Here we go again, another Charter Oaks CNC build. The first build turned out really good and a neighbor purchased it so now I'm going to build up the other one I have sitting here. Going back to the RF 31 to make the parts for the new one really seems archaic. What a difference in machines, gotta love the 12" Y on the Charter Oaks. I'll try not to bore anyone as this build will be pretty close to the last one except I have a new Y axis direct drive design that I'm going to implement on this one. Saves a lot of parts and the motor mounts flush on to the back of the machine. I am also going to see if I can take advantage of the way the manufacturers put there handles on with the 3 cog system. Since I always build my machines dual purpose, CNC/manual I would like to make the Y axis handle pull back from the cog while in CNC mode so it does not spin, that way it's a bit safer. Although I do take the stock handles and cut them down to nubs on my machines so your less likely to get hit in the gonadiums. I also think I came up with a nifty way to install the Z axis ball nut without having to machine a big piece of aluminum to replace the stock one. Just use the stock steel one and cleanly bolt a 1/4" plate under it to mount the ball nut to upside down. 6 bolts a 1/4" deep will hold the ball nut just fine and don't forget the 300 lbs resting on it. It has the same effect as mounting the ball nut inside the mount with the flange underneath as both are pretty much pulling up on the same surface whether the ball nut is inside or underneath. I don't really see any binding happening since it's all held straight by the dovetails. There's plenty of room under the steel block so there won't be any bottoming out either. On the Charter oaks they also put 2 pins in the Z axis steel block. Those will be drilled and tapped so I'll have the large center bolt and two 1/4" back up bolts for a very secure mount. Got a lot of parts built today and I'll take some pics tomorrow for everyone. I almost forgot, I have a 3 HP, 3 ph, 3450 rpm Baldor motor, VFD, and pulse width to analog relay board coming also. Of course I bought 2 just in case I have to upgrade the other one I sold since the variable speed will be awesome. This one will have quick change tools and a ATC system too. Maybe I won't bore anyone but it seems everything has been done before.
Anybody got a good source for the Tormach style ATC tool holders?