Belting up...
Next on the build list is to fit the drive belts, these are cut to length for each of the axis, 1 for the "X", 2 for the "Y" and a small loop belt for the "Z" axis.
The following photos show the routes of the belts and the tensioning brackets...
The "X" axis was a bit fiddly as access to the idler pulleys was restricted, having to feed the belt through from the top, and putting a bit of a "curl" in the belt helped...
The far back side of the belt was just fastened to the end plate, no adjuster on this side, just at the front.
The "Z" axis loop belt before and after tensioning...
Dust extraction system
Quite possibly the most important accessory to a router CNC machine is a good extraction system, the cutters on the router are quite small, and the "Chip Load" of the cutters is also small, therefore the router will produce more dust and small chippings than shavings. So this will plumb into the extraction system I installed a couple of weeks ago.
Chip Load...
Without going into to much great detail, Chip Load is the amount of material removed by each flute of the cutter, other things to take into account with Chip Load is the speed of the cutter, the speed of travel, and the depth of the cut.
Dust extractor mounts
These brackets needed to be bolted onto the "Z" axis, but also needed to be twisted and slotted in a particular way to fit. Then bolted, but nothing is quite that easy ? finally got them in position and the then found out that my hex key was too long ? ... bit of modification needed with the bench grinder to make the hex key fit.
The front brackets simply slide in and are held in position with a couple of screw clamps...
The dust collection boot is held in position with magnets, and too keep the suction high a small clear plastic insert in placed inside the boot assembly...
Photo of boot in situ to follow...
Spindle fitting
Inserting the router spindle is straightforward, however the housing assembly is a very tight fit, so a little help from a wedge to open up the spindle clamp was needed...
Wiring
Time to get the wiring routed through and attach one of the drag chains.
All the wires are labelled, so a simple case of connecting them to the right place, and making the wiring nice and neat...
Opening up the drag chain helps with putting the cables in, also removing the end connector helps fixing it to the support arm.
Drag chain assembly and wiring up the motors and limit switches.
Cable ties overkill !
"X" axis wiring and drag chain complete.
Summary
Time taken today... 5 hrs
Total build time... 17 hrs
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