easy to build desk top 3 axis cnc milling machine allsteps

7/27/2019 Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine ALLSTEPS

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Here is a way to make a computer controlled milling machine. That puts the real

power of a computer control machining into the hands of the average human.

Small enough to set on the desk but scalable to any size. As inexpensive as

possible without sacraficing accuracy (too much). All most all the parts can be

purchased in local retail stores. And above all CHEAP you can be up and running

for well under $200. With it you can do 2 Dimentional engraving and PC board

etching and 3D milling and modeling in Foam, Wood, Plastic and other soft

materials.

Also try watching the YouTube movie at the end (the last frame).

New information on the Motor Driver Circuit is (HERE).

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Tom McGuire

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http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-steppermotor/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-tools_guide/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-cnc_guide/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-milling/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-mill/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-easy/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-cnc/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-machine/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/id/Easy-to-build-CNC-Mill-Stepper-Motor-and-Driver-cihttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/account/gopro?sourcea=removeads&nxtPgName=Easy+to+Build+Desk+Top+3+Axis+CNC+Milling+Machine&nxtPg=/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/?ALLSTEPShttp://www.instructables.com/id/EJ3KFVBF5R8QRL3/http://cdn.instructables.com/F0F/QHG3/F54HJ7SB/F0FQHG3F54HJ7SB.LARGE.jpghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/?download=pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/contest/bookcontest/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/category-living/channel-fashion/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/group/radioshackhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/craftsman2014http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/group/summermikehackshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/editInstructable/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/account/gopro?sourcea=headerhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/account/loginhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/community/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/contest/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/about/submit.jsphttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/tag/type-id/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/http://-/?-


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Step 1: The Frame

The frame needs to be a flat base that you can mount everything on horizontally

and a goose neck of some kind to hold the Z axis (the up and down part with the

motor tool)firmly in place. I used one inch pipe just for fun but as it turned out it

was pretty handy too. When I needed to make adjustments I could just tap it with

a hammer. As you can see the post that holds the Z axis doesn't have to be in

the center. It just needs to be firm and the water pipe does a good job of that.

Later, after you are sure all the pipe joints are in the right place, you can add a

drop of thread sealer to the joints and it will be a good solid structure.

Step 2: The X Stage Rails and Motor

Inexpensive MiniTurbine

Cast AluminiumGears

Sand Digger: Madefrom Recycled

Fitting the Motor

Tail Solar Light?

Hole Fishing
http://cdn.instructables.com/FFX/1MAM/F54HJ7SI/FFX1MAMF54HJ7SI.LARGE.jpg


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Next its time to add the rails for the X axis stage. These rails are 3/4 inch U

chanel aluminum that you can get from the hardware store. Put a washer under

each end to space the rail off the pipe just a bit. Don't worry about the rails being

perfectly parallel. You'll see why later. Now mount the stepper motor with a

bracket like you see here. Connect a length of 1/4 by 20 threaded rod to the

motor shaft with a short piece of rubber hose (1/4 inch fuel line). Now your ready

to set the movable part of the X axis(the stage).

Step 3: X it Stage right
http://cdn.instructables.com/FL7/MM3Q/F54HOH2P/FL7MM3QF54HOH2P.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FD6/ORH3/F54HOH2Q/FD6ORH3F54HOH2Q.LARGE.jpg


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Take a piece of plastic(I used Plexiglas) or metal, something strong and flat and

mount a piece of the U channel to it. Now the tricky part. The round thing is a
http://cdn.instructables.com/FMK/BYES/F54HOH2O/FMKBYESF54HOH2O.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FG1/STW9/F54HOH2N/FG1STW9F54HOH2N.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FJS/8YJL/F54HOH2S/FJS8YJLF54HOH2S.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FWO/PX45/F54HOH2M/FWOPX45F54HOH2M.LARGE.jpg


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bearing. You can get them out of motors or buy them at a hardware store. Mount

it to a short piece of aluminum like so. Then take a 1/4 in. coupling nut(a long

nut) and wrap it with aluminum like so(see pic.) The bearing will hold the X stage

to the X rail and the coupling nut will allow the motor to run the satge back and

forth. It wouldn't hurt to grease the skids a little and the nut too.

