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Wanted: Mill Power Feed

YotaBota

YotaBota

Mike
Premium Member
My mill is the same as a KBC VM-22, just a bit older. Any one have a power feed they can part with? Maybe left over from a CNC conversion or just sitting in a box under the work bench.
Thanks
 
I have a very similar mill, mine was a “Go Well” from 1970. I used an Align power feed. You can find them on Amazon or EBay cheap if you bide your time. I got mine from Busy Bee. Could send some pics if you’d like. I will look around though as I think I know a lady who has a power feed that needs a home here in Hamilton, Ontario.

Cheers

Derek


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I cheaped out and bought my power feed of aliexpress for ~250 CDN delivered. About 1/2 of the Align price. (I wanted the Align..... just didn't want to pay for it). So far so good. Changed my life. Milling is fun again.
 
TOBAR - you'll be on my christmas list if you find one.:)
Kevin - I'll let you know if more than one come out of the wood work.
I've been emailing with KBC and the techs say this mill was not designed for a power feed, they never offered any help either. The end caps are held in place with only two bolts instead of the standard four bolts. I've been searching but haven't found any info on adding the power feed to this mill, I do know a guy with a lathe and a mill so I should be able to figure something out. I'm thinking of buying the clone for $250, if it doesn't work theory says I should be able to resell it or maybe adapt it to the knee.
 
TOBARApprentice said:
I have a very similar mill, mine was a “Go Well” from 1970. I used an Align power feed. You can find them on Amazon or EBay cheap if you bide your time. I got mine from Busy Bee. Could send some pics if you’d like. I will look around though as I think I know a lady who has a power feed that needs a home here in Hamilton, Ontario.

Cheers

Derek


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Click to expand...
Does your mill have two or four bolts attaching the feed? A pic would be appreciated.
 
Here are a few pics showing how I overcame the 4 bolt to 2 bolt problem. I used a spacer/adapter plate that I machined. I turned a bushing to ensure it was centred on the lead-screw of the X axis. It was a relatively simple mod and has made the mill SO much fun to use.


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I got a Chinese clone ALSGS and it is well build unit. Through if someone find another for cheap I would like it for my Y axis. Currently have Align for X, ALSGS for Z. Having it for Z certainly decreased workout routine.
 
Those who have followed my threads understand I'm nursing a lame knee and leg. What I'm trying to do here is not to be standing on my leg too long.

I'm wondering if a power feed could be adapted to my Craftex CT129Nfrom BB. Quick measurements tells me I haven't much clearance between the top of the table and the top edge of the pan covering the stand. Something like 4.5 inches with a maximum side movement of 6 inches before hitting the mil base. Perhaps this isn't a good idea considering the costs.
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I had an ebay purchased Chinese Align on my RF-45, worked fine for me. I've heard some of the clones don't have quite as slow a physical feed rate as Align despite the 1-10 knob control, but in all honesty I don't remember it being an issue. The cast aluminum mounting bracket intended to clamp inside the mill table pocket is ill conceived design IMO. Mine always required adjustment & eventually cracked. You can do much better with a self made plate. Link to my post here.
https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/mill-power-feed-mount-improvement.753/#post-7098
 
Also, many Ebay sellers say Align and then in small print Align *type* or they <cough> conveniently forget the word *type*. I'm pretty sure Align is still made in Taiwan. Not that it really matters other than don't pay Align price for Align clone is what I'm saying. Shars also sells them if you wanted a smidge of warranty/return security but I haven't checked price.
 
A horizontal power feed should work for it - but you may have to make some kind of an adapter. ALSGS is a good power feed - when compared to Align I don't see any difference - even the name is similar. I am not sure about much cheaper clones.

Look how clean everything is - you sure you are even using the machine - its far cleaner then my stuff after I clean metal and grease.
 
You might consider putting a riser block between the mill and the stand. Make it from aluminum plate. Having the power feed is well worth the investment.


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And I agree with Tom.... could you “dirty it up” a bit? My shop is generally clean but one could eat off your mill table!


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Tom Kitta said:
A horizontal power feed should work for it - but you may have to make some kind of an adapter. ALSGS is a good power feed - when compared to Align I don't see any difference - even the name is similar. I am not sure about much cheaper clones.

Look how clean everything is - you sure you are even using the machine - its far cleaner then my stuff after I clean metal and grease.
Click to expand...

LOL, my photos attached above is from when I first uncrated this mill/drill and set it up in my shop. Took me 2 hours to clean all the chicken fat from it before taking the pictures. Yes I always clean up my machines after use which plays a huge part in overall safety and yes that's my training showing after years of military jet aircraft good housekeeping. Just my way of doing things. Both my lathe and mill/drill have heavy black cotton covers basically keeping them dust free. Bill
 
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Dusty said:
LOL, my photos attached above is from when I first uncrated this mill/drill and set it up in my shop. Took me 2 hours to clean all the chicken fat from it before taking the pictures. Yes I always clean up my machines after use which plays a huge part in overall safety and yes that's my training showing after years of military jet aircraft good housekeeping. Just my way of doing things. Both my lathe and mill/drill have heavy black cotton covers basically keeping them dust free. Bill
Click to expand...
Need to buy your used tools as they are most likely better than new!!!!
 
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