Slideway guard on warco vmc milling machine

[Michael WildeParticipant @michaelwilde12011]

I’ve got a warco vmc miller and the method of protecting the vertical column and the Y slideways is a length of rubber sheet. This does an ok job when the knee is in the low to middle area of the vertical slide but as the table is raised it all gathers up and restricts table movement. The problem gets worse when you want to move the table back as the rubber either gets squashed or has to hang over the table onto your job.

Does anyone know where I could get a concertina guard wide enough or has anyone made something that would do a better job than the original?

Cheers

Mike

[Michael WildeParticipant @michaelwilde12011]

[mgjParticipant @mgj]

Arc Euro do concertinas in a couple of sizes. Might be worth a look.

[Michael WildeParticipant @michaelwilde12011]

I think I’ve looked at theirs a while ago and their widest isn’t quite wide enough. That’s the kind of thing id like though. Or maybe a homemade alternative? I think I read that Harold Hall made one by folding cardboard and covering in varnish!?

[Peter GainParticipant @petergain89847]

I have a Warco WM16 mill/drill. The concertina protection is retained by plastic cross pieces. After a few month’s use these cross pieces detach themselves from the column. The concertina then sags uselessly away from the column which it is supposed to protect. Pressing back into place works for a few more months, they eventually become loose again & refuse to stay in place. My guess is that all suppliers offerings are similar. I have replaced the item once but have now given up & simply rely on constant wiping clean of the column.

Regards, Peter Gain.

[joegibParticipant @joegib]

Here’s a video of a DIY version for a Sherline milling machine:

 

http://www.ixen-cnc.com/2007/10/leadscrew-cover-for-your-sherline-mill.html

 

There’s a link on that page to a template showing the folding lines. Of course, you’d need to redesign the template to suit your machine. Then it’s a case of how good you are at origami …!

 

Joe

 

[Roger VaneParticipant @rogervane67137]

Hi Mike

 

Had exactly the same problem – managed to destroy my rubber cover within a few days from new.

 

I made a simple cover from leathercloth and a piece of angle iron which covers the Y-slide (but not the vertical). I felt that the real problem was stopping swarf from getting into the gearing which elevates the knee and this has provided the ideal solution so far (18 months).

 

The angle iron simply clips into the ‘slot’ formed between the knee casting and the ‘recess’ in the centre of the Z-axis slideway. Hope that the photos explain all.

 

The leathercloth is thinner and more flexible than the rubber and allows the slide to go back against the stops, maximising travel. An added bonus is that the Z-axis slide is uncovered and provides an ideal mounting surface for a magnetic clock stand.

 

 

[Michael WildeParticipant @michaelwilde12011]

Hi Roger, that looks like a good solution to an annoying problem. I might try making something up following your example. Might have to cut the wifes knee high leather boots up…….. I’m sure she’ll not mind!

I’m also toying with an idea of using one of the child car roller blinds and having it continuously rolling itself up when the table is moved towards the column.

[Author]

Posts