Here's a video on making the bearing fixture.

Step 4: The Y stage

The Y stage is just like the X stage but turned 90 degrees. Mount two rails and a
http://cdn.instructables.com/FTD/MJ33/F54HOH2L/FTDMJ33F54HOH2L.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FW1/J4F6/F54HOH2I/FW1J4F6F54HOH2I.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FZ8/1GK4/F54HOH2K/FZ81GK4F54HOH2K.LARGE.jpg


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motor on the X Stage and then take another piece of flat material and a U

channel and make the moving Y stage. Make the little bearing thing and a

coupling nut for it too. When your done it should look like this.

Step 5: Zee Z Axis

Again we are going to reproduce the X and Y Stage to create the Z axis stage.

Take a flat piece, here I used a piece of white Plexiglas. Mount some rails and a

Motor to it. Then make a moving stage piece with a u channel and a roller

bearing. We'll do something a little different with the nut(see picture). The four

posts you see on the stage will hold the motor tool. Now since this stage is going

to move up and down the weight of the motor tool will make it want to come off of

the rails so lets add a few more roller bearings to each side to keep it together.
http://cdn.instructables.com/FFJ/YKRJ/F5FEQ1PG/FFJYKRJF5FEQ1PG.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FIR/N3UL/F5FEQ1PD/FIRN3ULF5FEQ1PD.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FHL/VZIB/F5FEQ1PI/FHLVZIBF5FEQ1PI.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FS5/P6D6/F5FEQ1PC/FS5P6D6F5FEQ1PC.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FBB/TJR8/F5FEQ1PF/FBBTJR8F5FEQ1PF.LARGE.jpg


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Step 6: Get it together

Now we slap the motor tool into the Z stage. Then its time to mount the stage to

the frame. And there you have it. This is the mechanical structure. From here wewill need to hook up the stepper motors to a controller and get some software

running on the computer but I'm going to save that for future articals.

Step 7: What's it Do
http://cdn.instructables.com/FGL/K0TX/F5FEQ1Q9/FGLK0TXF5FEQ1Q9.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/F8B/VXTH/F5FEQ1PE/F8BVXTHF5FEQ1PE.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FOG/COID/F5FEQ1Q4/FOGCOIDF5FEQ1Q4.LARGE.jpg


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If you were interested in this project it's likely you have already seen what can

be done with an 3 axis(XYZ) computer controlled milling machine. What issuprising is what kind of accuracy you can get out of this thing after you tinker

with it a little bit. Make sure all the rails are held firm and straight. Tighten the

roller bearings so the stage doesn't shift .

I used it to make PC boards. It's real good for engraving name tags and signs.

And it's pretty exciting to see it carve a 3D object out of a block of foam or

plastic.

WARNING there's a lot to learn about the software. Some venders offer package

deals of motors, drivers, and software. That makes it easier but you pay for it.

I'll add more to this later. Send me comments and questions.

Step 8: Easy Mill the movie

If the literal instructions are confusing try watching the YouTube movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6drMZqmyXQc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6drMZqmyXQchttp://cdn.instructables.com/F9O/8WYR/F5GDQP47/F9O8WYRF5GDQP47.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FVN/JXXK/F5GDQP45/FVNJXXKF5GDQP45.LARGE.jpg


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Also check out the follow up instructions on Stepper Motor Control: Easy Mill

Stepper Motor Controller

Step 9: Engraving

Now that I got the machine back together after making the instructable and I did

some engraving and made a PC board.

Cutting plastic is no problem but doing the PC board the bit went a little too deep

on the left side of the board and took out all the finer traces. This is when you

start tweeking on it. Just take some aluminum foil and put it under the rail of the

Y axis. So as the stage travels left to right the height of the bit should stay the

same.

