Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

K40 12x24in rebuild (In Original Case)

Discussion in 'Laser Cutters' started by tshilling, Feb 14, 2019.

  1. Stephens

    Stephens New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2021
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi,

    Currently building this out of an old K40 case, just wondering what bearing was used in the printed bearing holder?
     
  2. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    3,016
    Likes Received:
    1,682
  3. mjtq

    mjtq New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi,

    I encountered the same obstacle. I have everything bought and mounted except the bearing that is supposed to go into the bearing holder. I could not figure it out from the pictures either on replicantfx.com. Has anyone completed this build and/or has information and details on said piece of the build? Thanks.
     
  4. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    3,016
    Likes Received:
    1,682
    He has a 3D model available to download. All the parts are visible in the assembly. K40 Rebuild in Original Enclosure (12x24in Cut Area) by Hawking
    upload_2021-3-10_20-10-10.png
    upload_2021-3-10_20-10-53.png

    File formats available in the Thingiverse files:
    upload_2021-3-10_20-13-55.png
     
  5. mjtq

    mjtq New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks for your post. I have ordered a 5/16 by 7/8 bearing. Hope it works.
     
  6. Guy Snyder

    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2017
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    I believe they are using the 608ZZ 8x22 mm 608Z Metric Ball Bearing. Or 608 for short.
     
  7. _Lauren_

    _Lauren_ New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2021
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Quick question.
    What kind of 20 toothed metal bearing can I use in the place of the 2 printable ones for the 5/16 shaft. Or what can I use to substitute those for metal ones. Im in the materials phase of rebuilding this except on "stilts" so I can operate a rotary and install a mechanical z bed. Ill also be moding the case if not trashing all together since it wont be quite deep enough. That or cut the bottom out to place on top a table with a square basin cut out if it to support this idea
    Thanks
     
  8. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    3,016
    Likes Received:
    1,682
    I looked and could not find any.

    I am doing a similar conversion and did not feel good about using 3D printed pulleys. one thought I had was to put the Y stepper n the middle and get a dual shaft stepper. That way I could use aluminum pullies at each end and shaft coupler from the stepper to the shaft. But after mulling it over, I realized I could just build a bigger enclosure out of 2020 tslot and acrylic (or plywood sides) and build a larger enclosure with more cutting area and then use one larger stepper with a shaft coupler and two pullies. You could also do this with the existing plan, but you need more room along one of the Y axis so you would loose cutting area. Another reason for this decision is that I could build it deeper too, and have a rotary axis and z lift bed. Originally I was gong to cut the bottom out of the K40 and in the end I realized all I would have left was the flimsy remnants of the K40 perimeter and the top doors.
     
  9. _Lauren_

    _Lauren_ New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2021
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0


    I'm now in the building phase. Ive decided to just trash the casing and go for 800x600mm. At this time I'm going to try the 3d printed pieces to see if I like the feel. If not I have a few backup options. Check this post out

    Log into Facebook | Facebook

    Its a k40 laser enhancement group on Facebook that i joined. I decided to take the question there and see what other ideas were out there also. Theres some good advice here also mostly with the idea that you have
     
  10. Jason32473

    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    I am attempting this build but I have an issue. I dont see the bearings in the BOM that go in the bearing holder? Also are the V Bearings mentioned on the Y carriage are they the same same the V Wheels in the BOM?




    Read more about this build...[/QUOTE]
     
  11. Jason32473

    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Any luck on finding a metal toothed bearing?
     
  12. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    3,016
    Likes Received:
    1,682
    No. I may just put an 8mm shaft coupler on then use 8mm pulleys. I decided against using the original case. I found it would be easier using extrusions for the case because I want space for a rotary axis. I can also go bigger.
     
  13. Graeme Stevens

    Builder

    Joined:
    May 2, 2021
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    1
    Even at 2023 prices I'm looking at around £100 direct cost for the upgrade. Most of that is extrusion, a piece of mdf, some acrylic and a load of fittings. New mobo is not factored in, I had that to use on the K40 anyway.

    If I buy a new laser head I'll be up to £150 in total. If I factored in the cost of the K40, less than £300*, I have paid £500 (including new mobo) for a 40w laser with a 410 x 640 cutting area. Another £100 will see an adjustable bed. I can't see a comparable machine, let alone a better machine, for less than twice that.

    This, and others, are viable upgrades even if you buy a new K40, but there are loads of second hand ones on ebay anyway.

    Mine is not an exact copy of this, it mixes and matches with some other builds.

    *mine was free, the first one they sent was dented so they sent a second one and didn't want the first one back. It was fully functional and has been in use for almost two years.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice