C-Beam XXLarge "Tank"

This is a quick build of a CNC Router made with 3 1000mm C-Beams for the X/Y axis and a 250mm C-Beam for the Z Axis. Moving each axis are Nema 23 High Torque series stepper motor. A 24v power suppply and a TinyG controller board will power the machine.


Receiving the packages from OpenBuilds. Everything was well packaged and marked to indicate the contents of the package. Only problem was that a package marked 25mm screws were actually 20mm.

Started by tapping the 5mm holes. I used a tap bought at Harbor Freight and it bent while tapping the extrusion. Lesson: buy quality tools.

File the ends to ensure each axis are the same length.








Filing the little nubs from the brackets.



Started assembling wheels and gantry plates. I'm embarrassed to say how many times I messed these up. You can spot many in the photos.

distraction cat

Slow progress. Things are coming together though.

I believe these are the screws that were marked 25mm but are only 20mm.


Motors!

Wiring, homing switches, and installing the water cooled spindle. I thought after assembling the frame I was almost done, I was wrong.


Limit switches will eventually be replaced with something better. These have plugs that come out way to easily and could cause problems.


Update: Made changes to the x-gantry, gives a lower profile and improved ridgitity.


Replaced the stiff orange water tubing with flexible clear tubing. The orange tube would kink too easily.


A parts list if you're interested

Wiring diagram for the Chinese vfd and spindle.