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There's a lot of questions as to whether a Tormach PNC 1100 R8 spindle can be upgraded to a Tormach BT30 spindle. However, there's no confirmation of someone having done it. The comment by Tormach "Davie" on this TORMACH Forum post "If you have a PCNC1100 then conversion to BT30 is more of a choose your own adventure", seems to indicate that it is possible but not supported. It seems that the head casting and spindle bore are identical with the PCNC 1100, 1100m and 1100mx. Th

Allen hex keys seem to eventually just pile up in a drawer or toolbox compartment and you end up wasting a lot of time digging through them trying to find the perfect one. I have not been able to find an off the shelf solution that allows storage of excess loose hex wrenches that are not organized in their individual storage. I need something that can hold a lot of extra wrenches of the same sizes. I use drill index drawers, Huot brand, and they are fantastic. Mine are old, s

There are a few unique Milwaukee M12 tools that would be nice to have, but I don't really want to invest in their 12V system. I already have 2 different 12V tools that I choose due to the low cost of ownership for casual to medium duty use. I have some HERCULES 12V tool batteries, and Hyper Tough 12V tool batteries. I know, I also never thought I would buy and use Walmart power tools, but don't knock it till you try them. The HyperTough tools have blown me away, especially fo

Tormach used to offer a rebuild kit for their spindle. The instructions are still here: https://knowledgebase.tormach.com/pcnc-1100/pcnc-1100-spindle-rebuild Now they only sell the whole spindle. If you want to rebuild it by replacing the bearings, you have to order them yourself. TOP BEARINGS 7007C/P5 DT BOTTOM BEARINGS 7008C/P5 DT NSK 2008CTRDULP4Y

This video has a detailed full teardown and replacement of the Tormach BT30 Spindle Bearings. UPPER BEARINGS The upper bearings are sitting on top of each other. There is no spacer. These are the markings on what someone claims is the stock upper bearings (unverified) HP7006C-2RZTN12/P5 In a comment from the above video: Part number breakdown: 70 Dimension Series Indicates an angular contact ball bearing in the 70 series (ISO 10 dimension series). Outside Diameter: 55 mm, Wid

This article is about shot peening titanium for the purpose of creating a more scratch resistant surface finish, not to improve the mechanical properties like shot peening is normally used for. Titanium is an excellent material for many applications that require strength, light weight and corrosion resistance, but even in it's strongest and hardest alloy (GR5), it is still relatively soft metal compared to steel and therefore scratches easily. When using titanium for applicat

There are many different designs for oil skimmers to remove way oil from coolant. Belt Tube Disc Most rely on the oil clinging to plastic or metal surfaces, while the coolant does not. The clinging oil is pulled up to a scraper, scraped off the belt (or tube, disc), and then runs down into a disposal container. The issue with these designs is that they also pick up a lot of coolant with the oil, as much as 50%, so a second oil separation unit is required to drain the excess c

Our 5x6 mitering horizontal band saw stopped working due to a worn worm gear. The worm gear is made from softer materials (bronze or brass) than the worm (steel), therefore the worm gear will wear out first and is sacrificial. The specific model of band saw I have is a BS-128HDR METAL BAND SAW purchased in ~2012 from Northern Tool. It's a 5x6 cut size band saw, but seems to use the same gears as the less expensive, common 4x6 and 4.5x6 band saws like those sold at Harbor Fre

I first started drying 3D printer filaments in the oven. Then I upgraded to a Print Dry unit that was basically a modified dehydrator. It was nice because you could dry and print from 2 spools simultaneously. This didn't solve keeping filament dry in storage. These are the least expensive, clear, airtight containers that can be used to store and dispense filament. WHERE TO BUY: Cereal Containers Storage Set (4L / 135.2oz), 6PCS Airtight Food Storage Containers with Lids MOIST