Not a new build, always evolving lol.

[mike2768]

Hi everyone, I've been building this machine for a while now. I had it done once already (are they ever really done lol) anyway I've upgraded my 20mm TBR supported rails to THK SHS20 (found a great deal) I also upgraded (made by me) the Z axis, and also installed a rack and pinion set up from CNCRouterParts on the axis with the THK SHS20. Have a look I've included a few picture.

Thanks,
Mike

[mike2768]

I might have a line on some SBR/TBR 25mm rails and bearings, anyone interested let me know.

[Drools]

Looks good Mike, your gantry looks very much like mine execpt for my rails are HSR25 a little under a quarter inch larger. I'm using a 1/2-10 2 start screw and DumpsterCNC nut but I have been thinking about up upgrading to a more efficient system like the R&P from Ahren or ballscrews.
What made you go with the R&P over a ballscrew?
To compare Rapids what Accel and Vel are you getting with the R&P?

[mike2768]

I went with the rack and pinion because "A" I already had the rack part of it and I've seen a lot of YouTube videos with them and they seem to work very well. As for rapids hold on to your hat :-) I was just playing around a little today for the first time after the install of the new parts and I got to 600 ipm and the accel is only 50 it will go a lot fast I would think 1200 ipm plus. I got 2200 ipm with my first set up with the roller chain, still running the chain on the other axis and a 1605 ballscrew on the Z axis. The Z axis I have it only set to if I remember right 200 ipm, I was setting up my other new stuff today with the THK SHS20 the only thing so far is the rack and pinion has a little noise, but I don't mind because you won't here it when the router is fired up lol.

Mike

[mike2768]

Drools, where you from. I see the Tim Hortons cup in the back ground lol.

[Drools]

Northern ontario (SSM) Mike.

[mike2768]

I'm from about an hour north of Toronto.

[PaulRowntree]

I'm from about an hour north of Toronto.

Hey Mike, I am here in Guelph.
Cheers!

[Drools]

Mike, did you purchase the rack itself from Ahren or McMaster?

[mike2768]

I got mine from motiontek.

Mike

[mike2768]

Well I did my first aluminum part yesterday, I think it turned out pretty good. I hope the edge finish will be better if I was to use a O-flute cutter for aluminum. I wonder if the edge finish is normal when using rack and pinion or similar drive system.

[RomanLini]

It looks like that is extruded aluminium bar?? That is one of the worst materials to machine so you did alright. With a decent grade of plate aluminium you would have got a better surface finish.

If you want a real nice surface finish then use a 4flute endmill designed for metal, and a real light finishing pass at full depth taking off just a fraction of metal. That will give better size tolerances than the main cut and a much nice finish.