To gib or not to gib?

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

Evening all,

I’m in the process of creating a Deckel like tool grinder, and have just fitted the work spindle housing to the xy table.

The dovetail has ended up smack on, with a lovely smooth shake free action.

I still have to fit locks, but currently it has no gib or space for one.

Given the block isn’t the hardest thing to reset to machine for a gib later I’m tempted to leave it off and fit one eventually when it has worn. The slide isn’t used in the general running of the machine, only to set tool positions and then locked.

Opinions?

More photos in an album, or on Twitter @solutionsByDave

Dave

[MikelkieParticipant @mikelkie]

Leave well enough alone, if there is a nylon or bronze wad between the locking screw/s and inner surface i think that will suffice.

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

Leave the Gib out, I made my radius (ball) turning attachment years ago with the same though of adding if required. Not a sign of wear and it is used most weeks.

[Kiwi BlokeParticipant @kiwibloke62605]

If the dovetail arrangement is used only for static location, there's no need for a gib strip. A gib strip comes into its own when accurate sliding guidance is required, and allows play to be adjusted out. (I suspect you know this already, and were just seeking confirmation that your decision to omit the gib strip was OK…).

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