X2 CNCFusion Z modification

[SScnc]

Hey CR,

I think I had considered that and if I recall, that would move the head too far to the left due to the way the dove tails are cast on the head.

The way I and X2cnc moved the ballscrew to the left was extremely easy. Before that I had done the hole drilled in the left side to access the large bolt on the CNCFusion kit but this was still a big hassle.

[mkenney]

Originally Posted by SScnc Hey CR, I think I had considered that and if I recall, that would move the head too far to the left due to the way the dove tails are cast on the head. The way I and X2cnc moved the ballscrew to the left was extremely easy. Before that I had done the hole drilled in the left side to access the large bolt on the CNCFusion kit but this was still a big hassle.

Thinking about going this direction. I noticed that you don't have the torsion spring on anymore. Is there any plus or minus to this??

Mark [mkenney]

[SScnc]

Hi Mark,

Well if you have the ballnut block mounted on the left side I don't think there's room for it. I personally do recommend having some sort of counter spring or weight.

I plan to add a couple of gas spring cylinders to mine but haven't found the perfect ones locally yet. I'll probably order a couple from LMS soon.

Steve

[vcatalasan]

Originally Posted by SScnc X2cnc, You really got me thinking about another solution to this very irritating (to me) design flaw of the kit. I had decided I would change the Z mounts just as you did then, as I got started, I thought of another method. I just turned the upper motor mount around. I made a very simple mounting block in the shape of a "T" from some 1/2" mild steel I had. The bottom part of the T goes down into the column and is secured with three bolts in where the mount was originally mounted. Then I tapped threads in the upper part of the T and that's where the Z mount is now secured. ( as you can see in the pics) I mounted the lower block just as you did. All this was extremely easy and works perfectly ! I've been running my X2 all day and it sure is nice to have such easy access to the gib screws now. I just wish I had done this right when I installed the kit. Thanks for the inspiration, Steve

Steve, is it possible to have pictures of how you mounted the lower end of the Z-axis.

I just purchased everything I needed for my mill that sat for 2 years as a drill press. Time for some new things to learn than drilling holes and shaving parts down.

Thanks,

Vic

[SScnc]

I don't know how I missed this, sorry for the delayed reply. I'll take a pic or two of the mount and post them. I remember the "T" mount I made was a bit crude but it's still all working great, no problems.

Be back asap,

Steve

[vcatalasan]

No problem Steve, still gathering as much info and items needed for my conversion.


I have noticed you guys are not using the torsion support on the head column, how are you guys supporting the weight of the z-axis? I saw this air spring conversion, anyone using it?

LittleMachineShop.com - Air Spring Conversion Kit

Thanks,

Vic

[rewster]

I machined a 17tooth cog, pressed in a bearing, and mounted it to the top left of the column. A bicycle chain runs from the head, over the cog, and down through a hole in the table. Counterweight under the table is ~30lbs (wife's old brake rotors....not much to look at, but it works great). I'm running 381oz motors and the z had no noticeable problems before, but this can't do anything but help it breathe a little. More simple, and looks better than the gas strut option imho. My .02.

[vcatalasan]

Thanks rewster! I will go ahead and do something like that.

[SScnc]

Okay, here's a couple of pics of the mounting "T" as seen from looking down into the top of the column. Like I said, it's crude but works very good. It is a piece of 2x3x.5 flat bar (horizontal) with I think, a 1x3x.250 flat bar (vertical) welded together.

The top .5" flat bar was drilled and tapped to match the CNCFusion Z block (green) and the .250 bar was drilled to match the three holes in the top of the column which were drilled for the CNCFusion block in the original arrangement.

The top .5" bar must be flush with the front of the column, so the vertical .250" bar is set back from the front of the front face of the top bar about a .125".

Very simple.

HTH

[eaglezsoar]

Thanks for the pictures, that makes it clearer on how it was done.
Knowing that 2 different thicknesses of steel were used also helped.
I think you came up with the best way to mount the Z axis, thanks for sharing it with us.