Steele and aluminum first project

[Coogrrr]

Well I have started gathering all my parts to build my first CNC machine based loosely on David Steele's belt driven plans. I say loosely as I am using 4 axis an all steel fram solid rails with linear bearings etc etc. Pics all the way and I will beg for and give freely, help.


Here is the frame which was 4 x 1.5 channel steel a bit rusty til i cleaned it. I have it primered and holes taped in one side and then larger holes on the other to allow for adjusting the rails to square.

[Coogrrr]

I know this is out of the go cheap locally method for David's plans but I choose some linear bearing and rails to handle X and Y and Z axis these are solid 20mm bars with "c" shaped linear bearings they are sold as "cnc" bearings in fact.

http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/CTG...rMotionSystems

I am using the blocks on each end and to support the middle areas I am useing a piece of angle cut to hieght and screwed to the steel channel. This will give a wider support then a screw/bolt and will be easier to make and mount then drill/tapping the solid round bar.

This rail set will give a better connection to hook to so I dont need to thread through "gas" pipe and I wont have to manufacture the skate bearing solution either.

[thkoutsidthebox]

I'll be watching this closely, can't wait to see how you add in the 4th axis. Do you have any pics of the changes from the Solsylva plans, or perhaps jsut tell us them?



Best of luck with your build.

[Coogrrr]

The end channels are there so I can do a drop plate and mount the 4th axis from end to end stepper on one end and a screw/bearing adjustment thing I havent thought up yet to squish the other end.

[Coogrrr]

So now with the primer on and the holes drilled I mounted the rails with bearings onto the frame.

I think the angle at 1/3 spacing under the rails will give more than adequate support but I will test deflection at wieght.

[Coogrrr]

I just got all my flatbar and angle aluminum. NOW to start on the Y axis mounting sizeing etc etc....

[Coogrrr]

Little frustrated with not having all the right drill bits... I am looking for a solution that will drill 7/8 and 1" holes into aluminum?? anyone..?? anyone..?? Bueller?? anyone?????

[thkoutsidthebox]

I'd suggest buying the right bits! hehe.

Looking good already.

IMHO any TiN or TiTN bits (Gold coloured coating) will give you long and dutiful service in your aluminium. Thats what Im using, and Im off to buy some more bits tomorrow. I dont have an 8mm wood bit so had to stop working om my router until tomorrow.

[Coogrrr]

I am not using "gas" pipe for my rails as I went with solid steel and linear bearing from vxb see previous post. I needed a way to secure proper hieght across the length of X and Y and hated the thought of drilling and taping round stock so I came up with this concept.

The aluminum is 1/8th or 1/4th and the part touching the rail will be slightly concave to mate to the 20mm rail. The part on the frame is bolted down but sloted for adjustment. Hieght adjustment is in the form of shims if need be but I plan to cut these to the exact hieght of the pillow blocks on the ends. The blue arrow in the last pic points to the open end of the linear bearing and how it clears the support bracket.

What ya think? will work wont work?

[Coogrrr]

oh BTW I borrowed a set of 1" and 7/8 drill bits for the 4 stupid holes I need to cut. WOOT!!!

[Oce]

Good job Coogrr! I'm going with the same thing from vxb, keep us posted about how the support for the roundbar works out!
Have you taken any notice of the amount of play in the bearings?

[Coogrrr]

well if I grab one I can say that there is at least a little .002ish play but I am using 2 on each and every axis/rail so 4 for each 2 left and 2 right.

With a angle strung between then my gantry plate comming down to that it should be very square and tight.

In fact the more square they are the less they drag so the object is to get them aligned very well.

I will let you know more when I get that done and pics will follow.

Coog