This style universal dial test indicator holder gives a broad sweep of the mill table (animation).
Tramming the
Taig Micro Mill & Vise
Last updated on
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 07:57:23 PM
Eastern US Time Zone
Tram Animation, Vise Alignment & Clamping, Solid-Jaw Tramming, Vise Bed Tramming Animation
A common question
is, "When I machine a surface using an end mill, why do I get small ridges after
each pass?"
The answer may be that the mill needs to be trammed (aligned). The spindle
(cutter) must be perpendicular re the table.
Tramming a mill,
vise,
rotary table,
tailstock
or part
is described & animated, at different locations on this site.
Other causes may include: excessive machine flex, loose gibs, improperly held cutter (e.g.,
a drill chuck), and/or a dull/damaged end mill.
Caution: When the column is loosened for adjustment, do not allow it to fall to the side as damage may occur.
Tram Animation
This style universal dial test indicator holder gives a broad sweep
of the mill table (animation).
Tramming the mill bed is similar to tramming the tailstock. Mount a dial test gauge in the mill spindle.
Used a 3/16" diameter adapter that attaches to the end of the dial test gauge. It was then mounted in a collet.
Iterate sides by rotating 180° & adjusting (changing by half the difference) the angle of the mill's upright
support until there are no left-to-right differences. The column is held in place under a nut with a washer.Vise Alignment & Clamping
Initial vise alignment to the table using a high-precision right-angle square.
Other side held by the L-bracket.
Second L-bracket fixed to vise.
Tram the
solid jaw of the mill vise using the same basic method. A rubber wedge
keeps the spindle from rotating.
Run the the jaw face (x-axis) left & right, making half the distance adjustments
of the vise, until there are no differences.
This vise is ± 0.0002" & the dial test gauge scale is in 0.001"
gradations.
Old aluminum vise brackets did not mar the table but
deflected a little.
Tramming the solid vise jaw,
animation.
I have now replaced the vise clamps with steel L-bracket
milled to the correct dimensions.
It acts like a toe clamp so there is a small downward angle towards the vise's
ledge.
The toe edges have been chamfered. The foot has been diamond ground smooth &
given radius corners so as to not gouge the Taig's aluminum table.
The brackets hold the
vise tightly, do not bend & no table marring. The brass blocks increase setup
rigidity.
Vise Bed Tramming
Animation
Checking the vise's bed tram,
animation.
Tram Animation, Vise Alignment & Clamping, Solid-Jaw Tramming, Vise Bed Tramming Animation
