New Machine Build- This will be the 5th one

[rlwoodjr]

I always seem to gather more stuff than I need when I get into a hobby so I thought I will build another one...since I have most of the stuff I need.

Cutting size:
X 15", Y 12", and Z 3 "

Threaded rods 5/8-8 ACME threaded rod
Nema 34 (half-heights), 100 ounce/in steppers
5/8" ground and polished rods on bronze bushings.
Some type of dremel sized spindle
Aluminum construction with wood table

[wriley]

Looks good. I'm looking forward to the build pictures.

[rlwoodjr]

Some progress. I cut the rods to length, drilled and tapped the ends (10-32)

[FandZ]

May I ask where you got your bushings and rails from? Those look to be thicker than the normal bushings I've seen.

[rlwoodjr]

Originally Posted by FandZ May I ask where you got your bushings and rails from? Those look to be thicker than the normal bushings I've seen.

I bought them on eBay. I buy most of my stuff there. They are 5/8" ID and 1" OD and are 2" long.

[rlwoodjr]

A little progress. I was hoping to have it done well before Christmas. I think I might sell this one on EBay.

Next I will make the gantry sides....

[FandZ]

Looks pretty and beefy at the same time. Since you may be selling it, you should round out the front corners of the top Z axis plate. The one holding the z axis rails, like you did with your spindle holder. Speaking of spindles, what is that you have mounted there? Looks interesting.

[Arquibaldo]

rlwoodjr:

Congratulations - beautiful workmanship.

Any chance of disclosure of the drawings?

What kind of nuts are you planning to use on those 5/8-8 ACME threaded rods?

Aren't you worried about gantry racking, with a single central screw?

Like FandZ, I'm also very interested in knowing more about that spindle...

Nelson

[rlwoodjr]

Originally Posted by FandZ Looks pretty and beefy at the same time. Since you may be selling it, you should round out the front corners of the top Z axis plate. The one holding the z axis rails, like you did with your spindle holder. Speaking of spindles, what is that you have mounted there? Looks interesting.

Thanks. Yes, I still will need to sand and break corners. The spindle is one I found on EBay. You can find them listed under "flexible shaft"

[rlwoodjr]

Originally Posted by Arquibaldo rlwoodjr: Congratulations - beautiful workmanship. Any chance of disclosure of the drawings? What kind of nuts are you planning to use on those 5/8-8 ACME threaded rods? Aren't you worried about gantry racking, with a single central screw? Like FandZ, I'm also very interested in knowing more about that spindle... Nelson

Thanks, I actually do not have drawings. I modelled it in ProE, I just pull up each piece when I am making it.

I make my own nuts out of the UHMWPE to use with the 5/8-8 ACME thread.

Since the machine is small I am not worried about racking. I have built a small MDF like this one. I did not notice any racking.

[rlwoodjr]

Close-up of the spindle

[rlwoodjr]

A little progress....