David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
Hello all,
Some of you might remember, I had posted a thread called "David A's New 2x3 Benchtop CNC" about two years ago.
https://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-c...h-top-cnc.html
The machine has been running good and received quite a bit of changes in those two years so I thought I start a new thread showing the improvements I made since then.
2 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
First, I built a double-walled base out of Birch ply with 4x4 posts at each corner. Bottoms of these
pockets are closed in case I want to mass-load it with sand:
Attachment 462892
Attachment 462894
3 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
It takes 2-1/2 sheets of 4x8 ply and about ten feet of 4x4 post.
For anybody who might want to build something similar, each image is one sheet:
Attachment 462896
Attachment 462898
Attachment 462900
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
I plan to build these machines in 2x2, 2x3 and 2x4 sizes and make them available for purchase.
Therefore, I will progress with the thread like a customer had just received his/her order.
The sample desktop shown here is the 2x3 desktop.
3 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
The machine will arrive in a reusable birch ply crate:
Attachment 463088
With panel markings for re-assembly:
Attachment 463090
The crate is disassembled/reassembled with industry standard steel clamps:
Attachment 463092
2 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
The crate contains the fully assembled, bolted, bonded and watertight machine frame.
(Padding and strapping removed):
Attachment 463098
Attachment 463100
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
3 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
Thank you Hugues.
The naked frame weighs about 170 lbs.:
Attachment 463170
All mounting surfaces for linear rails on the machine are machined:
Attachment 463172
Attachment 463174
3 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
All other assemblies of the machine are mounted on the bottom plate of the crate, underneath of the machine frame.
(Padding, strapping and small parts boxes removed):
Attachment 463218
Major assemblies:
Attachment 463220
Attachment 463222
1 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
I wanted to fill the base with sand as it would be difficult to access the pockets after the top and the machine is put on the base. Couldn't find any sand which was dry. All the bags were somewhat moist. So I filled the base with 400 pounds of moist sand.
Letting the sand dry in the pockets before proceeding:
Attachment 463296
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
Amazing how long it takes to dry out the sand all the way to the bottom, even with a large fan blowing over it.
While I wait for that, I will start with the assembly of some components.
2 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
X-Carriage and Z-Slide assembly:
Main components of the X-Carriage and the Z-slide:
Attachment 463660
Attachment 463662
1 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
1 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
Z-slide by itself:
Attachment 463668
1 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
If you are planning on using a water cooled spindle, now is a good time to install the cooling hoses.
I use 1/4"ID-3/8OD hoses from McMaster. Quite a bit sturdier and pliable compared to big box store
material and stays better on most nipples without additional clamps.
Attach two 3' hoses to the spindle. It is a bit tight but it will fit:
Attachment 463672
2 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
Place the spindle into the spindle mount.
Make sure that the nipples are inline with the shafts:
Attachment 463674
The transition of the bottom bearing holder to the spindle body should just daylight from the mount:
Attachment 463676
3 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
To start assembling the X-carriage, slide the 30mm ball bushings of
the bottom plate from the bottom over the Z-slide shafts.
Make sure that the pockets on the plate are at the bottom:
Attachment 463682
Remove the top clamp of the Z-slide and push from the top the
upper plate ball bushings onto the Z-slide shafts.
Make sure that the four aluminum spacers are on top:
Attachment 463684
It should look like this:
Attachment 463686
3 Attachment(s)
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
Now take off the 8mm screws on the 30mm ball bushings
on both the upper and lower plates:
Attachment 463688
And install the side plates on sides.
Leave everything just hand tight for now:
Attachment 463690
The rough assembly of the X-carriage and the Z-slide is
finished and ready to be mounted onto the gantry:
Attachment 463692
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
A short demonstration of the Z-slide:
https://youtu.be/hAQXOgrQAss
Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2
.
.
Comments, suggestions, dislikes/likes very welcome.....