New Machine Build- My inevitable upgrade

[martyb3000]

Why is it we're never happy with our machines?

I've been cruising the forums here for quite a while now. Last fall, I finished my first machine based on the solsylva large dual-leadscrew table.

In case you're wondering about the platform on the far end, its got casters. I tip it on end, and remove the legs for more compact storage.

Its been working wonderfully, with it, I built this nice little number.



All wood gears, the new owner says it keeps beautiful time and has been working flawlessly since I put it up in January. And I've got the gear train cut for a new clock design that I'm putting together.

Full photos of my CNC and the clock build can be found here.
http://penworks.bauerglobal.com/gallery2/main.php
Under the CNC and Clockworks sections.

But of course, enough is never enough and I've started on my upgraded machine.

Taking a few ideas from around here (OK, a lot from regnar). I've begun my build.
X-rails are 1020 from 80/20 with 3/4" EMT bolted to it on the top and bottom for the pipe/bearing movement.

Joe, after your 4x4 build changed to V-bearings, I was VERY tempted to convert my plans over as well, but resisted.



Y-axis is 1530 from 80/20 with 1" EMT bolted on. The Z-carriage has 6 bearings top and bottom to help strengthen the grip.

The Z-axis will glide in 2 3/4" EMT rails pinched between bearing blocks like Regnar's build (sorry, no photo's of it yet).

Right now the x rails are on temporary supports as I work out the design of the base.






Its going to have roughly 40"x28" working area, with about 6" of Z travel.
Enough for my work so far, and to get started with some V-carving.
I'm planning on 1/2"x8 2-start from Roton, and have the 425oz 4-axis kit on the way from Keling. Yes, the X will be driven from both sides. Still have a lot of work to do, but wanted to through this out for anyone who's building, or thinking of building. And I say not too bad for looking at a bunch of pictures, and otherwise making this up as I went along!

I'm not reusing ANY parts from the original machine. As soon as I strip parts, then resale drops to nothing. So if anyone is interested in the old Solsylva machine, it'll be going into the classifieds here sometime this summer! (Iowa pickup only)

So anyone building, or thinking of building. You'll find TONS of ideas around this site, and you'll find the hardest part of building your machine is which of the great ideas you find to include.