DIY Jack Stand
When you're leveling your machine there are a number of tools you need to get the job done. A jack stand is one of them because it helps make the lifting and leveling process much easier. While you can buy a small jack stand/screw, you've got access to a CNC machine, so here's how to make your own.
BILL OF MATERIALS
- 1/2 in 13 Hex Head Bolt
- 3/8 in Scrap Aluminum
TOOLS
- 1/4in 90° Spot/Chamfer Mill
- 27/64in HSS Screw Machine Drill
- 1/2in x 1 1/4in x 1/2in Thread Mill
STEP BY STEP
Before You Begin
- For the scrap strip of aluminum, make sure that its:
- Thickness can clear the bottom of your machine
- Width can accommodate a 1/2-13 hex head bolt
- For the 1/2-13 hex head bolt, make sure that its length can clear the machine table once it is placed in the strip of aluminum. If needed, cut or mill the bottom of the bolt.
- In the PathPilot interface, load the G-code provided with this tutorial, and specify the tool lengths and offsets as needed.
To Machine a Jack Screw
- In the vise, position the scrap strip of aluminum and titghten it down.
- Since you're using a piece of scrap, rather than finding a zero on your workpiece, center your spindle by eye over your workpiece in Y, and then do the same in X.
- Before removing the jack stand, make sure that the 1/2in -13 hex head bolt fits the hole you just created. If the bolt doesn't fit, adjust the diameter of Tool 3 in the PathPilot interface, which changes the thread engagement depths, then re-run the tool path.