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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
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    733

    David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    Hello all,

    Some of you might remember, I had posted a thread called "David A's New 2x3 Benchtop CNC" about two years ago.

    https://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-c...h-top-cnc.html

    The machine has been running good and received quite a bit of changes in those two years so I thought I start a new thread showing the improvements I made since then.

  2. #2
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    Oct 2009
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    First, I built a double-walled base out of Birch ply with 4x4 posts at each corner. Bottoms of these
    pockets are closed in case I want to mass-load it with sand:

    Attachment 462892

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Table Naked.jpg 
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ID:	462894

  3. #3
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    It takes 2-1/2 sheets of 4x8 ply and about ten feet of 4x4 post.

    For anybody who might want to build something similar, each image is one sheet:

    Attachment 462896

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Cabinet 2.jpg 
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ID:	462898

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Cabinet 3.jpg 
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ID:	462900

  4. #4
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    Oct 2009
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    I plan to build these machines in 2x2, 2x3 and 2x4 sizes and make them available for purchase.

    Therefore, I will progress with the thread like a customer had just received his/her order.

    The sample desktop shown here is the 2x3 desktop.

  5. #5
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    Oct 2009
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    The machine will arrive in a reusable birch ply crate:

    Attachment 463088


    With panel markings for re-assembly:

    Attachment 463090


    The crate is disassembled/reassembled with industry standard steel clamps:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Crate Spring.jpg 
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ID:	463092

  6. #6
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    The crate contains the fully assembled, bolted, bonded and watertight machine frame.
    (Padding and strapping removed):

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Crate 3.jpg 
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ID:	463098

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Crate 4.jpg 
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ID:	463100

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Posts
    68

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    Nice Keep Up!

  8. #8
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    Oct 2009
    Posts
    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    Thank you Hugues.

    The naked frame weighs about 170 lbs.:

    Attachment 463170

    All mounting surfaces for linear rails on the machine are machined:

    Attachment 463172

    Attachment 463174

  9. #9
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    Oct 2009
    Posts
    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    All other assemblies of the machine are mounted on the bottom plate of the crate, underneath of the machine frame.
    (Padding, strapping and small parts boxes removed):

    Attachment 463218

    Major assemblies:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Assemblies 1 arrows.jpg 
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ID:	463220

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Assemblies 2.jpg 
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ID:	463222

  10. #10
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    I wanted to fill the base with sand as it would be difficult to access the pockets after the top and the machine is put on the base. Couldn't find any sand which was dry. All the bags were somewhat moist. So I filled the base with 400 pounds of moist sand.

    Letting the sand dry in the pockets before proceeding:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_9842.jpg 
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Size:	365.3 KB 
ID:	463296

  11. #11
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    Amazing how long it takes to dry out the sand all the way to the bottom, even with a large fan blowing over it.

    While I wait for that, I will start with the assembly of some components.

  12. #12
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    Oct 2009
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    X-Carriage and Z-Slide assembly:

    Main components of the X-Carriage and the Z-slide:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X_Z 1.jpg 
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ID:	463660

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X_Z 2.jpg 
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ID:	463662

  13. #13
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    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X_Z 1 arrows.jpg 
Views:	0 
Size:	63.4 KB 
ID:	463664

  14. #14
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    Z-slide by itself:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Z 1 arrows.jpg 
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Size:	384.5 KB 
ID:	463668

  15. #15
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    Oct 2009
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    If you are planning on using a water cooled spindle, now is a good time to install the cooling hoses.

    I use 1/4"ID-3/8OD hoses from McMaster. Quite a bit sturdier and pliable compared to big box store
    material and stays better on most nipples without additional clamps.

    Attach two 3' hoses to the spindle. It is a bit tight but it will fit:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Spindle hoses.jpg 
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Size:	455.5 KB 
ID:	463672

  16. #16
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    Oct 2009
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    Place the spindle into the spindle mount.

    Make sure that the nipples are inline with the shafts:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Spindle mount 1 arrows.jpg 
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ID:	463674

    The transition of the bottom bearing holder to the spindle body should just daylight from the mount:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Spindle mount 2.jpg 
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ID:	463676

  17. #17
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    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    To start assembling the X-carriage, slide the 30mm ball bushings of
    the bottom plate from the bottom over the Z-slide shafts.
    Make sure that the pockets on the plate are at the bottom:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X Assembly 1.jpg 
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ID:	463682

    Remove the top clamp of the Z-slide and push from the top the
    upper plate ball bushings onto the Z-slide shafts.

    Make sure that the four aluminum spacers are on top:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X Assembly 2.jpg 
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Size:	333.5 KB 
ID:	463684

    It should look like this:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X Assembly 3.jpg 
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Size:	280.3 KB 
ID:	463686

  18. #18
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    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    Now take off the 8mm screws on the 30mm ball bushings
    on both the upper and lower plates:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X Assembly 4.jpg 
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Size:	207.8 KB 
ID:	463688

    And install the side plates on sides.
    Leave everything just hand tight for now:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X Assembly 5.jpg 
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ID:	463690

    The rough assembly of the X-carriage and the Z-slide is
    finished and ready to be mounted onto the gantry:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	X Assembly 6.jpg 
Views:	0 
Size:	310.4 KB 
ID:	463692

  19. #19
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    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    A short demonstration of the Z-slide:

    https://youtu.be/hAQXOgrQAss

  20. #20
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    Oct 2009
    Posts
    733

    Re: David A's Benchtop CNC Version 2

    .
    .

    Comments, suggestions, dislikes/likes very welcome.....

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