Kondia FV-1 Table/Saddle/Knee/Turret and Ram removal

[Mayhem]

As many of you know, I picked up a Kondia FV-1 mill a few months back. Now whilst I haven't done a lot to it due to time constraints, I plan on removing the table to check the screw and nut (to see if it can be adjusted), as well as clean the oil lines.

I will make a couple of plates to bolt to each end of the table and plan to lift it off with an engine hoist. I have seen people say to use t-nuts in the slots to lift it but I'm not convinced.

What are the steps involved here, or how would you suggest I proceed? All suggestions welcome.

[TomG]

(06-19-2012, 07:40 AM)Mayhem Wrote: As many of you know, I picked up a Kondia FV-1 mill a few months back. Now whilst I haven't done a lot to it due to time constraints, I plan on removing the table to check the screw and nut (to see if it can be adjusted), as well as clean the oil lines.

I will make a couple of plates to bolt to each end of the table and plan to lift it off with an engine hoist. I have seen people say to use t-nuts in the slots to lift it but I'm not convinced.

What are the steps involved here, or how would you suggest I proceed? All suggestions welcome.

Darren,

According to Te-Co, their studs are made from stress proof steel with a tensile strength of 125,000 psi. That makes a single 1/2-13 stud good for around 17,000 pounds in tension. Just make sure whatever you lift it with is thoroughly clamped to the table so it can't slide in the T-slot.

Tom

[Bill Gruby]

T-Bolts would be better in my opinion.

"Billy G"

[Sunset Machine]

Offhand, I'd guess a t-nut each good for 500 lb lift, easy. I'd use them to secure 4 lifting rings, and use the load leveler gizmo. Wouldn't want the t-nut to slide, but you don't want them too tight - you'd add that bolt load to the weight lifted for a total load on the nut & slot. In use, we probably apply several tons of tension on each t-nut. That would give you a large safety factor, figuring at 500 lbs each. Your table probably weighs not more than that, so use 4 points and have no worries. :)

[Mayhem]

Thanks. My concern stemmed from hearing stories of busting t-slots from over tightening.

Now I just have to look at the mill and see how the table comes off. I must admit I haven't looked that far. Been concentrating on the x-feed box and head to date. Fun fun fun!

[TomG]

(06-19-2012, 08:51 AM)Mayhem Wrote: Thanks. My concern stemmed from hearing stories of busting t-slots from over tightening.

That may be a concern with the small bench mills, but in all of my years around Bridgeport type mills I have never heard of a T-slot breaking out of the table. It just doesn't happen.

Tom

[ScrapMetal]

I don't have personal experience with it but I have seen pictures of it having been done. I think most of it was attributed to using T-nuts instead of T-bolts though.

-Ron

[EdK]

I wouldn't use the slots as lifting points. I have your concern of them breaking and have heard of it happening. I think I'd use the existing bolt holes on the ends of the table once you've removed the leadscrew and handwheel assemblies and mount a plate or something using those threaded holes. I'm not a mechanical engineer so this is just based on my gut feeling and paranoia about breaking those slots.

Ed

[f350ca]

I wouldn't hesitate to use the slots for lifting points on the table. It wouldn't weigh a fraction of the force you pull on the slots when you pull down on a clamp. The vice or rotary table create a surface above the slot, so your only putting it in compression, in that setup you couldn't possibly break the slot unless the stud goes through the t-nut.

[Mayhem]

Ah, now I do recall something about the stud going through the T-nut. That is likely my source of confusion.

I have a few jobs lined up for this weekend, so this will have to get pushed back. Anything I should be mindful off when removing components in order to be able to lift the table off?