MINITECH
CNC Mini-Mill User's Guide
Maintenance
Proper maintenance and tool cleanliness are major requirements in all industrial
environments, as well as for anyone learning this type of equipment. The lessons practiced
here with the Mini-Mill are required in any future application. To ensure safety reliable service
from the Mini-Mill, it is important that you follow these recommended maintenance
procedures.
Proper Work Site
The Mini-Mill and work site must be clean and free of obstructions before and after each use.
The computer must be cleaned of all debris by brushing-off or vacuuming.
Clean Mini-Mill
The key points on the Mini-Mill where foreign matter buildup occurs are in the operating
mechanism of the mill. These areas include the slide shafts and bearing sleeves, and the lead
screws and lead screw nuts.
The user should brush, wipe or blow clear these areas, as well as all other areas where
debris occurs. You can also remove the table top by unscrewing the four bolts exposed at
each ends of the table. This allows you to gain access to the many places of debris
accumulation, and the lead screw assemblies of the X and Y axes.
Note: The table top, and spindle mount are the only parts you should remove without
damaging or misaligning the machine. Do not remove any other parts for cleaning.
Examine Couplers
Periodically examine the stepper motor to lead screw coupling device. This is the black
component that attaches the lead screw onto the shaft of the stepper motor. Two set screws
are on each side of the coupler.
If these become loose, it will cause slipping of the table movements, and loss of motion. This
will also cause errors on parts you are attempting to machine.
The following are the recommended procedures for examining and reattaching a coupler.
1. Turn off and unplug all electronic devices such as the computer, spindle mechanism, and
DC power
supply.
2. By hand turn each lead screw so that each axes is in the following positions. Lower the Z
axis as far down
© 2012 Minitech Machinery Corp. 30
