Thread: Z axis protection

Does anyone know where I can get some of that concertina type rubber to make a cover for the Z axis on my mill?

Try Hare and Forbes. They sell mills that use that item so I assume they can supply replacements for it.
What brand is the mill?
Sterob

If you cant get exactly what you need or the price is high have you thought of using insertion rubber (2 to 3 mm).

The Mill is a Chinese one made by Syil and it doesn't come with any cover over the Z axis so I have to custom make something.

What is insertion rubber?

If it a square column Chinese mill, then they are all pretty similar and a cover from H&F for one of their mill might be able to be made to fit ok.

Did you inquire from where you bought the mill as to whether they could supply one?

Insertion rubber is just black rubber 'sheet that is available in varying thicknesses' and comes in rolls. Common thicknesses are 1/8" or 3/16' and can be bought from any good hardware stores or Blackwoods, etc.

Another thought is to try and make a cover yourself. You might be able to find some thin stiff cardboard or plastic sheeting, something that you can score and bend without breaking.....
Let us know how you go.
Sterob

Insertion rubber has threads running through it for added strength Clark Rubber have a good selection of thickness and width if there is one near you.

I might drop into Clark Rubber and have a look. Thanks

I bought some oil and acid resistant rubber from Clarke Rubber for that purpose. Wasn't cheap and it didn't last long very long though before it started to split.
What I've done now is went down to St Vinnies and found a ladies knee length leather skirt for $15 which I will cut up for the purpose. Got a few strange looks from the sales assistant until I explained what I intended to do with it though. As an added bonus you could even get fashionable colours to match the mill if you wanted.

hmmm ok, let us know how the leather works out.

This article shows how to make a cover for a sherline mill http://www.ixen-cnc.com/2007/10/lead...line-mill.html

and here is a post where a guy adapted the idea and used denim http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58425

I used these and found them perfect.
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...=1431&category=

perfect

Another thing that may work for some are the concertina rubber covers off motor bike front forks.

All done

Looks the part.
Like the one shot oiler as well. Can you post a pic of the pump for that?