Aluminum T-Slot Build Using Misumi Extrusion

[Bear5k]

IC...Is that your original bracket? What's the pitch of that ball screw? 1/2"/rev...

Yes, it's my original screw and BK/BF brackets (came with the screw). The screw is 25mm in diameter with a 10mm lead (basically 1" and 2/5", respectively). I might be able to reclaim one of the BK brackets for the new screw if I pull the trigger. The BF bracket may not work at all (no snap ring machining in the new screw). Fortunately, Misumi sells new BK brackets for less than half the price of what Automation4Less shows as the price for a new NSK bracket, and the ones from Misumi have the exact same dimensions (no comment from me on that one, but it's a tempting coincidence).

[steeltoes]

Hmmm that is a coincidence...just like lipo cells for RC...there are like 3 manufactures that supply the world...It wouldn't suoprise me if they make them and white label them for someone else...Where do you get the Misumi extrusion from?

[Bear5k]

Hmmm that is a coincidence...just like lipo cells for RC...there are like 3 manufactures that supply the world...It wouldn't suoprise me if they make them and white label them for someone else...Where do you get the Misumi extrusion from?

Misumi's Us website: us.misumi-ec.com

They have a 30% 'off' your first order promotion going on (limit: $150 rebated back to you). A lot of the stuff I am getting made has 'Made in Japan' on it, but the basic extrusion machining mostly seems to be coming from the US.

[RTP_Burnsville]

Have not scene much activity on this build and wanted to know how it was progressing? Any new and exciting updates? Would you happen to have a couple photos of gantry connection to the base rails?

Have been messing with the Misumi DVD models and configuration tools, very interesting way to go.

Thanks,
Robert

[Bear5k]

Have not scene much activity on this build and wanted to know how it was progressing? Any new and exciting updates? Would you happen to have a couple photos of gantry connection to the base rails?

Have been messing with the Misumi DVD models and configuration tools, very interesting way to go.

Thanks,
Robert

Unfortunately, I got to the "tool steel" part of the program about the same time that the weather decided that the upper 90s wasn't hot enough. Since my shop and my garage are one and the same, and both are detached from the house and aren't air conditioned, once the temp inside the shop went over 100 degrees, I put things aside. Hopefully I'll pick this back up here soon.

Aside from the practical issues of heat stroke/heat exhaustion and sweaty hands/fingers not having the best grip or dexterity, a quick review of chemistry also says that working in this environment was sub-optimal.

As most folks are no doubt aware, galvanic corrosion occurs when there is an electrical potential between two materials (typically metals) while in the presence of an electrolytic solution (something that conducts). While sea water is most often cited as an example, human sweat has a remarkable similarity to sea water, and can more than happily fill-in as the required liquid. Throw in good tool steel (aka linear rails) and aluminum (the chassis), and my paranoia kicks in for keeping all sweat away from the machine at this stage of the build. Yes, it's paranoia, but I've also had to replace the aluminum handlebars on my road bike after two years. My sweat dripped down my arms, went through the bar tape, and collected where the steel strap that connects the brake/shifters ("brifters") to the handlebars attaches to the handlebar itself. I'm not excited about introducing any form of corrosion or other mechanical weakening into the system, so call it paranoia tempered with a dash of personal experience. Whether laziness is really the excuse and a desire not to work in the shop when internal temps are over 110 degrees, I'll leave that judgment to the reader.

My hope is that the temperatures will break here in another few weeks so I can comfortably get back to work on this.

In the meantime, Misumi announced a price increase effective for Oct. 1, so those interested in using Misumi products may want to do some investigations on what's changing and whether it affects their decisions.

[RTP_Burnsville]

Thanks for the update.... I can certainly understand temp extremes as our frigid cold is not far away. My issues are getting bigger items to and from the shop in winter with ice and snow limiting access, hate it, hate it, hate it!!! So ready to retire to a moderate place where humans can actually survive year-round!

Will look forward to your updates later.

Robert

[PLHS54]

Any updates on this?

[Bear5k]

Any updates on this?

