So I finally finished wiring the CNC controller on the milling machine up and wrote it all up and that was it. The hardware was done. At last. Time to actually put the mill on the bench. So I started to action the cunning plan for a 75 year old to reposition a machine tool that weighs more than he does. The winch lifted the mill to the required height and I pulled out the workmate it has sat on for months and rolled in the platform I had arranged on the welding trolley. Then I started to manoeuvre that into position to slide it onto the bench. Then the welding trolley collapsed in slow motion and finally dropped my lovely mill on the floor. Trolley not as strong as I thought apparently. I debated a bit (I didn't cry) and then messaged Joel (next door) and he was home and happy to come round and help. We got it off the floor and onto the bench but there is damage. The Y control box is utterly scrapped with even the 5mm steel plate it is based on bent and there will be lots of 3D reprinting all over. Sadly the X handle wobbles as you turn it so it's bad news on that lead-screw. However I have invested my time in getting it bolted down before starting on a total damage report. It's only metal and plastic. It can be fixed. Just don't ask what I'm doing for Christmas.
OK, So who is going to suggest a magic way to straighten this. The bit with the bend in it is 10mm. I have sacrificial M8 nuts for the thread at the end. Dare I just put a leather wrap round it, clamp it in the bench vice just below the bend and hit it?
