CNCFusion X/Y ballscrew installation

[X2cnc]

I recently completed the installation of a CNCFusion X/Y ballscrew kit on my X2. I took notes along the way:

http://www.bacomatic.org/~dw/tool/x2/x2.htm

Sorry no pictures, but the text might be helpful to someone.

[Jay C]

Um, what are you going to do about the Z. Also, not being able to access the Z gibs has made 0 difference in my setup. Don't put too much stock in complaints about that.

FWIW,
Jay

[Regnar]

You can access the z axis gibs you just have to do a few steps and it doesnt envolve removing the spindle.

Also you might want to get ride of lovejoys. After awhile of use they will start to introduce backlash. The spiders just start to squish but it should get you started and down the road for a short while.

[Jay C]

Good point. If I wanted to get to my screws I could cut down the allen wrench to fit.

[Regnar]

I use full size t handles with ball ends instead of straight ends. The trick is to drill out the other side where the old manual handle screw held it in place to fit a large t handle. Next is you loosen and take out the small screws. Then loosen the large inside screw with keeping pressure against the screw to make sure it doesnt drop into the spindle. Then just raise the z axis by the motors and the mount will move out of the way so that you are able to get to the z gibs. You will notice that the Z mount has a nice milled area that will allow it to just slide up the gib screws. I forgot to mention the first step should be Locking down the head with to stop that you should also modify to be able to come on and off.

[bilinghm]

I cannot picture how you are doing this. Can you post a picture?

Bill

Originally Posted by Regnar I use full size t handles with ball ends instead of straight ends. The trick is to drill out the other side where the old manual handle screw held it in place to fit a large t handle. Next is you loosen and take out the small screws. Then loosen the large inside screw with keeping pressure against the screw to make sure it doesnt drop into the spindle. Then just raise the z axis by the motors and the mount will move out of the way so that you are able to get to the z gibs. You will notice that the Z mount has a nice milled area that will allow it to just slide up the gib screws. I forgot to mention the first step should be Locking down the head with to stop that you should also modify to be able to come on and off.

[Regnar]

Bill, I made up a video but google is being a pos right now and not uploading it. I will try again tomorrow but a few photos in the mean time.

The only thing is if and I mean if you loose the inside screw by not keeping pressure on it to push it back out the hole once the mount is moved up you will be taking apart the mill to get to it. This has never happened to me and I have done it 5 or 6 times.

[bilinghm]

I get it! A great solution!

[X2cnc]

I wound up moving the CNCFusion Z bits to the left side. The orientation is the same; I just drilled and tapped some mounting holes to put the ballnut bracket on the headstock, then anchored the motor mount to a piece of angle iron bolted to the column.

Since the motor mount is atop the column instead of overlapping the front, I get a bit more Z travel. And, of course, all the gib screws are now accessible.

[Jay C]

Pictures please

[X2cnc]

http://www.bacomatic.org/~dw/tool/x2/x2b.htm

It's done, but I haven't added the pictures of the top bracket yet. It's just a piece of angle iron bolted to the column and to holes drilled and tapped into the back of the top block. I'll have the page updated in a few days.