Bearings - Position 5/8" Lead Screws

You built the first 36 inch Blue Chick for me. One of the V-Groove bearings on the X-axis froze. Is there a method of repairing this? Or do I order another and a spare. If so, what is the procedure to repair or order?

If your bearing does not turn anymore, it is possible to repair the frozen bearing. You can carefully remove the shield on one side of the bearing. Use a very thin blade to remove the shield. Once the shield is removed, use WD-40 or kerosene to wash out and clean any debris that exists within the bearing. WD-40 is a cleaner, not a lubrication agent. You will then need to re-lubricate the bearing. Packing grease into the bearing will provide good protection not allowing too much metal on metal friction. There will be a layer of grease separating the ball bearings from the inner and outer races. If you have a production environment, you may want to purchase extra bearings so that you will not have any down time. If you have a rubber shield, just pry it out using any sharp object, like a utility knife. If your bearing has a metal shield, there may be a retaining ring along the outer race keeping the shield in place. Simply remove the retaining ring and the metal shield will fall out easily. If the metal shield does not have a retaining ring, that shield will not be able to be removed and a new bearing will need to be purchased to replace the frozen bearing.

Which power supply, 36V/8.8A or 24V/8.3, to drive one Nema 43 stepping motor?

The NEMA 43 motor we stock has a 5.5A draw, which we recommend to pair with our 6.0 amp driver and 36V 8.8A Power Supply.

What tolerance can I expect from your largest cnc machine and the laser cutter? Also, what depth can I get on the z axis?

The largest CNC machine we make at this time (12/04/2015) is the GreenBull 6'x12' model. This model has 2 options for Z-axis travel. The short-z option has a total Z travel of 5.75 inches. From that you would subtract the length of the end mill used and the thickness of the spoil board to determine the maximum material thickness. (Example: If the end mill extends 1.25" from the collet and the spoil board is .75", then the material could be up to 5.75 - 1.25 - 0.75 = 3.75 inches in thickness). This is good for most sheet-type materials. The long-z option, used mainly for large 3D carvings, requires a custom frame and allows for up to 36" of travel. The tolerance of our machines, like any machine, depends on several variables. The major variables include the manufacturing tolerance, the type of machine control used, the precision of assembly, the thoroughness of maintenance, and the initial and ongoing calibration of the machine. Because we sell kits only most of these variables are outside our control. Therefore, we are hesitant to guarantee a certain level of tolerance for an end user. However, in our experience, tolerances of .001" are readily achievable with our machines. Additional Information:

What is the z-axis travel for your largest machine?

The largest CNC machine we make at this time (12/04/2015) is the GreenBull 6'x12' model. This model has 2 options for Z-axis travel. The short-z option has a total Z travel of 5.75 inches. From that you would subtract the length of the end mill used and the thickness of the spoil board to determine the maximum material thickness. (Example: If the end mill extends 1.25" from the collet and the spoil board is .75", then the material could be up to 5.75 - 1.25 - 0.75 = 3.75 inches in thickness). This is good for most sheet-type materials. The long-z option, used mainly for large 3D carvings, requires a custom frame and allows for up to 36" of travel.

what is the packing list for the laser/spindle combo head

The laser/spindle combo head includes the following major items: Spindle components: - The Spindle and VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) also called an inverter. Laser components: - 40 watt laser tube. - Laser nozzle with laser focus lens (20 mm). - nozzle tube fitting with 36 inches of silicone tubing. - 40 watt laser power supply. - Potentiometer (panel mount) to adjust laser intensity. - Toggle switch (on/off SPST - Single Pole Single Throw). - Air pump to provide air assist to keep debris out of the nozzle. Structure and hardware: - All structural parts to form the z-axis rail support and mounts for the spindle and laser tube/nozzle, vacuum hose and dust shoe - 1/2" - 10 TPI 5 starts lead screw (2 turns per inch). - Many screws/nuts/cross dowels. - Dust shoe with installed strip brush. - Aluminum angle to serve as rail.

What is on the combo #1 dvd?

