Hello Everyone,
I have been kicking around some ideas for a new cnc mill. I have previously build cnc router mostly from 8020 and am pretty happy with it. It was a budget machine, but it has been a great help to my projects. I have since build two reprap 3d printers.
One day while helping a professor clean out a lab, I came across four pieces of supported rail and eight linear ball bearings. He let me have them for free. So I have been wanting to build a second machine using those parts. I have been thinking about various designs for a long time now, and in the past two days was inspired by DonFrambach build.
Here is a link
Anyway, today I spent about 2 hours throwing together this 3d model. It is still raw, but shows the basic idea. I have not put all the bolt holes, nuts, or even lead screws or motors in. But I think there is plenty to get a good idea for what I am going for. I am stopping for the night and thought I would share what I had and get your opinions.
Things to note:
*I plan to use ball screws and stepper motors for the x and y axis.
*Z uses precision acme lead screws. Currently 3/4" - 16. It does not need to travel as fast as the other axis and will be lifting more weight, so I thought gearing it up would be good. Also I need two and I thought ball screws wouldn't add enough for the added cost.
*The y axis moves up and down as a whole. I like this design because I can clear higher objects. I have not seen another machine like this. I also think it will be more study. I would love comments about this design method.
*There will be wear plates on the ends of the y axis. 8020 sells UHMW pads that match the grooves in the 8020. I have not added these to the model yet.
Thank your for any comments.
Josh