I have been busy with designing a new CNC Machine, I am about 90% done with the Modeling of it in SolidWorks, I believe this machine will be a hit here as well as on the Zone, I have addressed, and believe i have solved several flaws with the DIY Machines, This one is designed from the ground up.

Here are a few small snapshots of it in progress, Note: you will not be able to see the overall concept of the machine because I want to unvail it all at once.

Also another note, this machine is not for the novice, most the parts will need to be cut on an existing cnc machine, and those who have got parts from me, when i finish, just e-mail me with name and address and I will send you a CD with all the drawing files, i.e SW files, DWG files and also all the g-code for each part and you can cut it yourself if you like, or just keep the CD for refernce.

Thanks, Joe

tease:)

Well if you can tell it is using torsion boxes as well. and a few other things

Here are my drawings i have been working on. And already started Cutting the parts out.

another

If you are using a CNC to make a CNC does this make it a self replicating lifeform???

1st set of parts cutout, the Gantry Rib section.

Another picture of Gantry Ribs.

Gantry Upper Torsion Box.........

Motor and Leadscrew Bearing Mounting plates, which will hold the Pipe rails also...

Gantry Lower Torsion Box... and Gantry Rt Side.....

I wish I had more time, I’d love to build one of these. Looks great, kind of resembles aeroplane construction.

DJ

I had already recieved my 1/2" inside dia. bearings for the acme 1/2-10 leadscrews i ordered. (you could use 1/2"-13 standard thread also but I want to maximize speed), So i drew up a Leadscrew Bearing Support which has same bolt pattern as the Nema 23 motors.

Man i've got to get my cnc together so's I can build this beast! rock on JOE!

As Soon as I get it up and running (and proven) I will send you a CD and others who want it which got any parts from me. I'm cutting everything with my machine now (the one you are building) working out great.

Joe

Sweeet! once you are done I could get them through irc if it's not to big a file, i'm going to add limit switches to this machine considering that the board supports them might as well use them, i'm also going to add an old amp clamp to the rig to let me know when i'm pushing the rotozip too hard.

Well I got tiered of using a wrench and nut to clamp down my parts so I made a few of these, Knobs like that with 1/4" thread inside are almost $3.00 at the hardware store (must be proud of them or something) so i made a few of my own.

Here is a picture of some and also the g-code if people want to make their own, (.25 end mill 3/4" stock) Rename the *.Zip ext. to *.Tap can not upload the file otherwise

Got the Z Axis Carriage done, I think i pushed my HP motors to their limit, I cut these at 40ipm with no problem.

Z Axis Carriage assembled, will have 4 - 1/4" threaded rod through sides, top and bottom to make sure the pressure of the bearings on rails do not start to push assembly apart.

I got my 1/2"-10 acme threaded rods, and my 36" drill rods (i cut them to the proper lenght)

I desided to use the same type of Anti-backlash nuts I made for the 5/16" rod and nuts.. so here is its big brother....

WHOA!!! Colour me blown-away Joe!

Truly awsome!

If we build the first CNC... can we reuse the hardware for the new version?

My plan would be to build the first one.. then use it to build the second one...

Could that be a good plan?

If you plan on making the parts yourself (and if your not an professional woodworker) then you definately want to have a machine to cut the parts for you. they will need to be very percise inorder to get it lined up properly otherwise will have a difficult time to get it squared up.

I can make the parts if someone wants it, or like KOS is building one, maybe someone like him can do it in canada (im in the US).

Joe

Yeah, it's still gonna be a while before I can continue with mine. This whole child rearing/parenthood thing is keeping me busy.

Yea i can see how that would take up alot of time..

Joe did you get my email??

yes got it and responded around lunch time i think.

Got my LoveJoy couplers today to go from the 1/4" Motor shafts to the 1/2"-10 Leadscrews, These things are tough to put together...

Here is a glance at the gantry so far..

I see you went with my suggestion on using a spider u-joint to ease alignment problems

Yes they fit perfect.

Here are the Z Axis Slide Bearings I made.

The X-Axis Carriage finished and painted.

You have to make sure the bearings are installed before assembling and glued together, I painted the pieces seperately the areas that would be on the inside, making sure not to paint the cut groves and outside edges of pieces so the glue would adhere to the wood for a tight bond. then used news paper to mask off the bearings aqnd then painted the outside.

Looken Great Joe. I wish i could pay attention to 1/2 the details you do. :-)

do you have rollers in those? very nice!

those are the bearings (slide bearings, Made mine after i saw (pulsareus's) on his log at the cnczone.

Inside the Z Axis Slide.

Here is the gantry together and Like (pulsareus's suggestion) I will be installing 4 threaded rods all the wat through it left to right. The Z-Axis slide is just a little tight so i need to adjust it a little. (maybe hollow out the bearings ever so slightly). Total weight 77lbs right now and it is pretty well balanced just slightly more to the rear.

Looks awesome Joe. My bearings are a bit tight right now as well. Some tweaking will definitely be in order when the machine is done. It sounds like you've got your balance just about perfect. Once you throw your spindle on there it will probably even it out.

You dont think those Zaxis Slide bearing would wear with time? I could of mistaked how you are using them.

I removed the Z Axis and used a large bit and just ran it across the bearings and it help alot it is pretty smooth now, But i may end up just cutting some more so i can get it perfect and if others want to cut some i will have the G-code for it. There is no play whats so ever that i can feel in the carriage and the Z- tool slide.

Joe

I would image with time yes they will wear but the Z-Axis is used way less than the X and Y so it will be quite some time before they do wear out, by then I want to get a self lubricating material to use (very expensive)

Joe

Joe you ever think about using something like this. Its a Ground track with a V on it. And you can buy V Groove bearings for it. Would probly work nicely for a Z axis. Just a suggestion.

http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/index.asp?Page...PROD&ProdID=119

Yes alot of people have used the v-bearings, I went with a simple bearing I could just make myself, since i had everything in 3D, it is easy for me to get it lined up perfect.

Who did you order those lovejoy couplers off of?

Enco is where i get everything even the lead screws 6' for $6.99.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INLMK3?PMK0NO=650887

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=...0&PMPXNO=942694

Joe

I went to lowes and looked around but did not really see anything i wanted for motor mounts that would accept the 10-24 screws needed for the nema23 motors, so i descided to make my own it is very stout, cut them out then drilled and taped the ends for the screws to secure it from the bottom and also the motor to mount ontop, here is what i came up with (I will know when I get the machine up and running if the heat from the motors will have any effect on thew HDPE but i think it will be ok).

You might have some tourqing action if you don't totally box that motor mount in, 2 legs that tall without bracing might twist if you have the machine running on a heavy load.

I grabed the motor with both hands and tried to twist and move it and it did not budge, If i have it on that much of a load then there is something wrong with my cutting tool, feedrate or something, I let the machine do the cutting and not force it, just like using power tools let it do the work not you.

Joe

any concerns about tolerances with the love joy couplings? i kow they tend to wear quickly and i would think the elastic property of the rubber would also pose problems in tolerances.