[joecnc2006]

Here's my submission for the z-axis. All attempts for accuracy have been made, however I would highly suggest that all measurements be double checked.
The bolt head measurements are from some bolts that I have, however I found three different sizes so I went with the one I had the most of and that seemed to be the most common.
These ideas were what I was thinking of for a future mod to my existing machine or for a new machine. I drew these with the dimension as suggested by Joe.

Hopefully the drawings will provide some useful information.

Saved as version 2004
Attachment 38301

Saved as version 2000
Attachment 38302

Bob

Looks good, now need to factor in leadscrew anti-backlash and motor mount ontop. as a complete Z-Axis assembly, but the concept is good.

Joe

[ccsparky]

Looks good, now need to factor in leadscrew anti-backlash and motor mount ontop. as a complete Z-Axis assembly, but the concept is good.

Joe

Ok, that'll be next, got a little ahead of myself, always one more thing to do...

Joe, those rail mounts and the way you use them with the aluminum is really nice! Great idea!

Bob

[joecnc2006]

Here is a shot of showing the rear of the Gantry.


Joe

[mvaughn]

A bigger table, yet you'll be able to use smaller boxes when you ship the kits...

Seriously, superb work Joe!

[ccsparky]

Joe,

I've never used the 80/20 so I'm curious, why did you use strut rather than the 80/20 for cross braces and support legs? What are the pros and cons?

Thanks,

Bob

[joecnc2006]

Main Reason is cost, 14.00 for 10' and I am thinking of bolting some composite deck material to than and them mill the individual strips, then screw top onto that.

Joe

[calgrdnr]

Looks Good Joe.

I can see it being adapted to a plasma cutter real easy .

[Buzz9075]

Joe,

Awesome job on the new machine.

[ger21]

........ thinking of bolting some composite deck material to than and them mill the individual strips, then screw top onto that.

Joe

Composite decking is about as stiff as a wet noodle and quite heavy. You might get some sagging if you go that route.

[joecnc2006]

Composite decking is about as stiff as a wet noodle and quite heavy. You might get some sagging if you go that route.

No, the composite material will be cut into 7/8" strips and placed inside of the struts and extend 1/4" above the top of them just to allow enough to machine them level, then 3/4" MDF will be place and screwed down to that, then possible another surface machining will be preformed.

here is exaple of where the composite material will be placed as shown in red in photo.

Joe

[mvaughn]

How much wobble do you get on the table since the MDF isn't screwed down and there isn't any triangulation to keep it rigid?

[joecnc2006]

Ok, i guess i will explain a little further.

The composite material is cut into strips, slide into uni-strust (as shown red in above picture) which will extend above the top of the uni-struts, It is bolted to from the bottomto the uni-struts, then i will machine the top portion skimming it with the machine to level it with the gantry, then the mdf bed will screw down to the machined composite material, when done this should be very stable with no movement.

and when i cage in the legs of the router with a lower shelf across the machine it will make a very solid frame.

Joe

[ccsparky]

Howdy Joe,

Ok, how about something like this, keep in mind I'm not a CAD expert and I tried to come up with something based on parts used with your 2006 machine.
This did add 1 1/2 inches to the overall height, but the back plate remains at the specified dimensions.

2004 ACAD File
z_axis_slide.dwg

2000 ACAD File
z_axis_slide_2000.dwg

Like I mentioned before I've also been planning a mod to my existing machine or maybe a new machine so any suggestions are always welcome!

Bob

[joecnc2006]

Well, I do like Bob's drawings, and is similar to what i eventually want, I did a quick bolt on Z-Axis, until i can refine the other design exactly like i want and maybe out of alumn.

This is a simple bolt on Z-Axis Slide and also the motor mount is bolted from above. It works well. and i have room for adjustment on the router mount at different bolt on heights. I found this was needed especially if you use the ATC.

Joe

[Jason Marsha]

Looking really good Joe. I can see chips flying already.

Jason

[Smackre]

Joe any plans to expand this design to a 5X10 machine? Seems like it would still be rigid if you expanded it that far. Good design. I think it make a great 5X10 machine.

[ccsparky]

Well, I do like Bob's drawings, and is similar to what i eventually want, I did a quick bolt on Z-Axis, until i can refine the other design exactly like i want and maybe out of alumn.

This is a simple bolt on Z-Axis Slide and also the motor mount is bolted from above. It works well. and i have room for adjustment on the router mount at different bolt on heights. I found this was needed especially if you use the ATC.

Joe

Thanks! Can't wait to see what you come up with, aluminum would be nice!
LOL, take a look at the table in picture 1 then look at picture 3, "Now where is that 1/4" washer...

I like z-axis guides, look very familiar!

Bob

[joecnc2006]

Thanks! Can't wait to see what you come up with, aluminum would be nice!
LOL, take a look at the table in picture 1 then look at picture 3, "Now where is that 1/4" washer...

I like z-axis guides, look very familiar!

Bob

Ok, you got me which washer?

[joecnc2006]

Here is the Router Holder, I wanted a cage to make sure of no flex what so ever.

[ccsparky]

Ok, you got me which washer?

My point, exactly...

I got a laugh out of seeing your bench top in picture one, turn into picture 3, reminded me of the way my projects go, starts out with a couple wrenchs and some hardware, ends up with a drill, unistrut, socket wrench, more wrenches, more nuts and bolts, a flyer, pray lube, and the pile keeps growing.

Your router brackets look very nice! The cage should make for a very beefy holder! I can't wait to see a video of this machine in action!

Bob