[bigred8080]

Hey guys,

Bonus is in...though not as big as its been the past, I'm great full and surprised I received one. My plan was to buy a cnc router parts kit and have my way with it. Unfortunately there is no room for that and had a few unexpected costs come my way at the end of the year. So I figured I could just upgrade what I have to get a little more out of it until I can buy new.

I currently have a 2x4 http://www.buildyourowncnc.com "book" build with the stock/standard equipment. That being single speed router, 13 tpi threaded rod etc. I was thinking maybe getting some acme screws to help with speed and precision and maybe a 2.2kw spindle and vfd to help with my single speed issue.

Anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on this?

Thanks for thr help and Merry Christmas !!
BR

[fretman_2]

I can imagine that Acme screws will be a huge upgrade over the 13tpi screws you have. My 1/2-10 5 start screws are two turns per inch. I also have the Makita compact trim router that is variable speed.

Hey guys,

Bonus is in...though not as big as its been the past, I'm great full and surprised I received one. My plan was to buy a cnc router parts kit and have my way with it. Unfortunately there is no room for that and had a few unexpected costs come my way at the end of the year. So I figured I could just upgrade what I have to get a little more out of it until I can buy new.

I currently have a 2x4 http://www.buildyourowncnc.com "book" build with the stock/standard equipment. That being single speed router, 13 tpi threaded rod etc. I was thinking maybe getting some acme screws to help with speed and precision and maybe a 2.2kw spindle and vfd to help with my single speed issue.

Anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on this?

Thanks for thr help and Merry Christmas !!
BR

[ger21]

I wouldn't put a lot of money into that machine.
Maybe 1/2-8 2 start acme, and a variable speed router like a Hitachi.
Besides that, I'd just be saving for a better machine.

[bigred8080]

I can imagine that Acme screws will be a huge upgrade over the 13tpi screws you have. My 1/2-10 5 start screws are two turns per inch. I also have the Makita compact trim router that is variable speed.

Thanks for the input.

I wouldn't put a lot of money into that machine.
Maybe 1/2-8 2 start acme, and a variable speed router like a Hitachi.
Besides that, I'd just be saving for a better machine.

Yeah, I was kind of bummed I cant go with a CNCRP machine right now, but hopefully in the coming months...Tax return if there is one maybe ha. My thought with the spindle is that i will be able to use it on the next machine i buy.

Any suggestions on where to go for ACME screws?

Thanks for the help guys

[fretman_2]

I bought my Acme screws off of eBay.

Thanks for the input.



Yeah, I was kind of bummed I cant go with a CNCRP machine right now, but hopefully in the coming months...Tax return if there is one maybe ha. My thought with the spindle is that i will be able to use it on the next machine i buy.

Any suggestions on where to go for ACME screws?

Thanks for the help guys

[ger21]

McMaster-Carr or Roton.

[plcamp]

I would check with your local steel suppliers. You can often times score a better price because of shipping, and the bonus is that you get the product in hand when it's paid for. McMaster also a decent source to purchase from, but there again you are waiting for delivery and possible UPS damage.

Don't forget about the acme nuts and motor couplings, Dumpstercnc.com is a good source for these components. Check is web page to determine size availability and purchase your rod accordingly.

[wizard]

Hey guys,

Bonus is in...though not as big as its been the past, I'm great full and surprised I received one.

I likely won't and it has got me bummed.

My plan was to buy a cnc router parts kit and have my way with it. Unfortunately there is no room for that and had a few unexpected costs come my way at the end of the year. So I figured I could just upgrade what I have to get a little more out of it until I can buy new.

your link isn't working for me so I don't know what that machine is. However you could be throwing away good money here. This especially if you have near term plans to use tax returns to go forward with a new machine.

I currently have a 2x4 http://www.buildyourowncnc.com "book" build with the stock/standard equipment. That being single speed router, 13 tpi threaded rod etc. I was thinking maybe getting some acme screws to help with speed and precision and maybe a 2.2kw spindle and vfd to help with my single speed issue.

