I just discovered OpenBuilds recently, and was surprised to see such a great design using 2x80 etc for both the machine structure and the motion function. I built a CNC router several years ago which is crude, but was great for learning how they work. I just ordered lots if stuff from OB to completely rebuild that machine, and for a 2nd machine of my design. Excellent Fast Service!!! I watched YouTube videos, and discovered OX, confused that the parts aren't all available from OB, but got great service from Don S. In PA for the plates. I'm getting frustrated trying to duplicate the x-z axis, and did fail to order everything needed, as I couldn't find a parts list for OX. For example, I forgot to order motor mounts, so I'm trying to make them. Somehow, I don't have enough room between the horizontal 20x60 and the vertical (z) for the lead screw, (the connector from motor to 3/8" lead screw rubs) and my nema 23 motor is too big to mount on the top end of the Z axis 20x60 using one plate, as the lead screw is less than 1/4" from the 20x60. I know there is a simple solution, I'll find it after a LONG nap, but since many have already built it right, thought I could just follow their lead, and save my inventive energy for the unique ideas I want to try. Finally my Question! Is there a complete listing of parts available for the OX, and some drawings showing the fine points that aren't clear in the videos? VERY happy to have found this community!!!
Welcome to the community Carl. Are you using the Nema 23 Threaded Rod Plate from the OB Part Store to mount your Z-Axis stepper? http://openbuildspartstore.com/nema-23-threaded-rod-plate/ You can use the Nema 17 Threaded Rod Plate on the bottom of the Z-axis but you need the correct plate to mount the larger Nema 23 stepper up top. The OX was originally designed to use a Nema 17 stepper for the Z-axis. Nema 23 is an upgrade to the original design. Then again I might be misunderstanding your post. There is a lot of information available in the OX Build thread under the FILES tab. My suggestion would be to download the .skp files from there and use Sketchup (free software) to view the 3D model of the OX. This is the best way to see how it all comes together. Sketchup can be downloaded here: http://www.sketchup.com/ And the .skp can be found in a zip (compressed) file that you can download here: http://www.openbuilds.com/attachments/v-slot-ox_build_80-11-15-2014-zip.5173/ The OX Build FILES are located here: http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/openbuilds-ox-cnc-machine.341/#openbuilds_files Finally, the Parts List is under the "Parts List" tab here: http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/openbuilds-ox-cnc-machine.341/ Hope this helps! -Nugz
Thanks Nugz, I hadn't found those resources, I'll check them all out. Looks like that's what I need. Re the motor plates, I had missed ordering them in my confusion, so I was trying to make them myself. After watching the video again, I get it. I forgot about the 1-1/2" spacers that keep the coupler above the plate. Of course, I also found a new problem watching it for the 10th+ time. I thought the precision shim that is in wheel kit was for use on the bolt with the spacer, completely missed him placing one inside the wheel between the bearings. I bought the new poly carb wheel sets, do they need the shim inside?
@Carl Stoner Oh I see. I thought that you meant you were trying to make the 1-1/2" spacers. Now I get it. Yes, you need 1-1/2" spacers to mount the Z-stepper and 1/8" spacers to mount the other three steppers. Yes, you need to place a precision shim between the two bearings in the poly carbonate wheels also. The poly wheel wheel kits come with one. The shim takes up axial play between the bearings when you tighten down the axle nut. If you look inside the wheel, you should see that there is actually a small space between where the two bearings seat up against the poly carbonate. The shim takes up that space. -Nugz
Yea, I was afraid you'd say I need the spacers in the wheels, now I get to take them all apart. Hey, it's too cold too play outside today anyway. Another Q, I orderd the " threaded rod plates" hoping they are the same as the motor mounts? They obviously have holes for the steppers, but in the description (unless I missed it) it doesn't mention whether they fit nema 23 or 17. I can assume they are for 23s because the 5 slots for screws look like they fit 20x60 if you use slot 1,3&5, and the assumed scale looks like nema23. Not a criticism, but some of the product details aren't complete enough to confirm "assumptions" about specs. I know not all parts are designed for the OX size platform, some may be(?) sized for nema 17 and smaller machines like 3D printers. I understand growing pains, just a suggestion for OpenBuilds to add more detail, if you are directly involved.
@Carl Stoner First, I want to make it clear that I'm not involved with OpenBuilds in any way other than being a builder who uses their products and who is very familiar with the OX design From what you have described it sounds as if you may have ordered these: http://openbuildspartstore.com/threaded-rod-plate/ Unfortunately those would be the plates for mounting Nema 17 steppers. The one you need, to mount a Nema 23 stepper, is here: http://openbuildspartstore.com/nema-23-threaded-rod-plate/ Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The Part Store just recently started carrying the Nema 23 threaded rod plates. Before that we had to have them custom made by one of the plate makers here. Chris Laidlaw made mine for instance. I agree with you. They really should add "Nema 17" to the description. -Nugz
I'm also new here, just discovered this whole concept and loving it! So I'm starting to design my own system now, but I cannot find where to download the Nema17 or the Nema23 Threaded rod plates? dxf or sketch-up? I thought I'd downloaded everything I could get my hands on, but after going through all the content several times I still did not find these plates, I think they are located in one of the zip files, as igs/step format, but I could not get them converted to a format that sketch-up can load. I tried the online free 3d file converter but it says the file format is not supported. I would use AutoCAD but I cannot install it on this computer in any event. Can anybody help please?
Ahhh never mind, I found one that works here: http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/v-slot-lead-screw-acme-driven-actuators.634/#openbuilds_files
Sketchup is Win and Mac only. Is there a free Linux app to open those drawings? OpenBuilds OX CNC Machine | OpenBuilds Thanx, Alan
Hello Alan, Try to get a hold on version 8 of SketchUp make and use it with Wine in Linux; that should work. -Ronald
Hey Nugz, Thanks for the resource links... I am trying to find the OX Sketchup files but there are not there.... Might you have the zips?
Zip file can be found on the Files and Drawings tab. The skp file can also be downloaded at OpenBuilds OX CNC Machine | 3D Warehouse