For the combo DVD there is 2 packages as seen on the website(https://www.buildyourcnc.com/cnckitintro.aspx) and on the DVD and plan combo you only get the plans and the DVD. However the combo with the hardware you will receive the Plans and Assembly DVD. Screws: #8 or #10 Screws 2" in length- 12 1/4" diameter - Pan Head 1" - 12 1 1/2" - 6 2" - 20 3" - 8 1/4" Diameter - Angled Head 1" - 16 Bolts: 1/4" Diameter 1" - 10 1 1/2" - 6 2" - 28 5/16" - Diameter 3/4" - 24 Nuts: #8 or #10 - 36 1/4" - 30 5/16" - 24 1/2" - 15 (13 TPI Allthread Compatible, not ACME Precision) Cross dowels - 52 Mechanical: Couplings 1/4" to 1/2" with center bunas - 3 Bearings 1/2" Inside Diameter - 6 Bearings 5/16" Inside Diameter - 24 Aluminum Angles to serve as bearing trucks - 6

The electronics for my current cnc machine has a 36v 8.8 amp power supply. Is this power supply sufficient to power my new Mach3 USB interface?

The Mach3 USB interface card uses 5V (powered from the computer's USB) and a 24v to power the inputs, outputs and spindle control the mach3 usb interface can be found here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board But the mach3 usb does not absolutely need the 24V supply. The 24v supply is only needed if you will be using limit switches (I1-4), VFD controlled automatically and for use with the outputs (O1-4) Additional Information: The 36v 8.8 amp power supply we typically recommend is for powering the stepper motor drivers.

Since I am using normal all-thread lead screw 13 TPI 1/2" for the book build cnc, what can be the maximum feed rate of machine and how can I change the mechanical setup in mach 3? I am using 1/4" steel carbile endmill with 2 flutes and router is 2 HP with variable speed

Book build (scratch build), feedrates and recommendation. Using standard allthread will provide around 20-30 ipm using 36 volts. Although it allows for a working CNC machine, the RPM of the spindle/router will need to spin at the lowest setting to provide the beat efficiency and life for the end mill at 1/4" cut diameter and higher. The speeds may be fine for smaller end mills. If you would like faster speeds, you should change the lead screws on the CNC machine to the 1/2" 5 start 10 TPI which translates to 2 turns per inch which means, the stepping motor will not need to turn as fast to produce faster motion. That is to say, the stepping motor will only need to turn two revolutions for the machine to travel one inch and with the allthread, the stepping motor will need to turn 13 times to reach one inch. Link to the lead screw and other mechanical parts needed: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCMachineMechanicalParts.aspx To change the lead screws you will need (for each axis): 1. The lead screw for that axis. 2. Two 1/2" collars to keep the lead screw axially stable. 3. One Antibacklash nut. Additional Information: 20

Originally bought the Blacktooth Laser kit, but the upgraded laser tube size and needed a larger casing. With that I need to upgrade the belts to a 36" run. Can you advise whether the mxl.08" timing belt is sufficent or do I need the .2"in.

The mxl 0.08" pitch is fine for moving the weight of a gantry that contains a 40 watt laser tube and optics. I would not advise this timing belt for CNC applications that need to move heavy items such as spindles, routers, and heavier structures that are required to move these spindles and routers around. The mxl 0.08" pitch timing belt is also great for 3d printers.

My machine stopped today (after many fun filled hours of operation in the last 3+ years). I suspect the 36V 8.8 amp power supply as there is no power to the stepper motors. Is there a breaker to check, or do I need to get another power supply? Should I assume the stepper motors are OK?

