[Raedle]

I'm considering buying a G0704 mill. Size and price fits my budget. How much fine-tuning is required after I get the machine? Scrapping, lapping? Is this a good machine to start with? Also, I'm planning to put CNC control on it. Thanks

[TroyO]

It depends on what you want it to do. I scraped mine in, but I enjoy doing that kind of work. Nothing was terribly misaligned from the factory so while I improved it some it would have been OK as it was, lapping may have been easier and almost as good.

If you are chasing every "tenth" (.0001") then scrape it, if a "thou or two (.002") is good enough use it as is. In between you could give it a pass or two of lapping.

I ended up getting .0004" over 12" which was fine for what I wanted.

[Raedle]

Thank you for your reply. The only scrapping I ever done was in shop class 25 years ago Oh boy, that makes me feel old. With this said I think I will use as is. Perhaps do some lapping. Do you know if a good link that describes lapping for the G0704? I have found one for my mini-lathe.

Do you like your machine? Did you add CNC?

Thanks again. Have a great day

[TroyO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ-1Ru2q158

Here's some lapping in a video.... I used "Timesavers" lapping compound and it went really quickly.

I am working on a CNC conversion now myself. I am just about done with X and Y, I need to figure out how to mount limit switches and some way covers, then on to the X axis and a gear mod, etc. I like the machine... it seems well designed and sturdy. Tapered gibs wlrk GREAT. So far, no complaints. I'm using ArizonaVideo's conversion kit.

[Raedle]

Thanks, again.

Here is a link to a terrific upgrade of the G0704 / Optimum BF20L that I found. Sorry it is in German, but you will see the outcome of this machine is phenomenal

CNC Optimum BF20 L- Umbau mit Pneu. Werkzeugwechsel -Tool Changer- - YouTube