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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
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    58
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    1,277

    Default Weight of HM-45 Head

    Has anybody measured the weight of this mill head?
    I am thinking about fitting a gas strut to the head, as part of fitting a drive motor to raise/lower the head.
    The Industrial Hobbies web site mentions 200lb (90kg) for the head, but I am not sure if that includes the 45lb (20kg) for the motor or not. It is not specific.
    Sterob

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    A.C.T
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    89
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    190

    Default Sterob

    The total weight of the unit is stated as 350 kg,looking at the picture of the unit that would seem total including the motor that is 90 kg,not a big deal to remove the motor and weigh it or contact hare and forbes for beds re a replace motor and shipping weight,replace column and shipping weight,replace table and shipping weight,replace base etc etc.
    Another thought is ask H and F to E Mail the manufacturer for your info.
    Noticed on Google under HN45 Mill Robots Australia this guy lives in Melbourne and purchased DRO and glass scales at 1/3th the cost here of axis motoring etc for his HM45.
    Also he states the Hafco unit is identical with Rong Fu machines available elsewhere in the world. I had included the address but checked it would not transpose so if the go Google HM45 Mill the site called Robots Australia.
    Hope this helps.
    Have success Peter
    Last edited by Penpal; 23rd Dec 2007 at 07:50 PM. Reason: contact info correction

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Perth WA
    Posts
    526

    Default

    Steve,
    Have you thought about pulleys and counterweights? Easy to adjust by using weight lifting weights or a bit more steel in a bucket. I am not a big fan of gas struts especially if only one is used unless you can get a central lift. I have seen a few on smaller machines than the HM45 and to my thinking they just skew the head pushing on one side. Getting one with enough travel for a HM45 will be a mission as well.
    Just a thought.
    Cheers,
    Rod

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Blue Mountains NSW Australia
    Posts
    408

    Default

    I have a gas strut mounted on the side of my Powermatic morticer. It has a dovetailed column similar to the rf45. I don't notice any side movement, although I acknowledge the morticer doesn't need the accuracy of a mill.

    When you first posted I though it was a great idea, but I didn't think of Rods point. Might be worth considering???

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
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    58
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    Default

    Yeah, thought about using weights and pulleys and have seen other do this, but am not convinced yet, but it may be the way to go.
    The gas strut idea was the 'neatest' but may have shortcomings as mentioned.
    I have found a source of cheap 100lb gas struts with a 14.5 " travel, in the US, but do not know of postage costs yet.
    I have a big arsed DC motor to drive the head, but if a can balance the weight, I will only need a small motor and then if I only need small motor, why bother using one anyway?....lol
    I will have to give it some more thought.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Perth WA
    Posts
    526

    Default

    Hi Steve
    One thing you might want to check out is the backlash on the leadscrew for your Z axis. Counterbalancing by any method will introduce backlash that was not evident because the weight of the head kept the screw loaded.
    Sorry about all the negatives but better to have it planned for so that you do not do the work and be disappointed.
    Cheers,
    Rod

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
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    58
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    Default

    Thanks Rod, will check it out.
    No probs with the negative comments. Like you said, best to know before you start playing.

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