Updated: 09/12/2015 Hi! First of all, sorry for my rough english, I'll try to do my best I'm planning my first CNC, and I want to make it on my way, an extra effort to full understanding of how this machines works. I'm using Inkscape and FreeCAD, because are Free (GPL) and easy to use. In short, my goals are: - 600mm*600mm*150mm working area. - Low budget. - Simplicity and versatility. - Completely custom, from the scratch. No OX and other derivates. - A special effort to achieve excellent rigidity, robustness and precision. - Easy to expand in the future. Features: - C-Beam for the X and Z axis, and 2060 V-slot for the Y-axis. - Pinion-belt system in X and Y, and 8mm threaded rod in Zxis. - NEMA23 - Every mechanical and electrical hardware is held by the X-axis, so the is **** easy to expand the size of the CNC. Reviewing this forum, I realized that most of users router has a lower Y-rail and huge plates with X-axis on top, like OX machines. Why? It surprises me, because that config is prone to vibrations by torque forces. As you can see, I choose small plates and keep the axis as close as posible, to avoid that issue. So much things has changed, yet the scheme and main idea are the same. I realized that motion wheels on X carriage were too big, so I ordered Mini Solid Wheel kits, redesigned most of parts to improve rigidity, fixing some missed holes and screws, and drawing a newer cool plates. And of course, by popular demand, now with two NEMA23 on both Y plates. X carriage now unintendedly looks kinda X-carve extrusion, but it is still made with (3mm) plain steel plates. As you can see, two new plates will bring extra strength against torque forces. Also I saved pieces and millimeters, now Z-axis plate is actually the front plate itself. The downside was to change once more again the Y plates to make enough room for the NEMAs, and improved it with a cool logo, currently 2D WIP. But the major update is that I will not use Dremel. I ordered a 500W Spindle with Mach3 controller and 52mm mount, and, get hyped, a 500mW violet laser module. Why? I found an easy way to attach a laser, just designed this adaptor to the spindle mount. And finally, I designed a new joint plate fot V-Slot, with a special holes to clamp and tension Y belts. Reversible by design, I think will be usefull for other projects. I'm keep working, stay tunned. ---- The X and Y are at the same level, in a squared shape, therefore supporting each other bringing resistance against the piece to be milled, improving the rigidity of the structure. That has its cons, because it rises the center of mass of the CNC. (Side view) This is a side view of the X-rail. As you may see, the pinion-belt system is hidden in the C-Beam. It lets me save vertical space, so X and Y plates can be extremely close. (rear view) X-Plate. That was challenging, I wanted a really small, yet strong structure, it will hold the Z-axis, the X-motion system, both NEMA and a spindle. So much things in a small place. The C-Beam is a great deal for X-axis, I don't need double V-slot and there is enough space inside for the rpinion-belt system and the wiring. Still WIP, but, any hint, idea, critic, sugest, or any thought are welcome.
The only thing I would question so far is driving the Y-axis from only one side. It will be difficult to keep square. Other than that this seems like a real good start. You will want to use the solid V-wheels rather than the ones you have shown where they contact with belts as the belt won't ride properly on the regular V-wheels.
Thank you guys! You are right. Definitely, there will be a dual NEMA23, I will simply clone the right plate on the left That's because I'm lazy I designed the Wheel kit with V, but soon I realized about it. I ordered PC solid wheels
Wow! It has been a long week, I've been working on my design very hard, from concept to realiable plates and parts. So much things has changed, yet the scheme and main idea are the same. I realized that motion wheels on X carriage were too big, so I ordered Mini Solid Wheel kits, redesigned most of parts to improve rigidity, fixing some missed holes and screws, and drawing a newer cool plates. I will paste here my first commit of this thread, to keep up to date first post. So much things has changed, yet the scheme and main idea are the same. I realized that motion wheels on X carriage were too big, so I ordered Mini Solid Wheel kits, redesigned most of parts to improve rigidity, fixing some missed holes and screws, and drawing a newer cool plates. And of course, by popular demand, now with two NEMA23 on both Y plates. X carriage now unintendedly looks kinda X-carve extrusion, but it is still made with (3mm) plain steel plates. As you can see, two new plates will bring extra strength against torque forces. Also I saved pieces and millimeters, now Z-axis plate is actually the front plate itself. The downside was to change once more again the Y plates to make enough room for the NEMAs, and improved it with a cool logo, currently 2D WIP. But the major update is that I will not use Dremel. I ordered a 500W Spindle with Mach3 controller and 52mm mount, and, get hyped, a 500mW violet laser module. Why? I found an easy way to attach a laser, just designed this adaptor to the spindle mount. And finally, I designed a new joint plate fot V-Slot, with a special holes to clamp and tension Y belts. Reversible by design, I think will be usefull for other projects. I'm keep working, stay tunned.
Thanks!. I've thought about it, but I'll wait to first tests to make a final decision, since legs and lower crossbars will be screwed to the wasteboard, and four 90º angle plates are firmly holding the squares, but promise consider your wise counsel