Notice I'm just holding the material down with masking tape. What I like about

this thing is, it's easy to fix these kinds of problems because it's all made from

simple elements.Here's the new video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcdozYDpzjU

Also check out the follow up instructions on Stepper Motor Control: Easy Mill

Stepper Motor Controller
http://www.instructables.com/id/EJ3KFVBF5R8QRL3/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcdozYDpzjUhttp://www.instructables.com/id/EJ3KFVBF5R8QRL3/


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carabac

This is my version of Tom's CNC. It uses the stepper motor 3 Axis CNC

Driver Ki t from chromationsystems.com (Jeff from Chromation Systems was

a ton of help and his instructable is here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Parallel-Port-3-Axis-CNC-Driver-Opto-

Isolated/) and I am using KCAM for the software. I named my machine

CNCme. You can also watch the Youtube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzli11WJeo4. Thanks Tom, Jeff and

Instructables.

sharbin carabac

Nice Carabac! Where did you get the slides that you used?

carabac sharbin

The slides are off a network hardware cabinet. I purchased them

from a local surplus store. They are very nice because they run on

ball bearings.

daney198

Hello

I make this CNC Milling Machine

Thanks Tom & Instructables

LaughingCheese daney198

Wow! Great work!

Does that panel behind the machine related to it or is i t something

else?

daney198 LaughingCheese

Thanks
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4 years ago Reply

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yes panel is related to machine. all the kit and wiring inside of panel.

SeaCaptain daney198

That looks like an excellent version of this instructable! Is there a

possibil ity of you doing an instructable of your panel? Looks great!

narpas

Here is my mill I guess its not cnc and does not follow many of your

design concepts but you inspired it!

granolape narpas

that's rad. it's like an etch-a-sketch mill !

sefi

hi tom, i too was inspired by your simple design, and actually guided a high

school project based on your designe, the hope was that it will enable

students to make low cost pcb in school . after the project(wich was a bit

diffrent from yours and didnt works all that well duo to my lack of technical

skills and experience(im 18) and other things) ended i decided to make a V2

wich is almost the same as yours, and it dose work well,i manged to see it

do very presice things with a pencil . the problem is i cant find a right drill for

making the pcb's,(im pretty sure thats it) i got this 8 pcs kit from drill bit citybut the drill that dose the routing dose not have a pointed tip in the very end

and there for dosn't penetrate the circuit until much pressure is applied but

then it goes in way to deep, im guessing its the drill bi t but id like to hear

what you say, and maybe recommend me a drill or a set from drill bit city or

anywhere else(take in account i live in Israel ) my main goal is PCB's

although i already did some name engraving and it came out very well! 1

more thing... is there a way to use lazycam with kcam? and what do u think

about mach3 it look way more complicated is it any better?
http://cdn.instructables.com/FQN/ZU3E/FH4VEHWQ/FQNZU3EFH4VEHWQ.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/F13/PZNC/FH4VEHWR/F13PZNCFH4VEHWR.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/F4Y/PROC/FH4VEHWS/F4YPROCFH4VEHWS.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FI3/RPEQ/FH4VEHWT/FI3RPEQFH4VEHWT.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FRO/5Z8Y/FH4VEHWU/FRO5Z8YFH4VEHWU.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/F41/NP13/FH4VEHWV/F41NP13FH4VEHWV.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FOP/PSY2/FH4VEHWW/FOPPSY2FH4VEHWW.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FDR/T1P3/FH4VEHWX/FDRT1P3FH4VEHWX.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FJO/CW2M/FH4VEHX0/FJOCW2MFH4VEHX0.LARGE.jpghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/C5G7HLAFH4VEHX6http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/sefi/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/sefi/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CSX4RZ5FT7PM4N9http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/granolape/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/granolape/http://cdn.instructables.com/F18/FDMX/FSSIHYYV/F18FDMXFSSIHYYV.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/F88/0LBI/FSSIHYYU/F880LBIFSSIHYYU.LARGE.jpghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CLUQEDWFSUUXRBYhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/narpas/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/narpas/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/C618ZC5G51G5RORhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/SeaCaptain/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/SeaCaptain/


