[strohkirchw]

I'm looking to add some plastic gutters around the table to drain off coolant away from the screw, gibs, etc. Would I be able to trim that dowel that sits about the x axis lock screw down to about half it's current height without hurting it?

[Vermiculite]

From discussion on the yahoo taig group: That dowel is to set your X-axis stop points, maybe not needed as much with cnc but you could use it for your limit switches. (see Nick's Taig Lathe and Milling Machine Blog: X Axis Travel Stops for the Taig Milling Machine)

I read another thread somewhere where people said that they milled it down, can't see how it would be detrimental.

Regards

Verm

[Twmaster]

You won't hurt anything by removing that dowel. I've never used it as a stop in the 2 years I've had my mill. Of course YMMV...

[strohkirchw]

Thanks

I cut it in half and tossed some covers around the edge of the table now. Helps keep most of the liquid and chips out.