Converting Soft Rack to Leadscrew NEED HELP

[jstrait76]

Hello,

I am trying to get my machine working again but better.

I have attached pictures to show what I am wanting to do with my PCNC Automation Machine.


I have never gotton this machine to work right even when new and I have other machines with screws and they work great..

The First Pics show what I have to work with and the last I saw on cncrouterparts.com

I need to know what I need to by to get my x axis looking like this..

PLease Help...
Thanks in advance

[ahren]

Hi Jstrait,

Is PCNC not able to help you out with this machine? While it's likely possible to convert it to work with my components, this may be a more expensive route, and will require getting rid of a lot of their components.

Most importantly, I'm not sure if my parts are compatible with their extrusion. What is the profile of extrusion on your machine? If you measure the outside dimensions carefully, I can let you know.

Best regards,

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com

[jstrait76]

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...cnc+automation

PCNC is and has been no help with this.

I am wondering what to do with it other than collect dust.

I bought his first machine and the belt system blows on it..

I will measure the extrusion today, and let you know...

Thanks,

Jesse

[luthier]

Hey Jesse,
After reading your question, I went down to survey what was under the cover on my machine. Now granted, my experience is limited to building only 2 cnc machines from scratch, but this is how I would probably approach a conversion. The ends of the 80/20 on the two axes would have to be where I'd put the anchors/bearings/motors for the lead screws. Right now they put those black plastic trim covers. I think a piece of aluminum plate shaped like a block letter backwards L would do it, at least on the Y and then something similar on the x's. Your motor would go on one and the other end would be your bearing. Where the motor gear is now, I think you would have to have an angled part to hold your zero backlash bearing mount. Obviously, the wiring would need to get moved, but I think it would be doable for less than you think. The backwards L plates would probably be need to be machined by a mill/machinist. If everything is all apart, I might take some thicker cardboard and just mock something up using a dowel as your" screw". You would have to have some accuracy in your parts as the space you have to work in is limited. With the motors on the ends of the 80/20, you get longer and wider by the length of those added parts. Just my 2 cents.
Marty