First Proper CNC Router

[JAZZCNC]

I would prefer to use taper lock pulleys on the motors but I can't find any that will fit my 8mm motor shafts.

You won't find taper lock that go that small on teeth size. 32-34 is about smallest you'll find. Plus they are heavy so have lots of inertia which can live without on small motor.

Like Clive says get the router out if want some pockets. It's easy done just go at it steady.

[diycnc]

So iv moved the motor as JAZZCNC suggested. Im pretty happy with the whole gantry design now so iv started figuring out where im gona put all the nuts and bolt. The whole thing is held together with about a million M5 screw! Takes bloody ages to figure out where they need to go. But id rather do it now in CAD where its easy to move things around, rather than during the build where mistakes could be costly.

Iv also been thinking about Z axis alignment, both spindle to the axis, and the axis to the machine bed. For spindle to axis measurement I plan to use the same method I used to align my lathe head stock. Its called rollies dads method. Probably massive overkill for this aplication, but its easy to do so why not. Rotation adjustments about the X axis will be made using shims, and Y axis by just roating the spindle by hand and some oversizes holes in the spindle mount.

For measurement of alignment of the Z axis to the bed i will use a this DTI method.

Adjustment will be achieved with shims between the stationary Z axis plate and the X axis plate, plus two M3 leveling screws though small blocks shown in the attached image. The two screws are just over 100mm apart, and m3 screws are 0.5mm pitch. This gives me 0.3 degree adjustment per turn. I can lock the leveling screw when the axis is allied, and hopefully I will be able to remove and replace the Z axis if needed without the need to realign anything.

[diycnc]

So i'm finally ready to order steel and aluminium for the frame.
Can anyone recommend suppliers in the Manchester area.
Im currently looking at ordering only from Aluminium Warehouse and Austen Knapman.

[Davek0974]

I use Aluminium warehouse, i have heard various stories about them but i still cant find anyone better/cheaper

[JAZZCNC]

I use Aluminium warehouse, i have heard various stories about them but i still cant find anyone better/cheaper

ASC metals in lincoln usually knock spots off AW
http://www.ascmetals.com/

[cropwell]

ASC metals in lincoln usually knock spots off AW
http://www.ascmetals.com/

I have used Forward Metals for small purchases of Ali, and they seem good. https://www.forwardmetals.co.uk

[diycnc]

So after 6 months my CAD models are starting to turn into a CNC!... Slowly....

The design has changed a bit, but the concept is mostly the same.



I went with aluminium flat bar rather then cast plate in the end. Very quickly learned that was a bad idea! Flat bar is very far from flat!
Managed to get everything moving freely so far despite the not flat bar using plenty of shims to level things up. First project when this thing is up an running will be new cast aluminium plates.

So far I have the gantry carriage and ball screw all made and assembled. Made my own ball screw end supports from 50x50 aluminium bar with angular contact bearings, and bored out and threaded the HTD pulley to replace the lock screw. Everything moves freely and feels rock solid, so very happy with the result.

Sick of drilling and tapping holes now.