mikework published a new build:

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I am really looking forward to any feedback during this.

Right now I am thinking of cutting the 4th c-beam into 2 375mm legs for the gantry and 250mm for the z-axis c-beam.

I guess if that is too short for a 1.5kw spindle on the Z axis I can always replace just that piece.

Any thoughts folks?

 

Got some more work done over holidays. Its not bolted down yet as I want to get some electronics installed and test the motion before locking it to a surface. As is, its very rigid.

All aluminum plates cut and drilled by hand. I can not wait to be able to machine these instead by hand as tolerances HAS to be waaaay better.

Also discovered I had to improve my tablesaw 90 degree cuts of the c beam ends as I was getting some serious motor shaft to leadscrew misalignment.

Thanks to William Ng's '5 cut method' for tablesaw crosscut sled alignment the c-beam ends are now within .9991% tolerance of 90 degrees.

Z plate was sized for 2.2kw spindle which will be one of the last upgrades. I have a beater router I can test with for now.

4 Thread 8mm leadscrews are used for y and x, but I will stay with the 2 thread 8mm to help the 275oz stepper motor haul that 5 kg 2.2kw spindle up and down. Other axis are using 425oz steppers.

Finding a source for lock collars locally was ridiculous so I drilled out some standard nuts and added 2 60 degree offset setscrews.

Stepper motor spacers came from electronics spacers stash. Wide variety of lengths employed.

'Y' / Gantry support plates cut wider for extra stability. I may add more wheels to all plates based on performance.

V Slot calculation spreadsheet indicates a total .06 mm deflection (total weight 11.5kg with spindle) in side c-beams so I may go to a 2 sided support Y plate 'sandwich' instead of supporting the beam in the middle.

Waiting now for a Arduino Uno to install GRBL on to. This will run the 4 DM542 drivers for each stepper.

Sorry for lower picture resolution, main camera has hidden charger over holidays.

 

Very good point.

Might as well, the 'towers' were left tall to allow me to change the Z depth depending on stock or project needs.

IF there was a need. I am very much still in 'Discovery' mode.

It will have to wait till I get more aluminum extrusion. A 20x80 piece oriented facing down should do the trick nicely.

Thank you for the great observation!

 

Project named after other hardworking dwarf of Norse mythology.

Not that his brother was a slouch...he just is getting all the credit lately.