lets start a inspiration thread for those who are building.

[balsaman]

Hey,

Nice machines guys.

Don't get me started here too! You know I have a lot of pictures!



Eric

[kong]

Get posting Balsaman! I'm getting plenty of ideas from these so far, nice work! Any chance of some detail of z-axis setups? i get the linear slide idea, but are there others?
edit - ok, looked again, ball bearing drawer slides on the z-axis? Just wondering, if this is the case, surely I would need a fairly hefty stepper to drive the leadscrew?

[balsaman]

Hi,

I used linear rail all around. I happened to get it free out of the scrap bin where I work. I had about 16 trucks, I found 8 good ones in the lot. Tossed the rest. The rail was a bit beat up, but a file took the little nicks and "outies" off. It's working perfect now.

Eric

[balsaman]

z-axis.

I used a 100 oz stepper. My z axis is heavy. It's about 40 % slower than my other axis'. So what it only needs to move an inch or two.

[balsaman]

nutter

[kong]

Thanks very much Balsaman, the photos are very helpful

[cbcnc]

Here is a picture of my progress so far. The x axis is complete. Black pipe rails, skate bearings, 1/2" acme leadscrew. Working on the z axis now. Y axis is next.

Chris

[balsaman]

Very nice! Keep at it. It's worth it in the end!

Eric

[tsalaf]

balsaman,

What's the weight of your z axis? Do you experience any lost steps with the 100 oz. motor?

[balsaman]

I am not sure how much it weighs. I put a spring on it to help counterbalance it. I don't loose steps. I run it at 30" per minute.

Eric

[Ninjak2k]

Just searching through old posts for ideas. I really like the first machine posted with the gantry rails laids down like that. I've been looking for a way to use a 0-90 setup of the roller bearings on most of the axis. Just need to get it up a bit to allow more Z travel and I'm all set. Do you have any more pictures of your Z axis, Woodknack?

~Dan