My little mill :)

[Memran]

Hello

I've got a Sieg X1 and its seems quit nice for such a small size.

The problem I have with it is that when changing direction on an axis the handle turns a few degrees before the table moves. Its anoying. Is this 'backlash' ?? How can I stop it?

I would like to convert this to CNC, but I have no clue how, and know little about it although I've seen some projects where it has been done. I don't need 4 axis right now, 3 is fine.

Anyone have any suggestion where I can start?

Thanks

[Robin Hewitt]

Originally Posted by Memran The problem I have with it is that when changing direction on an axis the handle turns a few degrees before the table moves. Its anoying. Is this 'backlash' ?? How can I stop it?

You can allow for it because it's probably consistant, you just have to add a little extra movement when the screw changes direction. I've done that and it worked okay, keep the gib strips fairly tight so it can't kick you out when you withdraw the tool.

To remove backlash you have to figure out where it is, is it in the nut or is it in the bearing, or both? Either way you have to add springs to take up the slack, could mean a second nut.

Best way is to fit a zero backlash ballscrew with a pair of angular contact bearings on the end, how good are you?

[Memran]

Thanks

How good am I? Not very hehe...

I was having a look on ebay just now and came accross this: ebay link

Perhaps that will suit my purpose?

[in2steam]

Originally Posted by Robin Hewitt You can allow for it because it's probably consistant, you just have to add a little extra movement when the screw changes direction. I've done that and it worked okay, keep the gib strips fairly tight so it can't kick you out when you withdraw the tool. To remove backlash you have to figure out where it is, is it in the nut or is it in the bearing, or both? Either way you have to add springs to take up the slack, could mean a second nut. Best way is to fit a zero backlash ballscrew with a pair of angular contact bearings on the end, how good are you?

Considering its an x1 how big is your pocket book?

chris

[Memran]

This is really for me to try things out on. Limited budget, but only becuase I don't know if it will work

As far as the backlash goes, it seems to be coming from the end of the mechanism where the handles are attached. There is very very little in the threaded bar and nut.

Having disasebled it all I was surprised to find there are no thrust bearings. The ends seems to have been designed without thinking about play or friction.

I think this is the 1st problem I'll need to solve. I and make some replacement parts which can house thrust bearings, and I think that will go some way to removing the backlash.

[Kipper]

Originally Posted by Memran Thanks How good am I? Now very hehe... I was having a look on ebay just now and came accross this: ebay link Perhaps that will suit my purpose?

They do look tempting You buy them and tell me how good they are :beer:

[digits]

Originally Posted by Memran Thanks How good am I? Not very hehe... I was having a look on ebay just now and came accross this: ebay link Perhaps that will suit my purpose?

I have some of those MSD 542 stepper drivers on my X-1 with 1.8Nm steppers and it works well, though backlash is a problem. I have bought from MotionControlProducts a couple of times, and they were pretty decent. They also are on this forum and were very helpful asking my servo-related questions

Welcome to the top of a fun, but very slippery, slope

[Memran]

I've decided, since I'm so new to all this, and because my milling skills are somewhat lacking, to take things a little slower

I've purchased a driver and a single motor from them. This will allow me to design and build some mounts and to test on a single axis before taking the plunge and getting the rest. Should it not go according to plan, at least I've not spend as much cash.

The motor should arrive on thursday.

[Memran]

Well I've made one mount Its my 1st design to see how things work out.





Everything seems to fit ok

I've not found a supplier for lovejoy couplers yet but I've not really looked that hard. I made some temporary brass couplers, which make use of the keyway on the X1.





Unfortunately I'm still waiting for my thrust bearings and motor driver, but I think it will work ok

Bear in mind this is my 1st real job on the machine so be gentle with me

[philbur]

Looks excellent to me.

Regards
Phil

Originally Posted by Memran Well I've made one mount Its my 1st design to see how things work out. Everything seems to fit ok I've not found a supplier for lovejoy couplers yet but I've not really looked that hard. I made some temporary brass couplers, which make use of the keyway on the X1. Unfortunately I'm still waiting for my thrust bearings and motor driver, but I think it will work ok Bear in mind this is my 1st real job on the machine so be gentle with me

[Memran]

Why thank you kind sir

I now have a fully CNC'd Y axis
It all seems to work perfectly well, so now I just need to make the other mounts and purchase motors for the other axis.

Hehe, didn't think it would be so pleasing to move the table backwards and forwards!!

[Memran]

Well I got all 3 axis working and made ran a bit of gcode i wrote on some scrap MDF.

All working nice, expcept huge backlash on Z

All in all, I'm disappointed with the abilities of this machine.
On aluminium, I've had to reduce the amount and speed it cuts so much that even simple parts take hours.

I guess I need to somehow make it more rigid. Don't know how yet.