Your deduction of the power supply at fault is probably correct. When you attempt to power the power supply, check the V+ and V- (COM) with a multimeter on the DC setting. You should measure 36 volts. If there is no voltage on the V+ and V- (COM) there should be a fuse inside the power supply that you might want to check. Also, while you in there, check the electrolytic capacitors. Electrolytic capacitors have a finite lifespan much shorter than other components and are often the cause of many problems with all electronics. Please let us know what you find. Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information:

My BoB has Pul+,Pul-,Dir+,Dir-,Ena+,Ena-, instruct/book says term#2 to Pul- & term#3 to Dir-, sorry I'm lost

Pul+ is the Step+ and Pul- is the Step-. Pul is short for pulse. A pulse will create a step. Don't worry about the enable terminals. On the x-axis, pin #2 can go to pul- and pin #3 can go to dir-. The 5v will go to pul+ and dir+. The configuration for each axis for step will be active low and toggle active low for the dir on each axis to make it go in the direction desired. Next time, purchase the drivers from us and you will have fewer problems. Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information: Hi, I have an IHSS57-36-20 stepper motor with integrated driver (pulse mode) in my printer but it looks the paper moving distance is changing according to the paper tension. Has this version any encoder or I lose some steps? Thanks, John Additional Information: pin #2 can go to pul- and pin #3 can go to dir- Additional Information: pin #2 can go to pul- and pin #3 can go to dir- Additional Information: pin #2 can go to pul- and pin #3 can go to dir-

Just for general knowledge. If a spindle gets i.e. 240VAC, and the drivers 36-50VDC for power, why do you need 5VDC for the Breakout Board (BlueBrew)? Is it only for the relay? I think I've seen other BoB's working without power supply, or am I wrong?

Our breakout board, does require 5v to operate the correct voltages coming in from the drivers and also coming in from your computer, now the 5V will be supplied by the USB connection, so no external power supply is needed, for either our USB/Parallel breakout board.

Is there anywhere i could see one of your machines,12" x 36",working,thanks

You can see pictures and info on our machines on the gallery link in the top bar. Here are a few links for the blueChick CNC: Rot Aylett's:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hitLvqF3bgI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9MY-EDCpPs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqJT5iYGDOA&feature=youtu.be

I want to build my first CNC machine for PCB manufacture. I wish to manufacture at most A4 sizes. Which CNC kit do you recommend?

The blueChick would be the perfect machine to iso route PCB boards. The A4 size is 8.3x11.7 inches and the blueChick is 12x36 inches. It's a bit larger, but you would be able to route many more PCBs. I would also recommend getting the 1.5 kW or 2.2 kW spindle for the blueChick since you will want very low runout to make the isolation routes (kerf) between traces very thin.

I HAVE A MONITOR 4 RADIATION SURVEY METER WITH .36" DIAMETER MICA END WINDOW GM TUBE. PLACED 241AM SMOKE DETECTOR BUTTON IN WRAP OF ALUMINUM FOIL, THEN 1/8" PARAFFIN DISK ATOP THE WRAPPED BUTTON. ARE 4X ABOVE BACKGROUND READINGS FROM PROTON EMISSION OR SOME OTHER PARTICLE RADIATION?

241Am is naturally radioactive. It decays by emitting alpha particles of about 5 MeV energy. It also emits some low energy beta particles and gamma rays in the keV range, which can also be detected by Monitor 4. The alpha particles interact with your aluminum foil and produce the isotope 30P and a neutron. 30P has a half life of about 2.5 minutes and decays to the stable isotope 30Si by positron emission. The positron will annihilate with an electron producing two 0.511 MeV gamma rays that are easily detectable. Note the decay of 30P to 30Si will not necessarily be to the ground state of the nucleus, but to one of the several excited states of 30Si, which will quickly decay by gamma emission. The more probable of these gamma rays have energies between 1.2 MeV to 2.2 MEV. These are also detectable with your detector. Last but not least, is the neutron which was emitted from the interaction alphas with the aluminum. Addition of paraffin disk, since it contains lots of hydrogen atoms, will slow down the neutrons. Slow neutrons can be captured by nuclei in paraffin, mica window and the body of the detector itself. The results are several other isotopes that can decay by emitting gamma and other radiation. This is how you have increased the radiation from your 241Am source. Kamran Vaziri

I have a blueChick 13"x24" or 13"x36" Desktop CNC Router Kit v3.0 (Timing Belt) that I've assembled but never was able to get it running. Can BuildYourCNC assist me in selling this machine? Do you have used machine offerings on your site?

