1st CNC Router: Overwhelmed - Some advice please?

[wallyblackburn]

Thanks! I will check with seller for 1610 ballscrews. I think I'll also see about adding another long one because I can't really come with a design in my head that wouldn't need one on each side and still be stiff enough.

I'm starting to get the hang of Fusion 360, so I will try to get some initial sketches up this coming week.

Regards,
Wally

[wallyblackburn]

1610s would have to come from China. Based on what I've been reading, if I need to have shipped from China, I'd likely go with BST Automation. I'm going to look over their stuff.

Would a pre-fab z-axis like this from BST be usable for wood machine?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SFU1...1f1ec0bd&tpp=1

Would sure save some time, and the price is great.

Thanks,
Wally

[Clive S]

Would a pre-fab z-axis like this from BST be usable for wood machine?

In a word no. But if you only want to cut to within about 2-3 mm it might do it. Don't forget you need to mount a spindle on it.

[wallyblackburn]

OK, ditching any thoughts of pre-fab Z-axis for now - thanks Clive.
Been slogging through learning F360...whew! Finally got a first shot at the X-Axis base:



I said it was a 1st shot... Anyway, here is my thinking:
I can cut the cross braces on bandsaw and then use mill to true ends up and make them square and same length. Then, I have a really nice Strong Hand jig to clamp them at right angles to side beams. I was then thinking of mounting linear profile guide rail on sides.

How much of a shot do you think I have of getting the 2 side beams parallel and coplanar enough that I won't have binding? (If I am even explaining this well enough to begin with) I could mount one side rail carefully, and then rig up a temp gantry to use to get the other placed - then pin it and tack weld.

Also, I jumped the gun and ordered a set of these:
http://www.automation-overstock.com/...W01P63&cat=146

with plans on using them for this axis. Dumb question: is this X or Y?

Thanks,
Wallace