Help With Z-Axis Design

[JavaDog]

I'm kinda stuck as how to proceed with the building of my Z-Axis. I have my linear slide and ballscrew assm. but I'm not sure the best way to make everything work together - hoping y'all have some input/ideas.

Here are my components laid out on the Alum. plate that will make up half of my Z-axis (will be mounted to Y-Axis ballscrew/rails).





There is a 1" height difference between the Bearing-Block and the Ballscrew Mount/Support. I'm thinking the best way is to use a 1" rectangle of aluminum to "build-up" the height/distance between the Bearing-Block? Something like this:

Version 1:


So, any thoughts? Would I be better off doing the reverse and mounting the linear-bearing onto the filler block? Like this:

Version 2:

[High Seas]

JavaDog - it looks like an advantage to "Version 1", would be - if you ever wanted to change out what ever tool you put on the Z - you could just swap out the "filler plate." Also the filler plate could do double duty as the mount for the router etc. Personally I'd go for the ballscrew behind the Z-axis plate - but a little tough to do with some designs. Jim

[bigz1]

I am in the process of building my Z axis(1st CNC router). I have the same problem and decided to go with "Version 1" for the same reasons outlined by High Seas. I have decided against putting the ACME thread behind the z plate in order to have a larger cutting area(its always that mm you dont have that you need). Although I appreciate the screw would be better protected from dust by mounting it behind the z axis plate.

[JavaDog]

Yeah, I'm thinking Version 1 is the way to go too. There really isn't any way I could put the ballscrew behind the plate though, just wouldn't work with my set-up...

[DennisCNC]

You can do something similar to what I did.

PIC
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4302/zslide7nv.jpg

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by DennisCNC You can do something similar to what I did. PIC

Now that's a neat set-up! Not sure how I would make that work with my ballscrew though...

[bigz1]

Heres a pic of my WIP. Just slapped it together to see how it works. Z plate needs to be thicker .I need some countersunk bolts and waiting on ACME thread to arrive. Antibacklash nut is from DumpsterCNC. I may put an additional 2 carriages on rails if the thicher z plate still exhibts deflection(Just trying to keep 6.5" of travel instead of 5"). X axis will also have 2 linear rails measuring 780mm. Y axis will have 4 x 1500mm 25mm rods with skate bearings.

[Rance]

bigz, What kind of material is that Black & White stuff? Thanks.

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by Rance bigz, What kind of material is that Black & White stuff? Thanks.

He has it listed in his thread, here is the link..

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=29

"tufnol"

Joe

[ViperTX]

Version 1 is the way to go, but are you only planning to support the ballscrew at one end? Also determine how and where you'll mount the drive motor for the z-axis.

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by ViperTX Version 1 is the way to go, but are you only planning to support the ballscrew at one end? Also determine how and where you'll mount the drive motor for the z-axis.

No, I'm making a bearing-block for it. There is a 10-32 threaded hole in the end of the ballscrew.

The servo is going to be on the back, behind the Y-Axis on a mounting plate.

[signIT]

Hi,

I use Micarta for some applications, it is almost the same as Tufnol, I suppose that when you machine Micarta or Tufnol it may be dangerous for your health the dust may be harmful.

I also want to make bearing support with this material as my new mill is a small hobby machine it wouldn't take thick aluminium, can I use it as bearing suport in a cnc router that will be used for cutting aluminium sheets.

I suppose that the material that are used in such place can be made of plastic or am I wrong.

Signit