I have been designing my machine for many years and have decided to get off the pot, build it and make some parts. This design represents some of what I have read lately and what will make a very workable setup for the operator..me.
Many of you here are experts at this and I am hoping to tap some of your knowledge before I commit to cutting and welding.
The frame is all 2x2 steel tube, .125" wall, welded with linear ways and ball screws on 3-axis. The 4th axis is the A on the lathe portion. The cross rail will be channel iron 7" x 2" x .210"
I know the design is not typical in that the Y (approx 4') is wider than the X (approx 2') but it makes for a nice setup. I am torn between the needs to drive the X with 1 or 2 screws. Is this something that can wait to test pull the gantry to see how hard it pulls and if it wants to bind up if pulled from the center. Can I use 2 motors for the X rather than using a belt drive and share the X axis signal?
I plan to use Geckos and have yet to determine the size of motors I will need. I found out my old Ah-ha system is dead so I need all new drives anyway.
Please let me know if you see any major problems ....other than the heavy duty Z motor mount and the cross tie for the X.
Any constructive (or funny) comments are most welcome.
Regards,
Chuck