My New CNC RF45...

[GMitchell]

Hi guys, I have just finished making my RF45 clone into a CNC mill.

I have turned this into my first ever website. Please have a look and tell me what you think, any comments, dead links or questions, please contact me.

My website email is CNC@graetech.com

Thankyou

Graeme

http://www.graetech.com

[jalessi]

Graeme,

Your site is very good.

Lots & lots of concise technical information and clear pictures.

Very informative for anyone thinking of retrofitting a RF45 or a smaller servo controlled bench mill for that matter.

It is a very professional site, hard to believe its your first attempt.

Bravo,

Jeff...

[mkc2]

great work graeme, heaps of interesting imformation

Michael

[VooDooMan]

I been using your site like a bible reading it daily.
I am converting my RF45 as well but using steppers.

Nice work!!!

[kanton]

Graeme,

It appears that your site has a lot of good information on it but I am having trouble viewing it. Specifically on some pages the text overlaps or the pictures overlap the text. Is there some specific browser I should be using or specific screen settings?

Thanks

[kanton]

Please remove my double post.

[Wheatie]

Graeme, you're driving the Z axis using the existing lead screw and driving the manual crank pin, correct? How is that working? I have the Grizzly version of this mill, G0484, and I'm wondering if that method of driving the Z axis works OK, or if I should look at replacing the screw and drive it via a belt.
Jon

[GMitchell]

Hi, Kanton, yes thanks for letting me know. I have to do some more shuffling around. I tried to make some changes to improve site compatability with I.e.8 but when I did that, I have changed the layout unintentionally. I will fix things when I have a little more time. Int exp 8 is rubish and doesn't load correctly. I use moZilla firefox as a browser and it's much better in my experience.

Wheatie;
yeah the z axis uses the factory acme thread screw, it 'works' but it's not brilliant. The Gibbs must be really tight to stop the head flopping around sideways, This loads up the nut fairly heavily. Backlash due to mechanical effects was approx 0.13mm when measured with a dial gauge. I have turned on the backlash compensation in Mach, and it is now reduced to approx 0.02mm which is lots better. If you have the cash. I would recommend that you use a ballscrew and timing belt to gear down for the z axis, without question. I was short on cash at that point in my Cnc conversion, but I have plans to upgrade this year after I do my tax return! I hope that all goes well with your conversion. Best regards, Graeme.