Comments on my first attempt at a design (if you would)

[lukekjackson]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. You've mentioned a couple of things that i'd considered but definitely brought some new ideas up as well.

RouterCNC,


The whole head is a weak point i think, The project started off as upgrading a Clarke CMD10 and the only bit that remains in the head and spindle as part of tis design. I think ultimately it will be changed later on for a bt30 spindle.



This is the head from the CMD it has a 30mm travel on the Z for drilling and the spindle moved relative to the head, that's the reason the pulley drive is canter levered that way. I left that function as it was there but on reflection it wont really be that useful on CNC so i can drop it to its lowest height an fix the back of the pully base plate to the head.

The 500W motor was to be an upgrade from the 150W motor on the clarke mill which seemed a reasonable size for the mill, Its a JACK sewing machine servo motor but think it has gone the other way now. I think at this point id prefer to have the motor underpowered to the mill frame than the other way round but i may upgrade the motor later depending on the spindle



Main black housing is quite narrow and the footprint ends up some way inboard of the Z rails. Can this be widened at the rear or diagonal bracing added? - I'll add diagonal bracing.

Think about how you will cover the rails with bellows or way covers. - I do intend to include this but haven't modelled it yet,

Think about if you will add flood coolant and provision for a tray around the Tslot table. - Yep the plan is for this to be in an enclosure the floor of which will fall to a central drain.

Is the space above the spindle for a future power draw bar? If not make sure there is space to add one. - Will do

Make sure there is provision to tram the spindle and column relative to the table. Either a fancy method or bolted joint with shims. - [B]This ive been thinking about, i can work in provision for adjustment even if it is, like you say, shimming but I cant work out how to measure it[. I can tram the head with a dial checkng front, back and side to side in the normal way but what worried me is ensuring the Z rails are vertical. If not it may tram ok but at the head moved in the Z it will move relative to the X and Y. ANy tips on that would be great/B]