Couple pics of the Y axis drive.

Been making some good progress on this build. Although, I suspect progress will slow considerably from here on considering how cold it's been here and I have no heat in the shop

Anyway, some of the work I got done:
Got wider belts for the y axis, the narrow ones were stretching a little.

Finished the X and Z axis. The X was easy after I figured out how I was going to do it The Z turned out to be a long project that involved purchasing a Bridgeport Series II mill to make the 3 plates that make up the Z axis. Then after I finally got the Z axis done, I had to change out the Acme screw/delrin nut combination to a ball screw due to a bad vibration from the acme screw.

Quick Z axis demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt9paSCZvhs

Pen plotting a part file with feed rates of 30 to 250 IPM and rapids at 600 IPM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbIUzRVaNq8

I guess the next project will be getting a spindle on this beast.

Couple pics of the Z axis getting a ball screw transplant and a few pics of the X axis.

Its progressing nicely, great work !

JH

Its progressing nicely, great work !

JH

Thanks JH. I was checking out your Bridgeport retrofit. That is an awesome build!!! I really like vintage iron, I wish I had thought to retrofit an old machine instead of building this machine.

Well, it's starting to get warmer outside and so I have been working on the cnc machine a bit more. Sure wish I had heat in the barn this past winter. could have got a lot more stuff done!

Anyway, I finished the Z axis. Mounted the cable chains for X, Y and Z. All I need to do now is finish the home and limit switches for X and Y and wire up a output to turn the spindle on/off. Also I would like to setup a mist coolant system, I am very impressed with the mist coolant I put on the old machine! It works great and it was free (made it from a soda bottle, an old air soleniod, a regulator, and some clear tubing). I'll try to get a few pics posted in a day or two.


Here is a video of a test cut run on the new machine. Cutting 6061 aluminum at 50 IPM and then 120IPM   Keep in mind the majority of the chatter comes from the Porter Cable router and a dull end mill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a974jExoLak

Pic of the cut, showing surface finish.

Managed to get some work done on the spindle. Fabbed up a housing for the BT30 Kitamura spindle cartridge. Was concerned about the weight of the assembly, maybe around 80-90lbs for the spindle & housing plus 20lbs for the motor. Z axis seemed to lift it ok though. May add a gas spring to the Z axis just to alleviate some of the weight.

So, the plan is to use 1:1 on the belt drive. Figuring the motor running on a vfd is good for about 1000-7000rpm. What do you guys think? Sound like a good rpm range? My expected use will be milling, boring and tapping aluminum and occasionally milling some steel. Cutter sizes typically from .125" to 1.00" and ,if the rigidity allows, a small (2.5"?) face mill. Maybe someone could chime in on my plan.

Next on the list is mounting the motor, fabbing a mount for the hydraulic cylinder and making a air over hyd booster. Also have to setup a spindle oiler. What is the correct oil to use for a air lubricated spindle? Mobil Velocite

Sorry I don't have any input on the spindle, but I do have to ask....what's the story with the Firebird?

Sorry I don't have any input on the spindle, but I do have to ask....what's the story with the Firebird?

The Firebird is a 1969 convertible, originally had a 350HO however the motor was missing when I purchased it. It now has a worked 455 with KRE heads, roller cam, etc. It's mostly done but still needs a little work on the interior. I've owned it for about 17 yrs. Done 2 restorations on it! You may see it at a car show this summer if you live near me.