Build Thread- 8020... yup another one.

[DEDan]

I have finally started working on my 2x3 CNCRouterParts build. So far, I have cut my 8020 to size, modifying the design to use up all 3 pieces of 97 inch 1530 with only a 1/4 inch piece left in the end. The main frame is drilled and tapped except for the x-axis support beam. It quickly became too late to drill (wife and kids are in bed.)

I decided to put it together to get an idea on what it will look like on it's legs. The legs I am going to use are from a GCX roll stand that was used to mount a patient monitor. I was able to scavenge 4 of them from an upgrade I recently did at a local hospital. (I repair medical equipment for a living.) They are actually upside down, but the original bottom had a chunk of aluminum pressed into it that was already center tapped with the standard thread that this machine uses. I will probably add some supports from the legs to the frame to tighten things up if it is too wobbly. My 36 inch piece of 3030 should arrive tomorrow. It seems that a blizzard will delay delivery...

The next step is to get the cold rolled steel. Like I said before, this is a slightly modified design, so I have to find someplace nearby to get it.

I still need to decide on which ACME screws to get: 1/2 10 single start or 1/2 10 5 start?????

Here's a few pictures of the progress so far...

1. The only leftover 8020.
2. All the cut parts, bearing blocks, z-axis plate.
3. Main frame.
4. Main frame again.
5. Close up of the leg attached with a lag bolt.

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by DEDan I still need to decide on which ACME screws to get: 1/2 10 single start or 1/2 10 5 start?????

Get the 5 start!! It is definitely well worth the extra expense. You will not be happy with the slowness of the 1 start screws and will buy the 5 start screws later anyway. Why buy screws and nuts twice? (like I did )

CarveOne

[DEDan]

Where is the best place to buy the 5 start screws?

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by DEDan Where is the best place to buy the 5 start screws?

I got mine from McMaster-Carr back in June 2008 for $55.77, but they have gone up since then. Part# 99030A704 plain carbon steel precision Acme threaded rod, right hand thread 5 starts. They come in stainless and black anodized also.

Not sure where there are better prices on them. I can jog my Z axis at 600 IPM and could do the same with the Y axis before switching the Y axis to R&P drive to match speeds with the X axis R&P drives.

CarveOne

[DEDan]

Motors, controllers, and power supply are on the way. I also picked up the cold rolled steel for the x and y axis. My local supply house did not have any 4in for the Z. But I can worry about that later. They did have all the carriage bolts, and nuts for $1.25 per pound. I picked up more than I needed for $4. It is a place in Delaware at the end of Old Airport Road that deals in scrap metal. Most of it is brand new, they buy out businesses.

Next is to build the gantry. All the 8020 is cut, but still needs to be drilled and tapped.

[DEDan]

Received my motors, power supplies and drivers today. Working on testing them all...

4 Parker OEM750 Drivers
4 Superior Electric Slo-Syn Nema 34 motors Type KLM091F07
2 Parker OEM300 Power Supplies
2 Noise Filters

All that for $174 including shipping

[DEDan]

I got a little more done today.

I had to take everything apart last week and square up my cuts in the 8020. I did this on a large belt sander at a friends woodworking shop. Then I had to file the edges of the CRS to make sure they were straight. That was a real pain...

I got the gantry built, and square, and rolling nice and smooth. I drilled the CRS for the y axis and mounted it and the Z carriage. I will have to remove it to paint it, but I just wanted to see it on there.

Next, I need to get my ACME screws, bearing blocks, and other assorted mechanical parts.

[LEVONCNCDUDE18]

I've make my own stepper driver the interface is DB25 pin>> and my software is mach3..
any one try a usb converter ,do you think is it working ... What software can be converted to usb..