New machine: RF-45 clone

[gordsgarage]

I thought I would share my new addition to the workshop. I have recently added a RF-45 clone that I purchased from Machine Tools Warehouse. I consider myself more of a welder then a machinist but ever since I bought a 10 x 18 metal lathe I have been bit by the machining bug.

Still in the process of setting up tooling for the clone. Just finished up a X and Y table rebuild on it. Anyway...if you'd like to take a look you can find it here.

http://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/

or here;

http://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/cat...lling-machine/

Thanks!
Gord

[Pete F]

I like the stand! Bonus points because at first glance it looks like it is sitting on a rolling tool chest

-Pete

[Steelmaster]

Having just setup my DM45 mill I am watching this with interest, like the stand, very deceiving!

Looks like we both used the same engine crane.

[hareng]

Have pretty much same machine but with powered head and named ZAY7045 as well. Had it in 2004 and earnt its keep.

I got mine on a cast iron base from similar machine with round column, dont ask it was free. Bolt holes didnt line up bt easy job.

What i have found is the lead screws and nuts continually wear on all chinese made items, certainly these mills. Did strip the X axis nut on other RF25 within 12 months but it had a hard life for its size.
RF45 elevation presently got 5 1/2 revs of handle backlash and surprised it still winds up and down.

After a few months use when it got rather heavy i decided on a strip down and molecular treated the slides, the stuff you warm up above 90 degrees. Lasted a couple of years and undoubtedly prolonged its life.

What these need is a proper ball screw used for cnc work.

[gordsgarage]

What i have found is the lead screws and nuts continually wear on all chinese made items, certainly these mills. Did strip the X axis nut on other RF25 within 12 months but it had a hard life for its size.
RF45 elevation presently got 5 1/2 revs of handle backlash and surprised it still winds up and down.

After a few months use when it got rather heavy i decided on a strip down and molecular treated the slides, the stuff you warm up above 90 degrees. Lasted a couple of years and undoubtedly prolonged its life.

What these need is a proper ball screw used for cnc work.

I agree Jonny, I know what I bought and it wasn't high quality. I am not expecting much from the lead screws and lead screw nuts, I'll see how long they last.

I rebuilt the bottom end for 2 reasons. 1, The table feed and cross feed were unusable out of the crate, terrible assembly job. 2, I eventually want to CNC it (years down the road) and this way I know what I am dealing with and I know what needs to be done.

The machine was bought to help me build a CNC plasma table. I'll see how well it performs and then modify as needed.

Gord

[Pherdie]

Again, nice job on the stand. All the convenience of a tool chest and all the rigidity of a good frame.

Well done......

[hardtail]

Nice job......pity they don't take enough time and care to finish and assemble the machine properly.....brand new and unusable are 2 things that shouldn't go together, I mean this isn't chump change......Your inspection and alterations should go a long way to accuracy, enjoying and extending the usefullness of the mill.

[gordsgarage]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I may ask some opinions of all you experienced guys concerning some tooling down the road.

Gord

[Smokedaddy]

Gord,

Thanks for sharing, nice site as well.

-SD: