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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    8

    Question: 4th Axis

    I am a pen maker, and want to be able to do two things:

    1. Engrave lettering on the pen

    2. Route pockets/inlays (similar to the designs on pool cues)

    I am looking at this design CrankOrgan: Hawk

    However, a 4th axis would be very helpful. 4th Axis

    I have emailed John to ask his opinion on combining these two plans.

    Does anyone have any thoughts?

    My plan is to use steppers salvaged from HP LaserJet's until the "proof of concept" works, and if I need bigger motors to buy them.
    I will be using a dremel, again unless I need to upgrade to laminate router. (But I think I should be ok as I will be doing wood, and then only a coulple of inches.)


    Thanks for the input.... in advance.


    Dave

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    1778

    Combining two plans

    Dave,

    I don't see why it couldn't work.

    What I do see is that you would probably need to raise the height of the Z-axis on the Hawk so that bottomed some place like the centerline of the 4th axis. You could do this just by making the z-axis "tower" taller.

    You might also look at some way to mount the 4th axis lower (closer to the x,y work surface) but I don't really have any good ideas how at the moment but maybe the 4th axis box could be mounted at the edge of the work table (see sketch).

    You could extend the z-axis travel to accomplish the same thing but the more you increase the travel the more flex you introduce into the design.

    Good luck,
    Alan
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 4thAxisIdea.JPG  

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