I like your idea to use a nylon strap, especially how well the bend radius compares to the more typical steel cable. I had already been planning to do that.
While brainstorming the installation, I got to wondering if there was anything to be gained by applying the lifting force at the spindle end, away from the gibs. There will always be some amount of play as the head rocks up/down on its gibs, so I'd like to take out as much play as possible by lifting the spindle end of the head. Granted, the pulley arrangement would no longer be as clean and simple as your design, so there would be a trade-off.
--- In GrizHFMinimill@yahoogroups.com, "a3sigma" <dcclark111@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Karl,
>
> My counterweight scheme continues to work very well for me. See my files at:
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GrizHFMinimill/files/D.C.%20Clark%20stuff/
>
> Note also my thrust washer file. I have several sets remaining, and my offer still stands to give a set to any member who sends me a SASE. Email me off list for my address.
>
> David Clark in Southern Maryland, USA
>
>
>
> --- In GrizHFMinimill@yahoogroups.com, "kr98664" <kr98664@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello All,
> >
> > I've been looking at options to minimize the Z-axis drop on my Micro-mark mill. I've read plenty about gas lifts and counterweights. In both cases, the upward force is close to the vertical column. No matter how well the gibs are adjusted, any play is magnified and the spindle end can still tip down a tiny bit.. My thoughts are if I apply the lifting force (via a counterweight) near the spindle, this will practically eliminate any Z-axis play, even more so than a gas spring or counterweight nears the gibs.
> >
> > Any thoughts? Am I out in left field?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Karl
> >
>
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