CNC 3018 Pro - Z Axis Stability improvement idea..

[Doddy]

Not tried, but when I had something similar to a 3020, though UK sourced, I found chasing stiffening and accuracy when engraving (which is no easy thing to do well unless your machine is stiff!) long winded and ultimately futile. But!, walk that path. Try it (why PTFE?, out of interest?) and report back. Keep an eye on Z deflection across X/Y travel as well as being aware of possible XY deflection. Turning your conversation around you have a perfect opportunity during lockdown exploring the limits of your machine.

[JAZZCNC]

Lifes too short to waste time trying to make a Silk purse out of a sows ear.!!. . . Don't take that path build or buy a better machine and live life la Vida loca

[richardsenior]

why PTFE?, out of interest?.

It's just what springs to mind when I think of plastic bushing materials.
I know Nylon is used a lot, but I think PTFE is just a little softer and more appropriate for aluminium.
It's an engineering sensibilities thing.

I've ordered a bit of PTFE and some nylon roller bearings.. I'll post something when I've done it and
see how much of an improvement it makes.. if any.

I also got a sprung diamond drag engraver for about 30 quid.. Which is actually very very good.
It cuts vinyl really nicely. I'm hoping it'll make some nice drag engraving work on aluminium too.
We'll see.

[RogerH58]

Hi Richard - I'd be interested in a link to your machine - the best I can find is about £170 unless it comes from China?

Also interested in how you get on - I'm planning on engraving perspex - which may or may not be easier than ali.

Thanks,

Roger.

[richardsenior]

Roger,

Sorry for the slow reply..
Firstly I created this, which you might find interesting
I got mine from ebay from this user
Maybe you can see the auction here
You might want to try BangGood (a chinese online shop).

Advice.. You WILL need a sprung 'drag' engraving tool.
Don't try and engrave perspex with a rotating router bit, it will make a mess.
If you buy a diamond drag tool (see my page on this above) it will work perfectly.