Web Goblin cnc has begun

[Web Goblin]

James.
the gantry seems stable enough but I have not actually cut anything with the machine yet.. I have had some problems with the USBCNC software and hardware and cant get any feedback from the supplier. He doesnt want to answer emails so I had had to try to sort them out myself. I think I have most of the problems sorted but time will tell I suppose. My workshop pc died as well and it took a couple of weeks to get another. I had gotten hold of a Lincoln Electric welding torch cooler to use as a cooler for the spindle but this had quite a few problems as well so it has now been scrapped.
I dont know if I would change anything yet except the Z axis screw. I am currently using an acme screw but I think it would be much better with a ballscrew. I may change this in the future. I also have an extra section of alu extrusion to fit across the front of my gantry but this has not been installed yet until I see how the machine runs without it. If there is any play in the gantry I will fit it.

A picture of the lincoln cooler is below.


After powering this unit up I found the motor only ran for a few seconds then died.
I stripped the motor down to find the brush gear had collapsed and part of the brush holder had vanished.


The comm is badly carboned up and needed a good clean.



It turned out fine after a good clean up as did the motor casing and permanent magnet.
The motor was re-assembled with new brushes and springs and seems to be running ok.
I have decided to make a new cooler unit from scratch using some of the parts from the old cooler.
I have fabricated a new tank from 3mm stainless steel. Then fitted the pump.


As usual just need some more time to get it finished and tested now.

Ian