So I finished my MK1 machine last year, with help from I2I, Jazzcnc and 20ep0z (if that's right!)


DSC_0070 by jessebaker, on Flickr

and I feel it's time to go bigger and better.
4 times bigger!

I've already got all my ball screws and bearings:

20130812_122840 by jessebaker, on Flickr

With thanks to fred from BST Automation on Aliexpress.

those are 5mm pitched screws on the X and Y. I know some people on here will say that I should of gone for 10mm pitch but the speed of the machine doesn't bother me in the slightest and I can always gear it faster.

So it's payday tomorrow so I'll be buying some aluminium in hopes to make this:

v2 by jessebaker, on Flickr

the Y rails sit on 6" x 1" alu bar and will have some square section bolted onto it to hold the rails and reinforce the gantry.


v23 by jessebaker, on Flickr

the X rails will sit on 3"x2" box section alu or more likely steel.

as well as having a CNC to help make this, I'm going to be buying a height gauge and a surface plate to help make it accurate. I remeber seeing 20ep0z use one to help me finish my gantry so I think it's a worthwhile investment. though I'll have to get a granite one.


what do you think chaps?