After finishing a CNC build that someone else started but gave up on, I decided to build one from scratch from a much better design. I liked the Sidewinder CNC design from Dave G. to use as a base model. Right away though I could see there were some tweaks that needed to be made. Here is my version:
Changes Made:
- (Not really a change) Fully modeled in Fusion360.
- New motor mounts with thrust bearings, shaft collar, and 3D printed bearing retaining plate to isolate the motor from the lead screw.
- Commonized the motor mount plate and bearing plate. Now there is just a left and right part.
- 3D printed bearing retaining plate on free end of lead screws.
- Open the top and bottom gantry plates to shave some weight and give access to dropped fasteners, etc.
- Extended bed to give full 24" x 48" cutting area
- All fasteners countersunk where possible. I think this give a better looking finished product plus accommodates the use of flat and locking washers in the assembly.
- Changed some fasteners to use T-Nuts.
- All fasteners are button head cap screws with locking and flat washers.
Still TBD:
- I think I may also change the lead screws to a 1/2-8 4 start sold by Roton.com plus their anti-backlash nuts (since McMaster REFUSES to ship to Canada, grrrr)
- Aluminum vs steel angle to use as the rails. Thoughts?
- The side force on the plates that hold the anti-backlash nuts and drive the moveable sections is iffy at best. I may need to add gussets or something similar.
I'd like your feedback on the design, especially if you've already built a Sidewinder and have ideas for improvements.