K2 Linear Slide with 3KW Spindle

[Dan911]

Hello All,

I'm in the process of buying parts for my build and my K2 6" slide and 3kw spindle arrived. I didn't realize how heavy the 3kw spindle was until picking it up, then reading packaging label (20 pounds).

My question and concerns is if the K2 slide capable of handling this weight?
I repeatedly searched there site and net but couldn't find any specs on maximum weight.

Dan

[zool]

Remember the telephone?

Why don't you just call them?

[Dan911]

Originally Posted by zool Remember the telephone? Why don't you just call them?

I emailed K2 before this post, I posted here hoping to hear from some1 with experiece using the K2 slide with the 3kw spindle.

[Dan911]

It clearly states on the K2 site the max load is 25LBS.

The 3KW spindle is approximately 19lbs. Once fabricating a sturdy router mount I do expect to be under the max load, but I still have my concerns.

I've been debating if I should just put the K2 slide aside for a future second build, or is it possible to beef it up to handle this weight.

After some research I concluded 1 of the main parts limiting the slide to 25LBS is the kerk anti-backlash nut. It's a ZBX series nut and the dynamic load is 25lbs. Unfortunately there isn't a direct replacement with a higher dynamic load.

Kerk does have WDG series nut that is close in size and will up the dynamic load to 75lbs, but it will involve slight modifications to the nut flange and the aluminum plate.

The Wdg series nut cost $96.00 but Haydon Kerk didn't seem to have any in stock, hopefully after a good night sleep and a call to them tomorrow will help me decide if this is worth doing.

Any input/thoughts will be appreciated,
Dan

[Phife]

any way to counter balance or use an air cylinder to reduce some the the load the nut would have to lift?

[Dan911]

Originally Posted by Phife any way to counter balance or use an air cylinder to reduce some the the load the nut would have to lift?

Hey Phife, want to apologize for the very late response but also thank you for a good idea. I got disgusted with my project when I realized everything I purchased was a mistake(IE:3kw spindle with a K2 linear slide)and took a break.

Hopefully with your Idea I fixed 1 of my mistakes, I picked up some Pneumatic cylinder actuator's with a precision Pneumatic Regulator.







I'm expecting my 1 touch fittings from automation4less this week, I plan on using mufflers for the top ports of the cylinders, I'm hoping for some help on the psi setting for the bottom ports.

Spindle and mount is app. 22 pounds

Thanks,
Dan

[APinSoFla]

I have a question, if you don't mind...

Did you consider a gas spring instead of the air cylinder? If so, what was it about them that caused you to reject them as a solution?

I ask because I intend to use one in an eventual router but will reconsider if there's something about them that I'm just not aware of.

Thx,
AP

[Dan911]

Originally Posted by APinSoFla I have a question, if you don't mind... Did you consider a gas spring instead of the air cylinder? If so, what was it about them that caused you to reject them as a solution? I ask because I intend to use one in an eventual router but will reconsider if there's something about them that I'm just not aware of. Thx, AP

I haven't considered them until a google search after reading your post, from what I read so far it seems both are doing the same thing, counter balancing the weight.

I'm still in the learning process myself, I'm wondering if a regulator and compressor is needed and could be replaced with a expansion tank.

I'm expecting my fittings any day, Automation4less don't give a tracking # but I'm hoping for tomorrow. Once received and after some experimenting I will post my findings and hopefully it could help.

Good luck with you build,
Dan

[Dan911]

I received my fittings and was able to test and I'm extremely happy with results, I'm confident this will fix the weight maximums for the K2 slide and work well with my 3kw spindle.

I tested with a spare actuator tied to my 3kw spindle, the regulator was set at 1MPa and I was able to lift with a finger.

I made a video but I aplogize for the very poor quality.

cncforum 005.avi - YouTube

cncforum 005.avi - YouTube

EDIT- reg setting is 0.1 MPa app 14psi, NOT 1 MPa.

[Dan911]

Hello All, as you can barely see from video I used 1 Pneumatic cylinder to get the correct setting for regulator to balance weight for spindle. I have 2 Pneumatic cylinders connected to my spindle mount with a T fitting from regulator feeding both.

My question and concern is do I keep the setting on reg the same?? I don't want to end up applying excessive force the other way.

I only have 1 spare cylinder to test with and I'm trying to avoid taking the Z axis apart to use another Pneumatic cylinder to test with.

Hoping some1 can help,
Dan

[Dan911]

I'm anxious to continue with build so I went ahead and disconnected spindle mount from K2 slide and answered my own question.(pic 1)

Pic 3 you can see the spindle in the half position with cylinder holding it's weight but not pulling up. I could push it up or down with a finger. I had to lean it back on wall to take picture, but that's not how I tested.

[Dan911]

I see there's quite a few views on this so I figured I'll follow through to completion.

I added a 1/4 back to stiffen things up, it is also used to mount my water cooling system. I'm waiting for a delivery of a 3"x.25"x96" length and 2 gussets, once received I'll add a piece of the 3"x.25 plate to each side from top to bottom. I think this will help tie everything together and eliminate any possible deflection. The gussets will go under the 2 steel L brackets.