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snowpenguin sefi

Wow! I like the design of the machine in the last three

pictures... Do you have any kind of build log for it? More

pictures? What did you make the frame out of? Thanks, snow

sefi snowpenguin

hi, yes sure there are plenty more pictures at my website (sefi.tk) the

frame is made from U channels alone, it was a much much morestable design yet it requires precision with assembly cutting and the

whole process, out of my experience, after building 3 models, its

clear to me that the cost of a stable machine is it requires more

precision in ever step of the way, if you have experience, tools, and

two right hands then go for something stable, otherwise stick with the

basic plans. btw i solved the whole pcb making thing by getting an

endmill and made already a bunch of pcb's and many other thing,

thanks alot tom. hopfully my next project wi ll be my own instruct-able

:P

codex sefi

Regular Dremel engraving cutter (#105) works fine for me. It's 0.8mm

wide and I use it for PCB Isolation Routing. You can find i t in any

hardware store (Ace\Home-Center\Rosenfeld) here in Israel.

sefi codex

i tryed ace/homecenter with no luck, in tel aviv & hertzliya where

exacly did you get it? by the way lior, i sew you website - VERY

NICE :) i want to talk with you if i could il email you from your forum.

Tom McGuire(author) sefi

Congratulations. That's a good piece of work for a class

project. I can give you some tips on PCB work. The motor tool

can have a problem with wobbling, that is the bit may be off

center. It may have an aluminum collet that is just not very

good. I was suprised to find the 3 jaw chuck replacement

worked better. May be because it has more mass. Also I found

bits at this site:

http://www.precisebits.com/products/carbidebits/scoreengrave.a

Good job.

I hope this works for you.

Tom

crreed

Hey Tom, great project! I had a lot of fun building this and as soon as I

can scavange a DB25 cable, i wil l be able to use it. Here are some of

my pictures. The table is 9"x11". I added a simple fish tank pump to

blow off the dust. The plexiglass extenders allow the router to utilize

the full 9" x11". I will be posting pictures of my slightly modified circuit

board.

snowpenguin crreed

Considering you've finished yours, do you think that a machine

with 10" x travel would have to have 20" x rails, or is my logic
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CSKJ7OPFSPRNE2Qhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/snowpenguin/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/snowpenguin/http://cdn.instructables.com/F57/Z957/FJD369O0/F57Z957FJD369O0.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/F2J/XL1Z/FJD369O1/F2JXL1ZFJD369O1.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FI3/16SY/FJD369O2/FI316SYFJD369O2.LARGE.jpghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CUL00W3FJD369O3http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/crreed/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/crreed/http://www.precisebits.com/products/carbidebits/scoreengrave.asphttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CQ01EBWFH5E6S0Ohttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CXIBR0XFH7AUN2Ghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/sefi/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/sefi/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/C0DWLAHFH6EBVY0http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/codex/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/codex/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CXP4NZIFT7PJX4Whttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/sefi/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/sefi/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CQI3PFGFT7PTZB9http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/snowpenguin/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/snowpenguin/


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screwed up? Thanks, snow

Tightwad crreed

Wouldn't the extenders flex and cause the table to move? Either

up/down flex due to the weight of the Stepper, or torsional flex as the

motor moves the table?

crreed Tightwad

the weight of the table itself, the anchoring provided by the x

axis motor provide stability and prevent wobbling of it.

altomic crreed

fish tank pump- sweet.

Roidy

Hi Tom your design is fantastic and so easy to make this is now the second

one I`ve made, I work in a uPVC window factory and so I made mine out of

welded uPVC window frame. I got my stepper motors out of an old fruitmachine of all places! Still needs a bit of tweaking but I`ve routed a few

PCB`s and everything works great. Rob

fjr122

Last night I completed my construction :D Tom, Thanks so much for

helping me get here! Here's some pics (yeah I've still gotta hook

everything together)

userhck

This is my first full-on, serious project I have done from this site. Well, maybe

