Hello Zoners!
Wow its been a while since my last post. I must start by apologizing for not replying to the previous few questions.
ELM3060, The only reason I didn't put a brake on my Z axis is that I simply didn't have one! I made all my servos from brushed DC motors and optical encoders. I do plan to one day put linear guides on the Z axis knee and install a servo with a brake but not just yet.
Over the past few months I have been busy setting up my home machine shop. The walls in the shed are now insulated, fully sheeted and painted so it was time to move the last of my machines to my place. As always, everything I do has a catch! The manual AL-340 Lathe and HM-52 Mill are sitting in a galvanized sheet metal tray I made so I didn't trash the concrete floor in my brother in-law's shed where the machines have lived for the last few years. I had to remove both machines to the carport at my place, then modify 1 corner of the tray and transport it to my shed. 4 of us picked up the tray and carry it into the shed to be placed into one corner. After that I carefully carried the Lathe and Mill into the shed with my skidsteer and placed them in the tray. Here are some pictures.
Chich