FILENAMES: burkefeed1.jpg burkefeed2.jpg burkefeed3.jpg burkefeed4.jpg burkefeed5.jpg burkefeed6.jpg DESCRIPTION: These are photos showing installation of a powerfeed unit to a Burke Millrite milling machine. Posted by Tom krause . Tom provided the following description: ================================================================= Burkefeed.txt is the explanation for pictures "burkefeed1.jpg" through "burkefeed6.jpg which follows the installation of the Harbor Freight(HF) powerfeed unit on a Burke Millrite milling machine. Submitted by Tom krause (tkrause@cedar-rapids.net) "Burkefeed1.jpg" is a picture of the table endcap with the feed-dial and handle installed.This is actually the left end of my table.My mill had apparently had a powerfeed installed on it at one time,and I was missing the crank for the right end of the table.If you look closely at the picture,you can see that the feed-dial is slightly recessed into the round "boss" cast into the endcap.This boss is a full circle around the dial. "Burkefeed2.jpg" is a view of the right endcap after modification. What I did was to simply machine away the bottom of the boss surrounding the feed-dial and surface the area flat so that the feed unit would rest against it squarely. There was a raised boss around the leadscrew,and a casting number in this area. This work did very little to sacrifice the functionality of the endcap, as it is simply there to support the right end of the screw.The screw is located by thrust washers etc on the left end of the table. Also in this picture you can see the bushing that needle bearing in the powerfeed rides on.Curiously enough,even though HF lists unit to fit 5/8" lead screws,none of the bushings included in the kit were 5/8" ID??.Had to make this one myself.The OD of the bushing is 1.100" to fit the inside of the needle bearing.Also there is another spacer visible,which combined with some shims,sets the backlash for the bevel gear. At this point I slid the feed unit onto the bushing,and transfer punched the location of the 4 mounting bolt holes in the feed unit,removed the end cap again,and driiled and tapped for 1/4-20 allen headed bolts. "Burkefeed3" is a view of the feed unit bolted to te endcap,ready for the installation of the bevel gear. Here you can also see the woodruff key in the leadscrew.This key drives the bevel gear.Unfortunately the key slot in the lead screw was 3/16,and the slot in the bevel gear was .110". I made a stepped key to fit. "Burkefeed4" is a view of the end of the lead screw with the "extension shaft" installed. This "extension shaft" is not included in the HF kit. The instructions simply state "install the appropriate extension shaft to allow sufficient lenghth for the installation of the bevel gear and handle" Oh?? What extension shaft?? As I mentioned,my mill had at one time had a powerfeed installed,so the end of the lead screw was allready tapped 1/4-20. Included in the kit was a 1/2" fine threaded step nut to secure the bevel gear,so I simply cut off a 1/2" bolt,center drilled and tapped it for a 1/4"-20 stud,and screwed it into the end of the leadscrew with a bit of loctite for insurance. "Burkefeed5" is a view with the bevel gear installed.Also visible is the "step nut" I mentioned earlier.This nut is snugged up against the bevel gear to hold it in place against shims which maintain the backlash for the bevel gear. As I mentioned,the handle for this end of the table was missing from my mill. I still don't have one,so I did not make the extension shaft long enough to install one.Someday if I get around to ordering a handle I will make a new extension shaft. "Burkefeed6" is a view of the completed installation. The feed-dial was bored out to fit over the end of the bevel gear,shimmed so as not to rub against the feed unit,and secured with the large knurled nut which was supplied in the kit. All that was left was to bolt he limit switch bracket to the front of the table and install the end stops. So far I am very pleased with the powerfeed setup.It went on nicely,and works very well,certainly worth the $179 sale price.