TM 1 Gantry Retrofit almost complete.

[Shapenfab]

Well, last week I recieved the precision linear rail and two 25MM Hiwin blocks, and new pc. of 3030 aluminum for the new Gantry remodel. I had already cut the new 3/16" brackets for the remodel out on the table previously. So over the last couple of days I have fabbed everything up and test assembled it to see how it all moved. So far so good. Took it all apart and painted it last night, and then another coat this morning. I should have it all together and adjusted by tomorrow night if something doesn't come up. Here are a few picts for you to check out, and maybe give someone else with a TM1 some ideas on how to make it even better. Let me know what you think.
When It's all complete with end caps and such I will post some final pictures.

[millman52]

Nice job You'll be amazed how much better your cut faces will be after your upgrade. I wouldn't be surprised if you can't pick up some speed too.

[Shapenfab]

I finished painting things, and doing all of the adjustments today and ran everything up and down the table 10'. Burned a few parts with it and what a difference. It is now a really competent machine. No wobble at all and it traverses every direction really smooth and deliberate. With the water table there is no dust what so ever, just a little water spray from the 75 lbs. of air pressure I am running at most all settings, so I don't see dust as a problem for the linear rail. I do have the dust caps if I feel I need them though. I am a Happy Camper now. Can't wait to get a real job on it and see how it will deliver. It has been a really fun project with a lot of help and info from this forum. Thanks,
Shapenfab
in Washington State

[millman52]

Glad you are up and running. You have done a really great job on the upgrade. I'd plug those rail holes especially if I already had the caps.

My table has been very addictive to run. I used to hate to cut parts on my old pantograph. Now I find myself cutting stock parts way ahead just to get to run it.

I still use the old pantograph for beveling of many 1" items I need to get 100% weld in the joints. I thought about retireing it completely & just use my track torch for the beveling but I would still need a table the same size for that.

[millman52]

Blake,

Take a look at the attached picture. Are your new Hiwin Bearings exposed on the underside like this IKO?

These cartriges have wipers on them on the ends & top just none under. This allows contamination to get to the balls & groove in rail. I'm quite sure this is why my rail failed.

Neil

[mls]

I am looking to build one of these tm1 machines once everything it working and adjusted how accurite is the table for cutting a circle will it be round etc. Thankyou Mike

[carsluTT]

nice upgrade, im building an TM1 w/ a few changes ive come up with along the way also. love the green dye

[ssderick]

not green dye it's plasma quench there is no rust in water table
get it at chemicalmethods.com