I picked up my HF44991 Monday, and I am in the process of tearing it down and cleaning it up.

I plan on polishing the gibs and dovetails before it goes back together, but I was wondering if there are any other mods I should do while I have it apart.

What is the general consensus on filling the bottom six inches of the column with epoxy? What kind of filler should I use?

I also know that the torsion spring will have to go at some point. A counterweight like Hoss's machine or an LMS airspring kit?

I plan on using it as a manual mill to machine parts for the CNC conversion, being more included to build than buy.

Any other mods?