How much you would benefit from variable speed on the spindle depends very much upon what you are doing with the machine. It is almost a certainty that a variable spindle will be more useful on a more robust machine so again I'm not sure you have a good near term investment.

Anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on this?

Personal opinion here is don't do it, if you are serious about getting a new machine in a few months. It would be a waste of time and effort.

Thanks for thr help and Merry Christmas !!
BR

In any event do determine if the upgraded machine will be useful with respect to your expectations. You want to avoid a slightly better machine. Instead figure out what you really want and need for the new machine to actually do. Then make sure any new machine imagined can attack that usage fairly well. Another way to look at this is to catalog all the negatives about the new machine that you would like to see addressed. Any new machine built should in some way address all those negatives.

[bigred8080]

You sir....are killing me haha. Here I was ready to run with what we have been talking about. Was going to order what I wanted tomorrow and have it here by next week so I could get everything stalled on my week off ha.

My plan was to use what I put on this machine on a new smaller machine down the road after I upgrade machines...pretty much the only thing that would be salvage able would be the newly purchased lead screw and electronics. But now you have me thinking.

And yes...Tax Return is around the corner...that did cross my mind.

Thanks for the alternative feedback

[bigred8080]

After sleeping on it, I think I'm going to go ahead and get some lead screws (1/2"-8 2 start). I think it will be worth it to me in the "short" term (my short terms most always turn into long terms ha) and maybe a hatachi as Ger21 suggested...ill have to sleep on that one a few more times ha.

This will be the first time i do anything with anti backlash. what all will i be needing from dumpstercnc for all three axis? The threaded couplers is obvious, As well as the clamps or super clamps . but what about thread mounted/bash lash lead nuts and flange nuts?

[ger21]

What you need depends on how you are mounting them.
All I used was the anti backlash nuts, with the square flange option.

[bigred8080]

What you need depends on how you are mounting them.
All I used was the anti backlash nuts, with the square flange option.

hhmmm, probably in the most standard way possible. ha

Currently, the motor is connected to a coupler, connected to the all thread. the rod "rests" through a bearing. a square nut is mounted to the gantry which the rod is threaded through. then through another bearing on the other side. i have a nylon lock nut behind the other side of the bearing.

all the axis are pretty much the same.

did that make any sense?

[plcamp]

hhmmm, probably in the most standard way possible. ha

Currently, the motor is connected to a coupler, connected to the all thread. the rod "rests" through a bearing. a square nut is mounted to the gantry which the rod is threaded through. then through another bearing on the other side. i have a nylon lock nut behind the other side of the bearing.

all the axis are pretty much the same.

did that make any sense?

Parts from Dumpstercnc ------
#AC12082-LN Anti-Backlash (x no. required)
#AC12082-AC Coupler (x no. required)
#AC12082-FN Flange Nut (x no. required)

Appropriate size bearings for the rod to pass thru your motor mount and support plates

If you use Dumpster parts you will need to visit his webpage to determine the flange configuration and pricing. I think he will make custom parts but at a cost.

[bigred8080]

I ordered yesterday....pretty much what I got I think.

Thanks!

[bigred8080]

slightly related as an "upgrade". What would i need to be able to control my router via mach3? it seems that i have a relay on my BoB. here is a picture of what i have

i went with Ger21's suggestion and landed on a Hatachi M12VC.

Thanks again.

[ger21]

If you want to control the RPM, then you need a SuperPID.
If you just want to turn it on and off, that relay should work. However, some routers with soft start and variable speed may not start correctly with a relay.

[bigred8080]

Not looking to control RPMs. so the relay is just wired up like a switch right? Whats my backup plan if I have the soft start issue?

Also, I plan on rewiring everything (motors, drivers etc.) What type of wire is the norm? Right now I'm using solid copper wiring. Kind if a pain due to its stiffness.