This is Part 2 of a multi-part series. See also Part 1.
Synopsis
It has been about a week since the kit has arrived, and I have found time to begin assembly of my new micRo CNC milling machine. The kit I ordered did not include any fastener hardware (screws, nuts, bolts etc..). Nor was any hardware kit available upon purchase, though I bet they will change that. I took this as a mixed blessing and performed a preliminary “dry” assembly. As of the time of this writing, the kit has no formal instructions. I had to figure out the assembly pattern based on reference photos released on the site, and looking for key moments in videos released by Lumenlabs.
Leadscrew Lengths
This is proving to be a little more challenging than I had thought. Many of the components are pre-drilled and will only fit together a certain way. The portions which have ACME threads (the leadscrews) are obvious. Two of the 4 leadscrews, for example, are the same length (likely candidates for the X axis), but one is a little different by an inch. The last leadscrew is obviously Z (vertical) because it is very small. For now, I have placed the odd-man-out on the Y axis.
Hardware Woes
I have begun looking for the hardware, and found most of it at local places around Seattle. I tried to visit the local places first, such as Hardwick’s, True Value Hardware, Stone Way Hardware, and finally Tacoma Screw. One of the harder to find screws is a 3mm cap screw, 45mm long for the Z axis motor mount. Tacoma Screw was able to supply a stainless steel 3mm by 40mm, but that last 5 mm makes all the difference. The 3mmx40mm worked for the Y axis, but not the Z axis motor controller. I believe Fastnel will have it in stock.
Another part which I thought would be difficult which was not included was the Z axis motor standoff. It turns out, it was a relatively common part from the plumbing section of a local hardware store. At 69 cents, one has to wonder why it wasn’t simply included in the kit. I guess it makes it more of an adventure!
Well I’m going to keep on keeping-on. Those looking to repeat my efforts should just buy the hardware kit!
Gallery (after the break)
Here is a fun gallery to look at of assembly photos.
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- I dry fit the parts without any screws to determine fit. It’s so new that no assembly instructions exist, but it is relatively intuitive.
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- This is the plumbing reduction fitting. It is a 1×3/4 reduction bushing. It says “GENOVA PN D2466″.
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- This is the Z Axis Motor Mount spacer on top of the shaft. This is shown without the motor installed. The little aluminum coupler in the center is where the stepper motor shaft connects to the leadscrew.
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- This is the top of the Z block, left to right, Motor Stepper, Spacer, Coupler, then the top of the Z chassis.
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- You can see the linear bearing blocks here, and how they bolt together. The X axis leadscrew threads just above on the plastic block.
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- This is the “ways” of for the Z axis. At least they are called “ways” on a lathe.. Leadscrew in center, two pin shafts on the sides. I think the tool is bolted to the two bright white plastic bits that have holes in them.
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- This is the back side of the ways. The off-white portion of the Z axis bolts to the bottom of the Y axis block (I think).
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- This is one of the two X block stepper motors bolted in place. One of the lower bolts is hanging out, ready to be inserted. I used Button Head bolts because I couldn’t find Allen-Cap screws long enough at the hardware store I was at. They should hold fine for what I plan on doing.
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- I chose the two stepper motors with White leads for the X way. I don’t have any logical reason for this.
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- This is the front side of the X block. It should be noted that the leadscrew and motor mount bolts are not interference; they can be assembled in any order.
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- I made the wiring point upward, hopefully this will prevent connector mechanical fatigue problems.
