My used and abused RF30 is perfect for my needs. It was a cheap purchase but that’s not a surprise given the shape of it when I bought it. The table isn’t perfect, the nuts are worn and the x axis has a lot of play.

I can live with the table, I’ve tightened the nuts and will make some replacements soon, but the x axis play is way beyond my expertise (obviously).

I costed up a replacement table but at $1,200 it’s just not worth it so I was wondering if an economical solution is available in the $600 range (Sydney), or if I have to just learn to live with it?

The Y Axis is perfect, no wear at all luckily that I can notice. The x is largely in the centre and to the left. The right side of the table is relatively fresh. It’s making using the table quite hard as the gibs require constant adjustment to remove the slop.

With the gibs snug with the table on the right side I have zero movement, the table movement at the left side when the table is centered is 0.36mm [emoji15] and with the table to the left I have 0.31mm.

I don’t need ultimate precision but I’m seeking options to get this improved, whether through technique on the mill, or ideally a more permanent fix.

My shop budget is always tight so scrapping the mill and moving on isn’t really an option. And other than the X axis, it does everything I need.


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