Making the knob for the Y-axis

Knurling complete time to part off.

Half way into the parting off and notice the chips. For the new guys, if its coming off like tin foil the speed and feed are good.

I find it better to feed quicker just before it breaks off. 

All finished and looking pretty.

Made a new tool post.

Now that I have my mill I can make the slot needed in the tool post for the bit.

I bought a new 5/16 tool bit thinking it would fit my stock tool post.  It fit, but was about an 1/8" higher than center. I was very surprise to find out that I hit perfect center and didn't need to shim the bit. New tool bit is beefier as you can see.

Freshly made tool holder on left, stock on right. The 5/16 tool bit on left is much beefier than the cheap Asian 1/4" tool bit on right.

First prototype almost complete.

The prototype Y-Axis gib lock with U-joint almost complete.

The prototype gib lock in place under the table.

Next step is to make a knurled knob and a guide for the rod to hold it in place on the side of my chip tray.

Universal Joints for Y-Axis gib locks.

Coupler / 1st part of universal joint

The plan (in my head) is to make 2 of these per joint. One will couple with a screw head on the gib side and the other with a rod, which will extend outside the chip tray. I really should build all the parts at once but this is a prototype so I only want to complete one whole Assembly.

Switch Part Number KJD17B / 120V Problem

Thought I had a problem with the start switch soon after I got my model CT129N mill. The switch would not engage and stay in "ON" position. I contacted my local Busy Bee store and they passed me off to head office. I received a call from a tech very quickly with a solution. He said "There is a micro-switch on the front safety guard". I can't wait to get home and check it out. If this is true, then there should have been something about this in the owners manual. Well it was the clear acrylic guard in front of the spindle. As soon as I move it in place it worked. I rechecked the slim owners manual and couldn't see anything in reference to this.

Next Mod - Universal joints and connecting rods

I want to use universal joints and connecting rods to access the y-Axis gib locks under the table.

Mounting tool makers vice to table.

My solution for mounting my tool makers vice.

Improved Gib lock knobs on X-Axis. Modification.

I hated the levers that were stock on all the gib locks.

These knobs are of sufficient diameter to provide enough torque to do the job and still clear the dovetail of the Y-axis. I believe the are better than stock for sure.

Gib locks on the Y axis.

Not happy with these gib locks, I want to replace them with a small knurled knob.

Closer shot of modified roaster pan under the mill.

Got this pan at a restaurant supply store. Its pretty thick sheet steel construction and very well made.

Rare-Earth magnet is great for holding chuck key.

Those rare earth magnets make for a handy place to store the chuck key.

Mill mounted on bench with roaster pan chip tray.

I hope to add edging to cover the sharp areas I had to cut out.

My new CT129N mill fresh out of the crate.