While the carrier was on its way I decided that I would try to make a new Diff Cover for he Dana 44 axle. I had searched previously to find a DXF file with good enough dimensions to cut on the CNC Plasma. Since the cover was off and I had time I just created the file myself. I placed the stock cover on my weld table and used a scribe to outline the existing cover and the placement of the holes. Once I was comfortable with the markings, I proceeded to measure and draw it in CAD. The outline was fairly simple, but the holes tend to not be so easy. First off the tolerance of the stock cover was all over the place. So I first cut this into a thin sheet of steel to save on the cost of checking the dimension I took. After an initial trial, I discover that two hole were just far enough off that you could start all the others and just slightly off to start the bolt. On the thicker material I decided the easiest way to fix this was to open the hole size up to .375 from .34 and all the bolt fit with out an issue. (more…)
After not having access to be able to machine any new parts for myself and not wanting to have to pay someone to make something that I can make myself, I am feeling the need to step up to another CNC machine. Since I cannot make the parts myself I am having to resort to searching for one to buy.
I have been searching for one for quite some time. Since not having a large budget I have had to make some concessions. It needed to be able to upgrade myself later if I needed to go bigger. It needed to be a robust design that could stand up to machining aluminum as well as other types of projects like wood, plastic, and vinyl. (more…)
I was browsing the internet today searching for a way to control my CNC Plasma without having to spend a fortune. I came across a plugin that allowed me to use an Xbox 360 controller to run my machine. Now since my machine uses Mach 3 software and CandCNC hardware, I was skeptical as to the success of this plugin, but not enough to try it for myself. I looked into the CandCNC pendent control, but at $200+ it was a little out of the price range for the need. After all this is for convenience and not necessary. At that is what I though at first, but more on that later.
To install this you will need to find a couple of items. (more…)
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Been working on the table for the last few weeks. I will have a better update at a later date, but here is a video of me checking the movement on the long travel of the table after work was complete.It is setup op to move from .50″ to 1.00″ dwell then move the other way. It looks like I have the steps really close.
Posted in CNC, Plasma | Comments Off on CNC Plasma | Upgrade
This version of the gantry has undergone some changes since its inception. Mostly because I didn’t foresee everything needed to make these changes before i started and had to make some more changes. Others were changed for future plans, while still retaining functionality until the other changes are made. This image is the future version it will finish in. The main difference from what I am doing now is the addition of the second linear rail on the y axis (gantry carrying axis). The other is a lower profile of the gantry itself to allow a better connection between the welded pieces and a overall aesthetics of the gantry itself. (more…)
After using the table for quite some time, I have discovered a few issues. First off with my design for the guide rails using the v-groove wheels is flawed. The current design only uses these bearings on the top of the rail. With this type of setup it tends to not want to stay on the rails. Also when you cut thin material it tends to lift one side of the other when you change directions rapidly.
So I have been working on a new design. seen below.
The z axis will remain unchanged as will the table itself. The main changes are with the gantry itself. (more…)
