New Machine Build- Question about using nuts and bolts.

[Broken Balsa]

On the plans there are many places that thread bolts into the material. I am wondering is there any reason where practicle, you can just drill through and use a bolt with a washer and nut. It seems to me that this would be stronger as long as you used a good flat washer, maybe even a lock washer on the back of it.
I have only been working on this now for a couple of days but have most of the gantry frame cut out and some of it drilled. I made the adjusting rod blocks from UHMW which seems to work well and I have a large sheet of it so its avalible. I intend to build it to plan size and specs for the most part. I think I will turn down the pipe in a lathe to true it and get rid of any rough surface blemishes. Any way I would welcome any imput any one has. I am an accomplished r/c model builder but this is my first attempt at this. I have all the basic tools plus, table saw, table jig saw, band saw, belt sander, drill press plus hand tools. I find myself sometime looking at a part and wondering how it fits but if I look long enough it kind of comes together. Still I have to wonder if I'm right or not. I will put up pictures of my progress if I can figure out how to do it.The picture is yesterday and what I have cut out so far... any feed back is welcome...Ron

[tajord]

Hey Ron,

IMO based on my experience with my jgro, bolts, bolts & nuts or screws can work as long as they don't get in the way of any of the mechanics, some have said going the route with the bolts allow for disassembly & reassembly but this wasn't important in my build so i used screws and filled them all before painting it, a much cleaner look i think, but that's just me, i haven't had any issues in that area, my advice to you is it's mainly a matter of personal preference for the most part.

[Broken Balsa]

Thanks tajord. I was not planning on taking it apart when it is finished. I was going to use titebond resin glue along with the screws and bolt and filling sounds like a very nice touch. I will do that also. Fishing will interfear a little with the project but not to much. Wife says we will go up to the lakes with the motor home or else. Being retired has some advantage I guess. ...Ron

Quck update. Only got to work on the project part of the day but got some done. I made a jig for punching holes in the edge of the pieces. Works pretty well. Did get a little assembly done today. Added a picture that showes it plus some of the parts that are made...Ron

[Broken Balsa]

I got to spend a little more time on the project today. Got what I have done bolted together. If anyone reading this posting has a good picture of the bolt assembly on the bottom of the ganty that moves it back and forth, I would sure appreciate it. Anyway here are some pictures of what I did today. So far its been an enjoyable build.

[JOE65]

Here are some images, good shot of the gantry assembly.

[Broken Balsa]

Thanks JOE65. I am trying to visualize what the part looks like. I will make it from Delrin. I recieved a large block of it from my brother. Enough to do a lot of machines I'm thinking. I intend to use a .50" lead screw. I just have to figure out what start to use. I also am wondering if the delrin is threaded to recieve the lead screw and if so how do you thread it. I don't have that tap in my tool box. I guess I may have to go buy one if needed. The picture is of the block of delrin I got.

[JOE65]

Hereis a shot of the antibacklash nut assembly

[Broken Balsa]

Thats a good picture. Now I see what it looks like. For some reason I just could not see it from the plans. I will have to get a tap for what ever thread I decide on. Much thanks Joe65...Ron

[Broken Balsa]

I have come to the following as far as the lead screws and stepping motors go. I would accept any input as to mistakes I am about to make. Don’t need to do things twice or pay for mistakes if they can be avoided.

1/2" Four Bolt Flange Bearing
SKU: UCF201-08
These will come from,
http://www.thebigbearingstore.com/se...l?sfs=47e19780

½-10 single start acme from Enco and also their nuts.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=408-0220

couplers from dumpstercnc. An extra expense but I think very time saving.

http://www.dumpstercnc.com/acme_couplers.html

3-Axis SideStep CNC Stepper Motor Driver Kit From Probotix.

http://www.probotix.com/index.php?vi...&product_id=18

One thing I am not sure about is how many acme nuts to order or if I need them at all. Would appreciate help with that. I hope the equipment I listed above will work well. Any input gladly accepted….Ron

Small update....got the bearings placed on the Y axis and gave what is done so far a coat of sealer...

[Broken Balsa]

Got to spend time on the project today. Will just post a picture of what I did and enough said. I use the table saw to dado out the slots. I will fill the over run with a filler and it will go away.

[Broken Balsa]

Made progress over the week end. Ordered lead screws, flange bearings and couplers today. Will also go get the rails today. I ran out of 5/16x1.25 full thread bolts. This thing sure takes a lot of nuts and bolts. Just a few more parts to cut out and the entire gantry is done. Then cutting all those braces for the base and table. So far still fun though.

[Broken Balsa]

I got my rails yesterday and just had to stick in a set of them... the unit rides smooth and goes back and forth just like its suppose to. I think the lead screws will be here today. Going to attack the router mounting plate and holder today and then start on the base. Such fun....