protecting/cleaning lead screw

[project5k]

I'm wondering how one would protect the lead screw under the table from getting covered in cuttings... i would think that if the screw is spinning that would sling off most of the stuff.. but some will still stick and get into the nut... do you use a wiper, or brush infront and behind the nut, or what is the commonly accepted and or proven method of taking care of this??? ive even gone so far as to consider some sort of ultra light weight accordian bellows situation that the screw rides in....

[ViperTX]

For wipers some here are using silcone caulk, personally I still think that you need some type of bellows....I'm not at that stage in my construction, but I anticipate that I'll need a bellows of some type.

[jseiler]

I had the same problem. I have a older shopbot PR32. It's the one with ball screws and unistrut contruction. Its a moving table design which exposes the y axis ball screw and dust will find it. I ended up mounting a sheet of fiberglass fire blanket on each end of the table which drapes over the end of the table supports. Works pretty well and I rarely have to clean my y screw. Now if I can just come up with something for the x screw which is suspended over the table.

Actually, I'm quite shocked that more people aren't replicating the pr32 as home builts. Unistrut, conduit, patio door rollers, misc extrusion. About the only custom stuff are the pieces that hold the unistrut together.

John

[project5k]

could you post a couple pics of this thing?
i have an idea, but would like to conferm it by seeing what you have

[txcowdog]

I use older style ShopVac hose that collapses easily. It is basically a large spring covered in plastic. I can only find it at a vacuum cleaner supply because Home Depot only carries the newer style of hose that is hard plastic that bends easily but does not collapse. Attach the hose at both ends over the screw and it expands and contracts easily keeping the screw spotless.

[jseiler]

Originally Posted by project5k could you post a couple pics of this thing? i have an idea, but would like to conferm it by seeing what you have

No problem. Here are a few pix. First one shows a closeup of the z axis. The second one shows an overall view and you can see the fire blanket at the back of the table draped over the back motor support. The third is a shot from under the table showing the y axis screw and associated mess. I may be able to take some better shots later, if you need to see more.

John

[bigz1]

Am thinking of using an old bikes rubber inner tube. I intend to cut a small square of rubber and punching a small hole through the centre(a lot smaller than the ACME thread). Thread the rod through the hole and clamping between the antibacklash nut and a faceplate. I will post the results on my Clueless newbie thread(hopefully in the next couple of weeks).

[project5k]

ok, i got the idea now... i will say that i do like the sould of the vac hose tho... what kind of stretch and collapse do you get, say a 1' peice relaxed, will stretch to?? and will colapse to???

[txcowdog]

I just stretched the hose out, laid it against the leadscrew at max. travel, and cut it at that length, but, I also used a 2" hose. The 2" collapsed easier and allowed for more compression.

[mxtras]

Someone here used a Slinky covered with a nylon stocking - I believe there were pics posted on this site, but I cannot locate any at the moment.

Scott

[project5k]

slinky huh??? i hope it was one of thoes plastic ones.. but thats not a half bad idea... heck thats a pretty engenious idea!!!

[CNCRob]

Originally Posted by txcowdog I use older style ShopVac hose that collapses easily. It is basically a large spring covered in plastic. I can only find it at a vacuum cleaner supply because Home Depot only carries the newer style of hose that is hard plastic that bends easily but does not collapse. Attach the hose at both ends over the screw and it expands and contracts easily keeping the screw spotless.

That seems like a pretty good ideal. Do you have any pics of the setup. Something I could print out and take around to see if any of the shops around here sell them.