Mill: Z-Axis Handwheel Handle

The fine feed knob on the mini mill makes it difficult to smoothly lower the head, which is important when performing operations like boring. Since I had a handle left over from installing the leadscrew  handwheel on the lathe ( http://benchtopmachineshop.blogspot.com/2015/01/lathe-z-axis-fine-adjustment.html) I drilled and tapped a hole in the existing knob and installed the handle. Now it's much easier to consistently feed with the fine feed knob.

Handle installed. Um...just ignore that other hole...

Lathe: Way Wiper

Since I installed a way cover on the left side of my carriage, it's done a great job keeping the ways clean, especially since most of the swarf falls to the left between the chuck and carriage. I wanted to protect the right side of the carriage as well, but there is a lot more stuff in the way and not nearly as much swarf falls there, so it was never a big priority. However, when I found the Phenom Engineering way wiper it seemed like a cheap and easy solution.

The wiper holders are 3D printed with pressed in magnets to attach it to the carriage. I ended up gluing the magnets to keep them in place.

The wipers tend to ride up on the side of the carriage which affects their effectiveness, so some more modifications are still planned. They're not a perfect product, but have given me something I can easily modify for my use.

http://www.phenomengineering.com/store/p12/Mini_Lathe_Way_Wiper_Kit.html

Mill: Y-Axis Bearing Upgrade

While the X axis on the mini mill has ball thrust bearings, the Y axis doesn't, with the leadscrew and hand wheel riding directly on the housing. This really increases the friction in the system and makes the hand wheel harder and less smooth to turn. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of space to install a bearing. However, Phenom Engineering made custom low profile bearings which work in the restricted space, and a custom Teflon washer for the shoulder of the leadscrew itself to ride on. Installation was very easy and straight forward, and the difference is very noticeable. I highly recommend this kit.

http://www.phenomengineering.com/store/p11/Mini_Mill_Y-Axis_Bearing_Upgrade_Kit.html