Zenbot quick start notes

[rich909]

Hi Morton and all--

Hope everyone had happy holidays!

If you would like to see my 4th axis at work, go to the Zenbot forum video section.

Zenbot videos

Nice job on the 4th Axis project. Do you have plans and a parts list that you would share with other Zenbot owners/users?

--Rich

[mwhatch]

I dthink I can work up something. We can start with this.
2 MXL pulleys and a belt. This sets up a 4 to 1 reduction.

https://sdp-si.com/eStore/

A 6A16-072NF3708 .080 (MXL) Pitch, 72 Teeth, Aluminum Alloy Timing Pulley 1 Each $12.36

A 6A16-018DF3708 .080 (MXL) Pitch, 18 Teeth, Aluminum Alloy Timing Pulley 1 Each $9.14

A 6B16-D160037 .080" (MXL) Pitch, 160 Teeth, 3/8" Wide, Polyurethane Belt 1 Each $7.18

Then I got a stepper motor with plug installed from Shaun at Zenbot. That makes it real easy to switch Y to A axis. You can use X to A also for longer stock. I have not done that yet.

Some 1/4 inch shaft collars from Graingers and some 1/4 inch bolts, nuts and washers from Lowes, Homedepot or whoever.

I cut all the parts out of red oak. 2 bases, 2 supports, and one motor mount.
I can provide the g-code if you like.

Morton

[mwhatch]

I also have the carvewright and have the rotary jig. That is what got me interested in making one for the Zenbot.

The axis is bolted to the table which gives you different length options. You can use any size stock up to about 2.5 inches. I have been testing it on carving on the pens that I have recently started turning, as small about 3/8 inch. I have done some relief carving and v-carving.

I forgot to mention that I also carved the faceplate from red oak. Epoxied a hex shaped shaft coupler in it to allow me to screw it on and of of spindle shaft.

Morton

[p38nut]

I dthink I can work up something. We can start with this.
2 MXL pulleys and a belt. This sets up a 4 to 1 reduction.

https://sdp-si.com/eStore/

A 6A16-072NF3708 .080 (MXL) Pitch, 72 Teeth, Aluminum Alloy Timing Pulley 1 Each $12.36

A 6A16-018DF3708 .080 (MXL) Pitch, 18 Teeth, Aluminum Alloy Timing Pulley 1 Each $9.14

A 6B16-D160037 .080" (MXL) Pitch, 160 Teeth, 3/8" Wide, Polyurethane Belt 1 Each $7.18

Then I got a stepper motor with plug installed from Shaun at Zenbot. That makes it real easy to switch Y to A axis. You can use X to A also for longer stock. I have not done that yet.

Some 1/4 inch shaft collars from Graingers and some 1/4 inch bolts, nuts and washers from Lowes, Homedepot or whoever.

I cut all the parts out of red oak. 2 bases, 2 supports, and one motor mount.
I can provide the g-code if you like.

Morton

I too have thought about a fourth axis for my machine. I would like to see the g-code or drawings for this setup. I use Gecko203v's w/906oz/in on my other 3 axises. I would only need to add another 203v and a lighter motor. I have a 72vdc/20amp power supply so this would work nicely. Great job!!!

[rich909]

Hi Morton and all --

<snip>
I am only going to use 3 axis right now by swapping motors. I am using the original Zenbot contrioller. There is a way to fake the 4th axis.

I do have the software that will generate 4th axis G-code so eventually, I will try to use Mach3 to disable X or Y and enable A by changing pin assignments. I know it sounds like I know what I am talking about, but this is all pretty new to me and I have found some good information on the internet. I will post some picture and/or videos of my idea soon I hope.
</snip>

You mentioned having software to generate the 4th Axis, ...what do you use?

I came across this thread:http://www.cnczone.com/forums/produc...ml#post1051691
...and wondered if you have seen this, or if CNCWrapper is what you are using. My understanding is that it essentially converts say X-axis G-code to A-axis, but also provides visualization and Z-axis range checking among other features. It looks like a good tool to have at a cost of only $20.00. A free trial version is available at: CNCWrapper - Home Page

BTW, In the thread (above) there is a video of a cylindrical lithopane being cut using white PVC pipe that is pretty cool. It might be an idea for some low cost future projects.

--Rich

[mwhatch]

Hi,

I use Vectric's Aspire. Very expensive. I could not justify the cost, but bought it anyway.

I have not used CNCwrapper. I have looked at it and from what I have read, it should be an excellent program to use. I need to try it so I can recommend it with my indexer.

Off subject a little, check out this link.

Wall Street II with turquoise inlay - International Association of Penturners

Morton

[rich909]

Hi Morton and all--

Hi,
<snip>
Off subject a little, check out this link.
Wall Street II with turquoise inlay - International Association of Penturners
</snip>

Nice work! Where are you getting the pen kits/internals?

--Rich

[mwhatch]

I get them from Woodcraft, Penn State Industries, Ebay etc. Lots of different places.

morton

[mwhatch]

I could not upload the zip file. So, here are the individual files.
There are 3 images, 3 g-code files, 3 dxf files, and a read me file.
If you use the dxf files, watch the scale. The 3 holes in a row should always be 2.25 inches apart to match and line up with the zenbot table, and you will have to figure out how deep to pocket for the motor.

Good luck

Morton

[mwhatch]

Hi again.

I have found that when I connect the bolts for spindle shaft using the hex coupler, the shaft does not always stay true. So I have ordered a couple of 12" stainless steel bolt to try for a one piece spindle shaft.

On the Zenbot web site, they have a new back plate that raises the router to give more room for a 4th axis. I think I will get one and maybe work on one a little heavier duty.

Morton

[nurflugel]

Got everything hooked up, launched Mach 3 and the machine just sits there (of course, with no directions, nothing happens). Zenbot just hands you the machine and says good luck...

I've downloaded the Mach 3 configuration file from Zenbot's website. How do I load this and what comes next??

TIA,

nurflugel

[rich909]

Hi nurflugel --

Got everything hooked up, launched Mach 3 and the machine just sits there (of course, with no directions, nothing happens). Zenbot just hands you the machine and says good luck...

I've downloaded the Mach 3 configuration file from Zenbot's website. How do I load this and what comes next??

You *may* have already spotted it, but if not check out this post ...which is within this Zenbot QuickStart thread: Zenbot quick start notes

It should answer most of your questions about starting out with Mach 3 on your Zenbot. If not, let me know where you are having specific problems and I will do my best to try to help get you going.

BTW, if you haven't already done so, you might want to sign up for the Unofficial Zenbot User's Group (UZUGR_CNC) which can be found at: UZUGR_CNC : Unofficial Zenbot User's Group

There is also a forum at the ZenbotCNC.com site that you may find helpful.

HTH.

--Rich