Joe's CNC Model 2006

[ger21]

Originally Posted by joe2000che Has anyone Used EMT piping? it is thinner, and i was thinking in this design where the rails are fixed and supported they might workout. Joe

After moving my gantry back and forth by hand, it looks like the bearings are making flats on the galvanized pipe, but only on one side. I think if that's the case, the flatter they get the better, as there will be more contact area. Time will tell what will happen. Keep in mind this is with a 50lb gantry, and the bearings tightened up until there is no play at all.

[spalm]

“making flats on the galvanized pipe, but only on one side”
Is that like a flat tire that in only flat on the bottom?

I used black pipe. With a build like this, and so much tension on the pipes, black paint ends up covering the wheels. It didn’t seem to matter that much, but somehow it does not seem like a good thing. I never did sand it off the rails. But even with galvanized, it might be a good idea to sand a smooth track for the bearings.

Steve

[ger21]

No need to sand them, they are really smooth. The flat is on one pipe, but not the other, and it's very small right now, maybe 1/16" wide. It might just be a softer area on that one pipe.

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by ger21 No need to sand them, they are really smooth. The flat is on one pipe, but not the other, and it's very small right now, maybe 1/16" wide. It might just be a softer area on that one pipe.

Yea the Galv. Gas pipe does not need sanding, Ger21 maybe try to rotate that one pipe? if possible, Mine are not screwed in they are help by pressure and an end pocket the right radius of the pipe then torsion box screwed together.

Joe

[spalm]

OK, guess I haven’t worked with galvanized much.

Joe, looks like a pretty good Z bearing setup. It would allow someone to use non-precision rod also. You really have gotten good at plastic parts routing. I’m impressed.

Steve

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by spalm OK, guess I haven’t worked with galvanized much. Joe, looks like a pretty good Z bearing setup. It would allow someone to use non-precision rod also. You really have gotten good at plastic parts routing. I’m impressed. Steve

Thanks Steve, I have you, ger21, lionclaw and others here on the zone to thank. It is more than just a hobby now.

I enjoy reading here and also trying to combine ideas into something that works for me.

Joe

[ger21]

Originally Posted by joe2000che Ger21 maybe try to rotate that one pipe?

I can't without a lot of disassembly. It was an incredibly tight fit getting it together. But I don't see a problem with it right now, it rolls very smoothly.

[ger21]

I just took a closer look, and it looks like the one side has worn through the galvanizing. Maybe I will try to turn it when I'm installing the Z-axis. The other side has no signs of wear at all. Must be a bad spot on the EMT. I have a panel saw Which uses a similar bearing setup on the same size EMT, and it hasn't worn through with over 10 years of use, but the load is much lighter.

[joecnc2006]

I am using the gas pipe so mine is 1/8" thick I think i will just stick with that, but you are right it maybe the joint or something just in that spot.

[spalm]

Definition from Google:

Define:Glavanized

"A non-permanent metalic finish which wears off with abrasion."

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by spalm Definition from Google: Define:Glavanized "A non-permanent metalic finish which wears off with abrasion."

that would explain it, but on my x axis just testing it is already settled to the steel, but i still think it is better than the black pipeswith paint. plus i like the way it looks.

[spalm]

I know, I just couldn't resist.
I was just trying to learn more and stumbled upon it.