Not too much progress recently, I'm afraid. This summer in Houston, we had sustained temperatures over 100 degrees for way too long. Then I had some extended business travel. And then we had twins... I really missed my window to power through this build. However, all hope is not lost!

What I can update: Misumi seems to have made some progress (maybe they read the thread?) on their aluminum extrusion offerings. Some people will be interested in the new lower-cost line of extrusion (EFS series), which should give a lot of places a run for the money in terms of cost.

For me, though, they seem to have finally added a few of the factory machining options I've been wanting, including being able to spec half millimeter hole locations. I've got a running change planned to take advantage of this (as well as putting more funds into the project), but this is going to have to wait until after my daughters are sleeping through the night. Power tools and long-term sleep deprivation don't make a good combo.

[EKFER]

Esteemed Bear5k: I read your post with the same interest I would read a good book. Your detailed information and recomendations are noted. I can only hope the weather gets real hot or cold where you live so that you may have additional time to continue writing about your project the way you do.
I'm also building a 3 axis machine. I have machined the parts, purchased the ballscrews/linear bearings and converted an old paper cutter for the support.
However, I'm still trying to decide what to do for the tool-holding table which is 381mm x 920.75. I was considering the 8020 extrusions until you recomended the Misumi. I'll look into that. Thank you and give us more!

[Bear5k]

Esteemed Bear5k: I read your post with the same interest I would read a good book.

The sun shone brightly through the window. Outside, the gentle winter sun bathed each verdant shoot of grass with its gentle warmth, encouraging it, nurturing it to strive harder in its quest to to break through the bitter crust of decaying leaves. Inside, harsh light of the monitor clashed with the gentle sunbeams, fighting to control the illumination in the cloistered confines of the Bear's cave. Ignoring the resultant chiaroscuro as the conflict raged around him, the inquisitive Bear5k pondered at his writing task, "I hope he actually likes to read?"

Your detailed information and recomendations are noted. I can only hope the weather gets real hot or cold where you live so that you may have additional time to continue writing about your project the way you do.

The weather here is, to put it mildly, nearly perfect for project work this time of year. Today was a brisk 38F in the morning, but warmed up to 65F this afternoon. If it weren't for my daughters, I would have little excuse not to be out in the garage. Give me a few more weeks of minimalist progress, and I should be back in the swing of things once the girls break through to the mythical "sleeping through the night" phase of their lives.

I'm also building a 3 axis machine. I have machined the parts, purchased the ballscrews/linear bearings and converted an old paper cutter for the support.
However, I'm still trying to decide what to do for the tool-holding table which is 381mm x 920.75. I was considering the 8020 extrusions until you recomended the Misumi. I'll look into that. Thank you and give us more!

For a tool-holding table, I have heard stories of some brands having mixed reviews for flatness/straightness and twist in some extrusions that might be popular candidates for making tables. I have no way to judge such aspersions. Misumi does offer the option for some of its pieces to be "milled flat", which I have used reasonably extensively (e.g., the X-axis support for the linear guides). The milling was at a slight premium over a standard length of extrusion. For the size of table you have, that might not be a prohibitive expense. That being said, if you have someone who can cut a "keyway" into MIC-6 Aluminum Tooling Plate, then that's probably a cheaper and better way to go.

[EKFER]

Esteemed Bear5k, Not only you are a good machinist/engineer? but also a consummated poet. I researched my options and I opted for selecting the Rockler MultiTrack for my machine bed. The track provides clamping on both sides and has a lower profile with more holding material. Since they are out of stock, Rockler reduced the price to $24.99 per track (3/4x3x36 inches) for preorders.

[Bear5k]

Esteemed Bear5k, Not only you are a good machinist/engineer? but also a consummated poet. I researched my options and I opted for selecting the Rockler MultiTrack for my machine bed. The track provides clamping on both sides and has a lower profile with more holding material. Since they are out of stock, Rockler reduced the price to $24.99 per track (3/4x3x36 inches) for preorders.

People have reported good results using the stuff from Orange Aluminum. It looks to be cheaper than Rockler.
T-Track - T-Track