Hardinge TM vertical head - on overarm or bolt to column

Hi all

I'm working on a vertical head for my hardinge TM, using parts I have on hand. I'm planning to use a high speed head from a Versamill, which would be simple enough to bolt onto the overarm support. But, I have this need to make things more complicated....

I would really like a quill. The Versamill head doesn't have one. So, I'm planning to mount the whole thing, motor and all, on a dovetail slide with rack and pinion from a lathe turret.

The simplest way to do it would be again to mount it on the 2" overarm. But, it'll be quite heavy once I'm done, and I quite like the idea of a more rigid mount bolted to the face of the column.

If I bolt the vertical monstrosity to the column, I lose the ability to adjust it in and out by sliding the overarm. But then, the stock vertical head has the same limitation. I'm thinking it's probably not a problem, but I'm interested to hear others thoughts?

If it's not a problem, what would be the optimal distance for the spindle from the face of the column?

Thanks everyone, and happy holidays!

Lee

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