New Gantry Router

[Halfnutz]

Well I finally feel like Ive got a decent start. I spent the weekend and this afternoon finishing up the Z axis, so now all thats left is the X and Y screws, and a control system. It has been fun, but dont let anyone fool you, this type of machine takes a lot of patience and hard work. I have pics of the whole build to date, I will add them as I have time. Here is how it sits at this point.

Footprint 25x38
Travel 22x32
Z axis has full 8 inches of travel and can be set for full 8 inches of clearance.

Total Cost:

Linear guides THK SR15TB 2 sets X&Y axis ebay 120.00
Linear guides THK HSR15VM & 4 cars Z axis ebay 25.00
2 50 inch rolled ballscrews w/ double preload nuts 200.00
1 12 inch Kirk screw w/ acetal nut Z axis 25.00
3 Centent CNO 162 drives (like gecko, but better) 180.00
45 v 8A, & 12 5A Power supply 35.00
3 nema 23 Slo Syn steppers 50.00
Aluminum 100.00

Total so far $ 750.00

[svenakela]

Hmm... Shouldn't you rotate the z-axis horizontally 180 degrees? As I see it the z-axis should move when you raise the mill, but as I look at the picture the alu plate isn't going to move at all?

[Halfnutz]

Sure it moves, like a charm.

[Splint]

Yes it moves like a charm but the way it is set up at the moment there is overhang with the stationary (base) componant. If you turn it around the other way so that the smaller square section is stationary and the long rectangular section is the moving (up and down) section you will dramatically increase your usable z travel and z clearance.

Splint

[svenakela]

Exactly, by rotating it your z-axis it's not in the way as I tried to illustrate in the picture. It looks like a really nice machine, but it with a minor change it could be even better.

Cheers,
Sven

[Halfnutz]

Yes I could do that if I wanted to but it would be easier to just bolt a plate to the front and move it up all the way. That is why I designed it this way. I have up to 8 full inches of Z and 8 full inches of Z travel. Its designed to be adjustable. When cutting 2D work it is best to have the moment of force the weight as low as possible. If I need extra height I can put a longer plate on the front and move the whole axis up with four screws. But yes, your right, I could easily turn it around and accomplish the same thing.

[JavaDog]

Thanks you for the pictures! You just helped me figure out a problem I was having with my Z-Axis.

Is your gantry all 1/2in aluminum?

[mxtras]

Mr. Nutz -

Very nice looking stuff! I like the simplicity and the craftsmanship.

Excellent work. Are you having a blast, or what? It looks like it!!

Scott

[Halfnutz]

Pretty much, the plate I get are remnants and are all different, but I tried to stay around .5", except the two bearing blocks are 1.25 in. Yes Im having a blast, look at this mess!

[mxtras]

2 things, Mr Nutz -

You are profiling all of those plates on that mill? Nice work!

You said that the aluminum was $100????? Total???? That is awesome - it appears like you have several hundred $$ just in plate - not to mention the extrusion. Good grab! I need to consult with you on raw material purchasing - any pointers?

I like your mess - looks like a really good time...

Scott

[Halfnutz]

Allright, I got the leadscrew for my X axis pretty much done, so all is left is the Y axis and a couple of bearing blocks. I'm hoping to have it done by monday. I am such a burn out. I spent all day (well all afternoon) trying to figure out why my lathe wouldnt cut this screw, and then today I went down and was turning it on when I realized that I had been trying to turn the screw in reverse the whole time. Four hours of scratching my head over that one. Once I turned it on the right way it cut through it like butter. And Scott, I get my plate at Industrial Metal Supply in Santa Anna, CA for 2.00 a lb. Its scrap, but theres nothing wrong with it. The guy at the counter was telling me that K2 gets there aluminum there also.

[DieGuy]

Originally Posted by Halfnutz 3 Centent CNO 162 drives (like gecko, but better) 180.00

Better, talk to me! Gotta link for these?