Comments sought on new build: A CNC Router for RC Gliders and Planes

**Clive S** · 16-03-2015

Have you thought about mounting it the other way so the X screws would be hanging down with the gantry horizontal.
It just seems to me quite high to reach and all the chip will fall on to the bottom screw. It is not going to need a big box to hold the chips. ..Clive

**njhussey** · 16-03-2015

Originally Posted by Clive S

Have you thought about mounting it the other way so the X screws would be hanging down with the gantry horizontal.
It just seems to me quite high to reach and all the chip will fall on to the bottom screw. It is not going to need a big box to hold the chips. ..Clive

Yeah that's how I was originally going to have it but I thought with space now not being an issue I could have it round the other way which means that it's easier to load the work (top of bed is 1.75m, eye height, from floor, bottom is 1m from floor), not so much bending. I'll put a deflector on the bottom beam (and top) to deflect the chips away from the rail and ballscrew.

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**JAZZCNC** · 17-03-2015

Originally Posted by njhussey

Yeah that's how I was originally going to have it but I thought with space now not being an issue I could have it round the other way which means that it's easier to load the work (top of bed is 1.75m, eye height, from floor, bottom is 1m from floor), not so much bending. I'll put a deflector on the bottom beam (and top) to deflect the chips away from the rail and ballscrew.

Neil you'll need much more deflection than that.!! . . . . I had my old machine vertical in both positions and the other way is much better for access and chip clearing.

The way you have it will need much more protection for the screws, both lower and upper. Just remember chips go up then back down again so they will settel on the top rail and screw.

I'd also urge you to cover the Z axis, to be honest I do this on all my machines now as it keeps a lot of crap out the works, but it's Esp important on vertical machine either way up as the dust settles either on the backside or onto rails etc.

Which way is best.? . . . .Well let me just say my new machine is going on wall when get chance and it will be other way to what you have.!!

Where did you get those markers.?

**Clive S** · 17-03-2015

Where did you get those markers.?

According the name on the real you should be able to get them http://www.edmundson-electrical.co.uk/

**njhussey** · 17-03-2015

Originally Posted by JAZZCNC

Neil you'll need much more deflection than that.!! . . . . I had my old machine vertical in both positions and the other way is much better for access and chip clearing.

The way you have it will need much more protection for the screws, both lower and upper. Just remember chips go up then back down again so they will settel on the top rail and screw.

I'd also urge you to cover the Z axis, to be honest I do this on all my machines now as it keeps a lot of crap out the works, but it's Esp important on vertical machine either way up as the dust settles either on the backside or onto rails etc.

Which way is best.? . . . .Well let me just say my new machine is going on wall when get chance and it will be other way to what you have.!!

Where did you get those markers.?

Ok I'm sold, if both you and Clive say it's better the other way ill put it back how I was originally going to have it!!

I am going to make a cover for the Z axis (just not shown it here) and the back of the Y axis will be covered with an Ali or perspex plate and chip deflectors put on to protect Y axis rails. The X axis belt will be covered. I'll be putting sides on the machine from the X axis rails down to the bed and also at the back to stop chips from flying too far round the enclosure.

I got the markers from Worcester Electrical (WED), not the cheapest I'm sure...

Running out of mechanical things to do now so suppose I'd best stop fannying around and do the electronics.....

**JAZZCNC** · 17-03-2015

Originally Posted by njhussey

Ok I'm sold, if both you and Clive say it's better the other way ill put it back how I was originally going to have it!!

Only thing better is chip control other than that there's very little difference, If want to be Knit picky then could say your original way will give slightly faster rapids but in practise this doesn't matter as it will be more than fast enough.
One thing I will advise is building in some Bump stops at the bottom and when not using for extended periods Park it onto the bumps. This takes strain off the ballnuts and bearings.
I use Gerry's 2010 Screen set which as a PARK position so used this to lightly bump upto stops when finished at end of each day. In use I used the TC(tool change) option to send Gantry to top of machine for loading material tools etc.

You won't regret going vertical. To fully appreciate the difference use the machine in traditional Horizontal position before going vertical.!! . . . Before I retired my old machine it was horizontal for few agonising and messy months. It's replacement as been working for only a few weeks and already the chips flying around shop are driving me crazy, and that's not to mention the room it's taking up.!!