Busy bee ct129 cnc build- Its alive!

[GreatNorthGnome]

I started on this last winter this is my first cnc build, slowly but surely I got it running. I took a bit of a different approach and opted for acme lead screws with nylatron nuts. Something I could make my self since I was a bit lost with ball screws at the time. I'll probably order some ball screws soon here and eventually fab them in while I learn on this set up.

I bought a 3 axis kit from a company here in canada called motiontek.ca, I have to recommend them since I had some parts damaged in the mail and they sorted it out and had replacement parts to me in less then a week. 438 oz/in steppers, 48v 7a power supply, high resolution drivers, probably pretty standard stuff.
Motors are wired in parrallel, drivers set to 2 microsteps.

This was a cool project, not sure I would want to do it again, but it put my follower rest to work. The longest screw had to be done in two sections, despite the screwing around I kept the pd within a couple thou. x and y have a custom thread sort to speak since I did an 8tpi acme thread, but used a 6tpi thread form to keep more meat in my nuts



Also made a tap

Z I used store bought 8tpi acme all thread, it has some lead errors over the length of the thread, but I figured most of my work would be touch and go anyway, I doubt I would notice anything over a few inches depending on my parts.

For the z set up I decided to follow some x2 designs and hang the assembly off the side, then use a 50lb gas strut on the other side of the head to support it.

Almost messed up with my slitting saw


X and y I had fabbed up some basic two post mounts

All motors connected to their lead screws using a jaw type flex coupling. The rubber inserts have been preloaded using shim stock to try and eliminate any inherent backlash from this type of coupler.



Electronics grounded to a plate and temporarily mounted to the wall for now, I have plans to make a plexi glass enclosure to keep everything safe.

Running mach 3, so far I like it. I did some basic cnc training in school, but since then I haven't touched it much. I've been a manual machinist since I started in the trade, but I've gotten kind of bored with it. Would like to get on the cnc mills at work this year, and ever since I built a mini machine shop in my garage I have wanted to convert them to cnc also So I am very happy.

I was concerned about my z axis since everyone typically runs a 600oz/in motor it seems on these mills. However, with that gas strut, moves up and down at 40ipm pretty easily.


Still need to set up my limit switches, but I'm pretty stoked! This is the coolest project I've ever tried. I believe I'll use it to learn and make better motor/ball screw mounts for now.

[hoss2006]

Nice work!
The ct129's aren't very common but Ellik did a nice conversion on one a while back.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/bencht..._0704_cnc.html
Hoss

[GreatNorthGnome]

Yeah, that has been a very inspirational build. Its given me alot of motivation for future modifications And thank you! It means alot coming from some one like your self.

Started working on my Y axis acme nut carrier, first real program I've written my self and put to work.



I'll probably throw it up in a 4 jaw to do the hole and counter bore I have in mind, but it would be neat to figure out how to do that on the mill. So I will continue to experiment.

[GreatNorthGnome]

Well this was a good first project for the new build, learned how to cut circles and radius edges.
I did the counter bores for the bolts on the nc as well, but the drilling and taping I did manually. Wasnt feeling comfortable yet about drilling.
Anyway, cleaned up my y axis! went from .004" of backlash down to .001

[GreatNorthGnome]

I just thought I would update this. I know this isn't an exciting machine compared to some of your guys awesome builds with atc, 5 axis trunnion blocks etc.

But man oh man I love this machine! I wanted to share some things I've been wanting to make for years but never could manually.






So thank you cnczone for being around for me to learn from so I could get to this point.

[wizard]

I just thought I would update this. I know this isn't an exciting machine compared to some of your guys awesome builds with atc, 5 axis trunnion blocks etc.

Don't knock your accomplishments! Seriously I've been involved in many a machine startup at work and each one is always exciting be it a small device or a large line of interconnected machines.

Besides you may fine you never need those extras. Make what you need and enjoy it for what it is.

But man oh man I love this machine! I wanted to share some things I've been wanting to make for years but never could manually.
>>deleted very nice pics<<

That is some really nice work!

So thank you cnczone for being around for me to learn from so I could get to this point.

Thanks for the pics. These pics are good motivation for the remodeling work I'm doing right now for my shop. Old houses are nice but they really didn't think about electric power back in the day, nor insulation or other things we take for granted.

[GreatNorthGnome]

Thank you for the comments wizard. No matter what I am very pleased with this machine. My lathe will be next

Thats true hey, I live in an older part of my city, and some of my neighbours and friends in the area live in these cool old houses. But they are cool, when winter hits it gets tough to visit because that cold air goes right through the walls.