I shouldn't say that, as i am not quite done. Went shopping for most of the

supllies this morning, which took me from Home Depot to Ace Hardware to

Big Joe's. The only things I need now are the plexi planes and the motors,

which are coming. An interesting day to say the least. Also, I don't suggest

getting the pipe at Home Depot, as they semm to be downgrading their one-

inch pipe supply. Weird. Here are the pics so far, how does it look? You can

see the threaded rods in the back.
http://cdn.instructables.com/FQE/DV5O/F5Y3KY6Z/FQEDV5OF5Y3KY6Z.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FVV/5ISI/F5Y3KY6Y/FVV5ISIF5Y3KY6Y.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FF7/ZO7H/F5Y3KY6W/FF7ZO7HF5Y3KY6W.LARGE.jpghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CBFPKB8F5Y3KY71http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://cdn.instructables.com/F9M/U3DI/FA190OBW/F9MU3DIFA190OBW.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FS1/7DT3/FA190OBX/FS17DT3FA190OBX.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FWQ/OY45/FA190OBY/FWQOY45FA190OBY.LARGE.jpghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CUCZ6PNFA190OC1http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/fjr122/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/fjr122/http://cdn.instructables.com/FMK/DQPN/FH7AHUQT/FMKDQPNFH7AHUQT.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FTO/GZZS/FH7AHUQU/FTOGZZSFH7AHUQU.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/F7I/P6BO/FH7AHUQX/F7IP6BOFH7AHUQX.LARGE.jpghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CGJFIWJFH7AHUR0http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Roidy/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Roidy/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CHOY4T1FL5R9YJ9http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/altomic/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/altomic/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CW9XMP8FLQALNKVhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/crreed/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/crreed/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CG5RHYUFLQALMZ8http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tightwad/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tightwad/


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fredan userhck

I have also started one of these projects and have completed

two stages. I also made some changes to the design perhaps

you may find them helpful. The upper image is the current state

of the project. If you look on the upper rail , I have added limit

switches to prevent over travel. I found the switches in various

microwaves which I salvaged for parts. The second image

shows the roller tensioner. I uses two roller blade bearings and

some picture hangers with springs, purchased at the local

hardware store. Added a couple bends to the hangers, so thescrew head would not rub on any surfaces, then located a pivot

point which would allow the rollers to contact the guide and

allow the sprint to tension. see third image. The last image

shows how I added connected the threaded rod to the bracket.

I found these screws used to go into the bottom of wood legs,

drilled holes to match the prongs and bent them over to fasten

the item to the bracket. The coupling was created using a few

collars and a nylon bearing. I also used 8-32 threaded rod

which I need to add shrink tubbing to in order to mount it in the

coupling. Hope this helps

userhck fredan

Nice use with the u-channels on mounting the motors. I really l ike

that idea, and i might steal i t from you, haha. But it is looking great,

you are quite a bit farther than I am. Still waiting on those motors. Lol.

userhck userhck

Also, the spring tension on the bearings is an interesting concept.

Perhaps i'll try that out as well. The amazing thing about this project

is it's versatility to make changes.

fredan userhck

Well the inspiration comes from your genus. I truly like this

project, I agree with your former comments. I have used a very

stiff spring, as for the rails,and I have made plans to expand the

length, but for now I just wanted to prove out the design. Glad

you told me about lubing the rails.

userhck fredan

Quick question, I am looking for some cheap steppers, and ebay

definitley isnt the place. Any ideas people? And please dont jsut say

"copy machine", i mean where would you find a copy machine to

destroy?

la3bna userhck
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/la3bna/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/C1D3T1VF5Y3L10Phttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/C71I7Z6F5Y3YTQ0http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/fredan/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/fredan/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CPD6581F5Y3KZOKhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CFPI7SJF5Y3KZOIhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://cdn.instructables.com/FWO/3L3I/F5Y3YTJW/FWO3L3IF5Y3YTJW.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FCM/Y9A0/F5Y3YTJU/FCMY9A0F5Y3YTJU.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FDG/KDEE/F5Y3YTK1/FDGKDEEF5Y3YTK1.LARGE.jpghttp://cdn.instructables.com/FDR/NABC/F5Y3YTJV/FDRNABCF5Y3YTJV.LARGE.jpghttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CUMUBVBF5Y3YTK7http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/fredan/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/fredan/


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You can find copiers at a electrically resycling senter. I just hacked

on apart to get the two steppers out. Althou i dont know if both are

steppers (hmm i can really feel the steps so i guessing it is.)

