First Proper CNC Router

[Boyan Silyavski]

Use the one that allows the shortest belt arrangement. They will all work equally well as each other but shorter belts are easier to find and implement.

This is my preferred setup.

Dean what size is that profile that allows for easy mounting the 16xx ball screw?

[JAZZCNC]

Dean what size is that profile that allows for easy mounting the 16xx ball screw?

This one.

https://www.motedis.co.uk/shop/Slot-...:99999415.html

[diycnc]

Thanks Jazzcnc.

Can anyone recommend a method of reinforcing my bolted connections on my steel frame. Currently have 4 m5 bolts at each connection between the steel box section, and after moving the machine around a few times during construction I'm certain the joints have moved.
I'd rather avoid buying a welder, so that leaves either more bolts, or glue.
There isn't much room for more bolts, so I think glue would be better, but I'm not sure what type would be best. Would a slow setting epoxy be a good idea?

[Voicecoil]

What's the orientation of the sections you're joining? Do you have plates/brackets? (a pic or drawing might help) Either way, 4 x M5's sounds a bit light duty to me, do you have room to go up in diameter? Properly done with the correct surface preparation and curing, epoxy can give a very strong bond - seems to work OK in aeroplanes :-)

[diycnc]

I'm not in the workshop at the moment, but take a look at the pic in post 36.
Agree 4 x m5 isn't enough, and I dont think there is room to go up in diameter. The existing bolt holes are a little too close to the side walls to go up in size.
Will try some thin slow setting epoxy on a test piece befor I apply to the frame

[Voicecoil]

I'm not in the workshop at the moment, but take a look at the pic in post 36.
Agree 4 x m5 isn't enough, and I dont think there is room to go up in diameter. The existing bolt holes are a little too close to the side walls to go up in size.
Will try some thin slow setting epoxy on a test piece before I apply to the frame

From the pic. and the few screws that are visible it looks like there might be a bit of room to go larger - but then again it's not a close-up, so do check it. If you're using slow setting epoxy do check the manufacturers curing instructions. Araldite Precision for instance cures with better strength at a slightly elevated temperature - as well a a lot quicker. And remember that once it sets you can't adjust stuff any more - so make sure everything gets properly lined up!

[JAZZCNC]

You are always going to have this problem even with larger bolts unless the holes are reamed and a very close fit to the bolts. ie Sholder bolts. It will be to a lesser degree because you'll have more torque with larger bolts but still it could move. Epoxy will help but only upto a point, it certainly won't hurt until you come to take it apart again or decide to weld it up, then it will be a bitch to get off.!!

Don't you know anyone with a welder.? it will take 20Mins max to weld those few pieces together and it will be so much stronger. Forever.!!

[diycnc]

Unfortunately not, atleast not near me. Going to test the epoxy method on some scrap before trying on the frame.

On a separate note, my ballscrew arive from china today. How would you prepare the screws before assembly? Is it worth pulling them apart, cleaning, and re greasing?

[diycnc]

Turns out there was a mig welder sitting no less than 5m away from my machine in my neighbours shed!
Just waiting on a new mask and gloves before I can start welding.

Whilst I wait, im thinking about my limt/home switch setup. I currently have 3 NPN proximity sensors.
For the X and Y I will use 1 sensor mounted on the moving parts as both the limit and home switch.

For Z do i need both limit and home?

Also thinking about cable chain sizes. Will the 37x18mm stuff be big enough?

[Clive S]

For Z do i need both limit and home?

Generally you don't use a bottom limit switch but you can use soft limits. on all axis.