[Fastest1]

There are quite a few threads here on transforming the 0704. I am posting pictures of my build due to the ease of the iphone. Documentation is minimal and if you have questions or pictures please contribute.

My build consists of BD Tools mounts and Linear Motion 2008 screws. I have made a change or 2 here and there.

If you see something noteworthy, ask and I will tell you all that I know.

[Fastest1]

This last picture shows the orientation of the nut originally. I turned the ball nut around and installed it in the other side if the Y bracket too. I machined it down for an offset and gained a total of 8.4" in Y.

[Fastest1]

[Fastest1]

[Fastest1]

So I flipped the Y axis bracket around and milled the semi circular part off to allow more rearward travel. This mod alone gained about .7" useable. Well worth my time.

[Fastest1]

Some of those other pics were blurry. I did have to grind the top of the flange to allow the mount to fit flush with the table. It all worked very well. A small 1 to 1 1/2" spacer between the column and base just like Hoss' but likely thinner.

[Fastest1]

Just running a warm up wizard at 100 ipm.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbY9n8GIzm0&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/ame]

[Fastest1]

A view from different angles underneath while running a warm up wizard.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxc--tVlCrM"]G0704 from underneath - YouTube[/ame]

[hoss2006]

Good stuff, keep it coming.
Hoss

[Fastest1]

Wouldn't have been possible without you and people like you. If I can get anywhere close to your creativity I would be delighted. Thanks

[Fastest1]

All axis assembled and warming up.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrIrHZbY2To&feature=youtube_gdata_player"]More G0704 fun - YouTube[/ame]

[fretsman]

Nice pics and video, thanks for sharing as I'll "someday" CNC mine as well.

May I ask what couplers you're using (source?)?

Thanks again-
Dave

[Fastest1]

I thought they came from MSC. I will have to check.

[Fastest1]

I was trying to measure backlash here in this video. My X and Y had about this same amount, I am guessing in the .00025 range. That indicator is a .0005 scale. I measure almost .001 in Z, all of that is without backlash compensation enabled.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4MGsc1979A&feature=youtube_gdata_player"]G0704 BD Tools measuring for backlash - YouTube[/ame]

[Fastest1]

Just cutting a simple 1.75" diameter pocket in wood at 120ipm @ .1 doc @5% step over. No issues whatsoever and the hole was round. I couldn't detect any bumps or irregularities on the inside of the hole.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7EXkaIsISs&feature=youtube_gdata_player"]G0704 pocketing in wood at 120 ipm - YouTube[/ame]

[DRock]

Great pics and vids!

Do you mind explaining a little more about what you did with the y-axis and spacer?

I have the BD Tools mounts and linearmotions2008 screws myself and I am looking to finish up my conversion within the next couple weeks.

Thanks!

[Fastest1]

Great pics and vids!

Do you mind explaining a little more about what you did with the y-axis and spacer?

I have the BD Tools mounts and linearmotions2008 screws myself and I am looking to finish up my conversion within the next couple weeks.

Thanks!

Sure, First of all I did enlarge the opening in the center of the base. I didnt do it as much as Hoss did in length. If and when I recut it, I will leave only 1/2" at the back (where the bottom of the Z column rests). With a spacer this should give a little more over travel than I am getting now.

The Y mount provided by BD Tools has a semicircular side cut to allow the ball screws flange to sit flush. I milled the circular part off and mounted the flange on the other side of that mount. I could actually gain a bit more coming forward as the table will come all the way forward til it hits the round tube where the couplers are. This round tube stands proud of the bearing block just enough to hit the carriage. You could mill or flycut the top of the tube or cut clearance in the bottom of the carriage. I would choose the first option.

[Fastest1]

These pics show where I opened up the middle. I actually cut more than this eventually but forgot to get a pic. I will pull it apart again soon to cut it up some more.



This is the ball but mount I modified. I did have to grind the flange of the ball nut a small amount to allow the mount to fit flush with the top of the carriage.

[Fastest1]

Once you take your mill apart to do the conversion it will be apparent how this is working. It might be a little confusing til then.

[Fastest1]

This is what I meant by the limiting factor in the front. I believe Hoss' stepper mounts allow much more over travel off of the front than Billy's.