Need Help!- First build need help with z axis

[IdeaMan]

So i'm building my cnc router out of 80/20 with tefflon slided. I added some picks so you could see what im doing. I am going with belt drive for both my x and y axis but i cant think of a way to do my z axis. Any ideas?

[FandZ]

Woohoo, what's this? Not so fast there buddy. You're going to have give us some more information on those linear slides you plan on useing. I have to say, that looks like on slick setup.

And man, what did you use to render those images with? I never got solid works to look that good.

How is the 80/20 feeling? Are you able to detect any deflection by hand?

Sorry for so many Q's but that's an interesting build there.

[FandZ]

Oh yea, Z axis. On my build I went in a similar direction as you, (although mine looks ghetto) with one piece coming down and mounting a router to it. Unfortunately, My camera is out of batteries or else I'd post up a real picture. but here is a sketchup of it. The acme screw isn't in the sketch but I'm sure you will get the idea. Hopefully it'll give you some Ideas.

I'll try and come back and post a few pictures of my setup.

[ahren]

Fine Line Automation sells a z axis kit that mounts directly to a piece of 8020's 1530 material. (Disclaimer -- I happen to be a fan of it since it uses my parts). You can also just use the same idea with your teflon slides, running a screw over the top of them. Good luck with your build!

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com

[IdeaMan]

Those pics are from photo veiw 360 its a new feature of the solidworks 2009. Its nice i really like it! ok on the cnc i dont have slop in my x or y. The z has a little but i think if i flip one of my slides over it will take care of that. They push alright, i only have to put like 2 pounds of pressure on it. Ok so I am doing a belt on the x and y if you look you can see the pullys that im putting them on. I wanted to do a belt on the z also but im thinking ill have to go with a screw drive. Any ideas, pros and cons?

[FandZ]

Originally Posted by IdeaMan Those pics are from photo veiw 360 its a new feature of the solidworks 2009. Its nice i really like it! ok on the cnc i dont have slop in my x or y. The z has a little but i think if i flip one of my slides over it will take care of that. They push alright, i only have to put like 2 pounds of pressure on it. Ok so I am doing a belt on the x and y if you look you can see the pullys that im putting them on. I wanted to do a belt on the z also but im thinking ill have to go with a screw drive. Any ideas, pros and cons?

Z axis's are tricky. On my next build the first thing I'm going to build will be the Z axis. I really like the idea of a cable driven Z, just not sure how you would pull it off. Wouldn't mine seeing a cad image of you're cable drivin z axes concept.

If money isn't an issue, I'd consider what Ahren is saying. Why design and build one if you don't have to. I came so close to ordering a K2 Z axis. But I had this goal of making a completely hardware store cnc and once I have a goal it's hard for me to back down.

[IdeaMan]

I think i may have found what i'm going to do. If I epoxy in a timing belt to the inside of my 80/20 then put gears on both sides it should work. the only thing is I am not sure if my steppers can hold that much weight. There will be fricton with my slides and my gears but over time it will loosen up. What do you think?

[FandZ]

Well, if you're worried about weight, you could always use a counter weight. You can also use a stronger stepper since it is on the Z and rapids are not as crucial there.

You do have some options to consider. I wish I knew more to really give you some good advice. Hopefully someone with some solid experience will come by and post. Certainly like the originality of your build.