Tom McGuire(author) userhck

Try MPJA.com here's The_Motor_Page

Pretty good motors for around 10 bucks

wpflum Tom McGuire

I was looking at this web site and I need some help on figuring out

what motors to buy. There are a couple of different degree per step

and a bunch of voltages and currents/resistance of coils. Which ones

do I get??? I've never dealt with steppers before. Help!!

wpflum wpflum

I did a bit more digging and I came up with something I felt might

work so I ordered a bunch to play with. They are from

www.allelectronics.com, part number SMT-89. Its a Oriental Motor

Vexta, PX245-02B-C8 which is listed as having a 1.8 degree step. Its

6volt, .8amp 2 phase. If the picture is correct it looks like it has acollar with set screws to attact to the drive bar. It has 6 leads and is

currently at 5 bucks a piece. I bit the bullet and ordered 6 so I'd have

enough to build two machines. Sure hope these wil l work, I'd hate to

waste 30 bucks but I decided to take a chance.

Tom McGuire(author) wpflum

I think your going to be very happy with those. I like the brass

shaft couplers on them. Five bucks is a really good deal.

wpflum Tom McGuire

I thought so too. I got 6 of them, I figure I can build your design as is

then use it to help make the next version. My original, and on going,

reason for building this is I want to use it to help make pinewood

derby cars. I'd like teach my kids some 3d design and let them play

with creating car shapes in software then have the CNC machine

mill out the basic shape which they can hand finish. With your

current design what is the envelope? It looks l ike its somewhere

around 6 or 7 inches and I need at least 8 and 9 would be best so I

figured instead of offsetting the z axis I'd use the longer piece of pipe

on each side to get a slightly bigger envelope.

wpflum wpflum

Got the motors yesterday. They do come with the brass couplers. I'm

planning a more direct method to connect the all thread to the

motors, I bought 5/16 instead of 1/4 inch thread and am going to

mount it in my lathe and cut off about 1 inch of threads and size i t to

fit the coupler, looks to be about 3/16. I'm planning on doing the

same to the other end but fit that to a bearing that I can mount to the

frame. Harder to get everything alligned but should make for a much

sturdier setup.

hexapod wpflum

You can return anything you buy from them within 30 days. Just

follow instructions on yellow sheet. No return nubers needed justwhat you are returning and do you want a refund or credit. It's that

simple.

userhck Tom McGuire
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/userhck/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CUNAX1OF6B7Q2QUhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/hexapod/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/hexapod/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CDNB1RYF6B7Q7D0http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/wpflum/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/wpflum/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CGJUDVQF6B7Q0CYhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/wpflum/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/wpflum/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CY73F8WF6B7STKAhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CRAM27BF6B7PZS6http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/wpflum/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/wpflum/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CM7A3DVF6B7PZM6http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/wpflum/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/wpflum/http://www.mpja.com/products.asp?dept=101http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/CB0NBJOF5Y3YVMThttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/Tom+McGuire/http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/COG45T6FA190E05http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_3/member/la3bna/


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Make Comment

Thanks!

Tom McGuire(author) fredan

That looks nice. Looks like you used cutting boards. The

thicker the harder the flatter the better. A word of caution and

not to discourage you especially because this design

technique allows you to easily make changes. The bearing

may need to be pressed very firmly to the rail so that the stage

won't shift when milling. The spring may work but you shouldmake sure it's very strong. I also suggest just one bearing in

the center will al low the stage to travel 1/2 way to the left and

1/2 way to the right. It's also good to have the rails extend well

beyond the travel of the stage. Aside from that Id like to say an

awsome job and to al l of you undertaking this project far out,

right on - ride on.

Tom McGuire(author) Tom McGuire

Oh yes...and don't forget to grease the rails. That aluminum wil l

grind into powder.

Tom McGuire(author) userhck

Hey nice job. That looks like it will work (so far). Keep us

posted. People will want to know how it goes for you.

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