3 Axis CNC router

[JoeHarris]

I have just realised that I started this build log just over two years ago and I still have not finished the frame! I knew it was going to be slow going but I had not appreciated the time it takes to build one of these things. So anyone with a busy job and young family just starting out on a project like mine... Don't expect to have it done in a couple if months!!! Pretty much everything I have had to learn from scratch and it has been a lot of fun so far so please don't let me put you off. Just taking a LONG time!

[njhussey]

I started mine in 2010 and have only just got the frame welded up so you're doing better than me!!!

[JoeHarris]

Making some progress on the frame. Welding at long last!

And another distraction! There goes the money saved for the next batch of parts... fun though!

[irving2008]

Ohh, looks like a classic Drummond model B circa 1920. What's the condition like?

[JoeHarris]

Sure is! Pretty good condition, bed ok, spindle running true so I think bearings are ok. Looks like the back gear has experienced some pretty severe torque at some point as there is a broken tooth on the gear /corresponding broken tooth on the spindle and a twisted back-gear shaft. So my first project is going to be to make a new one, figure one missing tooth should be ok but spares are pretty easy to come by if i need them. I have an m type topside coming too with a Norman toolpost. The original topslide has had a bit of a dodgy welded repair job on the ways which was bothering me! All in all pleased with it for a first lathe and I love the look of it with it's curved headstock brace...

[irving2008]

Well the model B was never sold commercially, they were all intended for the Navy to be used on-board ships, but often unused ones found their way out :) so they can often be in good nick. The overarm bracing does look cool but doesn't really do much for the headstock stiffness.

Gears are 14DP 14.5° so can be found quite easily. Did you get a full set of change wheels inc the 63tooth to do metric screw cutting?

What's the centres distance? It looks quite long.

[JoeHarris]

I will try and remember to have a look tomorrow Irving - just come in from another session welding and can't be bothered to get cold again!

[JoeHarris]

Further frame progress - pretty well tacked up now. I will take it apart into sections to fully weld the joints and add the gussets. This was one of the reasons for bolting large sections together - it avoids too many awkward welding positions...

[njhussey]

Joe that looks like a work of art :D

[D-man]

Nice work Joe!..... wana do an 8x4 lol