:30:45:

I fitted DRO and VFDs to my Centec – one for the spindle and one for the power feed. Both have forward/reverse/off switches. As John mentioned, the forward/reverse on the spindle is really good for tapping. I'd hate to go back to the single speed and direction days.

Looks like a nifty piece of kit there, Gary. You looking to sell?

Michael W

[Raymond AndersonParticipant @raymondanderson34407]

Like the Newall C80 three axis on the mill ,excellent bit of kit.. Very spendy, but worth it. Bomb proof.

[Gary WoodingParticipant @garywooding25363]

Thanks for the compliments and, no, it's not for sale.

[MWParticipant @mw27036]

Posted by Gary Wooding on 23/08/2016 10:23:47:

Thanks for the compliments and, no, it's not for sale.

It's worth a go isn't it? I'd imagine it's a joy to use.

Michael W

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