Good or bad idea? Concreate!

[Tenson]

I think the bed is far from the weakest link in the machine.

First you should replace the nylon nuts that fit to the threaded rod. This will give the moving parts more resistance against moving from vibrations and cutter backlash. No I don't know where to source these but if anyone does please let me know!

Secondly, if make sure the cutter spindle is one of the 800watt items rather than the air-cooled 200watt items (mine has). This should significantly increase the machines capability. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/0-8KW-WATE...t_12533wt_1052

[craigrobbo]

Thanks for that, My machine has the 1.5kw spindle not the 800 or 200.

Craig

[JAZZCNC]

Secondly, if make sure the cutter spindle is one of the 800watt items rather than the air-cooled 200watt items (mine has). This should significantly increase the machines capability

Not necessarily.? It could and probably will make it worse due to the fact the Z Axis isn’t built to handle the extra weight or cutting forces.

I can tell you for sure the Z Axis on the 3020 I have here wouldn’t be able to handle the weight of the 1.5KW WC spindle and cutting forces without showing signs of both resonance/chatter on the work plus the extra strain on the motor/drive and Z axis components.!
I honestly think a larger spindle on this machine would shorten it’s life considerably in both terms of wear on the Z Axis and the drives/motors working over time.? . . . And from the pics I see of the 3040 it doesn’t look built any different and very much doubt the drives/motors are either.?