I am building a J.A. Bean design CNC Router, this is my first attempt and I am not a machinist. I am a PLC programmer. I am having problems with the motor mounts. NEMA 23 stepper motors. The plans call for 3/8" aluminum rod to be cut to length and drilled and tapped 2 different sizes from each end. This has proved to be quite difficult with the tools I have available. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

A mitre saw with a carbide blade works fine for cutting aluminum.
A cheap $39 Harbour Freight drill press should be able to drill the ends.
Now all you'll need are two tap drills, two taps, some WD-40 , and a tap wrench.

The total cost for all of the above would be about $175.00.

You could also place an RFQ (request for quote) right here on the Zone.

I'm sure that one of the members would give you a good deal.

An easy job if you have the right tools.

If you do decide to buy your own taps, don't buy one of the cheap tap & die sets. They're useless.

Thank you Eurisko, I have a drill press but the vise I have is not that great so part of my problem is centering in the rod and part of it is having the rod plumb while drilling then the other problem is taping without breaking the tap or scaring the outside of the rod. I appreciate the response.

Attach some wood jaws to your vise, double sided tape would probably work fine. Center the jaws on the drill press, and drill a hole slightly smaller than the aluminum. Open the vise, put the aluminum in, change to the correct size bit and drill. You'll probably need to re-center the jaws before drilling, but should get you straight holes, perfectly centered in at least one direction.

I,m a retired machinist, with no knowledge of cnc. I,ve got all my parts to start building a gantry mill. The easy part, If you send your spacer sizes and address,I will made you a set and drop them in the mail. Post your progress so we all learn. Good Luck, flyby... flybyican@yahoo.com

Thank you gentlemen for the advise. I hope to have this machine up and running
in the next month or so. I will keep you informed of my progress and post new pictures. Please tell me what you think of the build so far.

Thanks Flyby. Guys like you make this world a better place. If there's anything I can do for you just let me know. I'm wondering are you retired Airforce?
The flyby reference is what I'm curious about. Thanks again.

I think after I complete this build I am going to build an aluminum 8x4x2 thinking of using servos instead of steppers and I may introduce a PLC for fun. I am going to use an industrial touch screen and either the bosch router I have now or a DeWalt. I was considering Paletti for my linears. Any experience????? :)

What would really be cool is to use hydraulic proportional valves and cyinders with Temposonics positioners for all axis. would be super fast and very precise.

Please view the pics I posted and ive me your opinion.

Thanks
Greg

Have any of you guys used frelon linear bearings. That is what I am using on this machine and I wonder how well they perform and how long they last ...is this something that I am going to be changing out regularly? Should they be lubed and if so what type of lube. :) i may ask a lot of dumb questions, but I figure if you wanna learn you gotta ask.

Thanks guys