First Router steel & wood.

[thetrick]

So I have built my ghetto Z axis. This is the last part I am building out of MDF in my quest to user better materials. The first think I plan to make with my router once it is running is a new z axis. I got my steppers from Probotix, and started building the drives. I made shaft couplers out of some hex aluminum I scavenged.

The pillow blocks ended up being a bit of a challenge. First I had 2 pillow blocks per drive, then I went to one with the other end of the shaft using the stepper for support. I plan to fix this too once I have the router running and can make more accurate parts.

I found a quarter sheet of ¾ cabinet grade birch plywood, and have been using that to make some parts. It’s much stronger and actually has some structure, unlike MDF.

[thetrick]

Ok so a lot has happen since last time. First off it’s now running. I got my drivers and motors from Probotix. The router I am using is a piece of junk and will certainly die soon.

I had a bent x-axis lead screw that I had to replace, and then I needed to rebuild the x-axis stepper mount. I had some issues with mid-band-resonance stalling the steppers, but fixed that for the most part by changing the driver from 1/8th step too 1/2 step. I would like to get some 2 turn acme screws soon so that I can speed things up.

It is a very solid machine except for the z-axis which works, but had more play in it than I would like, plus I build it with too little upward clearance to the bearing block. Basically it can extend 3 inches below the table surface, but only about 3 inches above it too. Oops

I am in the process of enclosing the lower cabinet so to keep out the dust from all the electronics.