We would highly recommend using our forums to sell you machine buildyourtools.com. We currently do not have a page or option to allow our customers to sell our machines, you can also contact us at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com, for further assistance dealing with the machine and in regards to selling it.

I bought a, 3-Axis NEMA23 CNC Kit (36V/9.7A/382oz-in/KL-4030.but dont know how to set the dip switches on my drivers. The place I bout the kit from isent very good and support.

That driver (not purchased here) is a standard 3.0 amp driver that will have the dip switch settings on the top of the driver. You will need to determine the amp rating of you motor for the scheme that you wire your motor to the driver (bipolar parallel is recommended in most circumstances but can depend on your power supply output). Check the stepping motor datasheet for your motor to determine this amp rating. The other set of switches will be configure the microstepping. This will depend on your mechanical setup (i.e. lead screw, rack and pinion, roller chain, timing belt, etc.) and the specifications of such mechanical parts. This general formula (which can be searched using the Customer Service Live with many examples): step/inch = (natural motor steps * desired microsteps) / (mechanical travel for one motor rotation) Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information:

I am looking for a lead screw with a 4mm lead, at least 4 starts and 36" in length, can you help me out?

I will check with some of our suppliers.

I am interested in your laser cutter package. Can you create a machine with custom length requirements? ie. 36" length

For the blackTooth laser cutter and engraver, it is not possible to lengthen within its existing enclosure dimensions. The cable management is a bit tight. Call us to discuss.

How many drivers can you hook up to your 36v power supply? Want to add a 4th axis.

You can add a 4th driver to the 36v power supply to support a 4th axis.

How do I order the 10 TPI 5-start 2-turns-per-inch screws?, just shows $ per inch with no option for lenght.

When purchasing the 1/2" 5 start lead screw, the length is based on the quantity. Specify the total length you will need and we will email you (if you don't contact us first) to determine the cut lengths. For example, if you desire 36 inches of lead screw for the X axis and 12 inches of lead screw for the Y axis, just purchase 48 inches of lead screw and tell us you need this lead screw cut so you have two lengths at 36 inches and 12 inches.

Hello, I'm wondering if you could make a larger laser cnc if someone asks for it? Something like 36" x 52". And how much would it be?

We are developing a 4 foot by 8 foot (48" x 96") laser with 80 watts of power. If you need a laser at 36" x 52", you could use the 4'x8' laser and just build a shorter table. We will have this machine available in the latter portion of 2015. Additional Information: Additional Information: Additional Information:

Hello purchased a 3 axis elect. combo (heavy gantry). Printed a wiring dia. for the mach3 USB board from the page with the picture of the Mach3 USB board. Question; wiring schm. showes USB board wierd to a 24v/12v power supply. Power that came with combo kit is 36v. This work ok? Thanks for info

You will need a 24v power supply if you wish to use the inputs or output on that side of the board. A 12V power supply will work if you only need to use the inputs. The inputs on that side of the board are typically used for limit switches, emergency stop, or homing switches. The outputs on that side of the controller are typically used to turn on and off machine devices such as spindle, coolant valve, etc. There is also a 0-10V PWM output on that side of the board. Additional Information: Another solution would be to purchase an expensive 36VDC-->24VDC convert..just connected to one of the DC outputs on your 36VDC PS and you don't have to purchase another large 24DC PS.. The power requirement is pretty low so it won't/shouldn't affect the 36VDC used to drive motors/etc.

Can you supply a quote for a 4 axis combo kit with NEMA 17 Motors

To select a 4 axis NEMA 17 motor and driver combination, you will need the following: - Four (4) NEMA 17 motors: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-nema17-62ozin-NEWBIEHACK-motors-stepping_motor-62_ozin - Four (4) drivers, either the 2.5A: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/motion%20electronics-steppermotordriver-newbiehack-Motor_Drivers-2!5_Amp_modular or the 3.0A: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-stepper-driver-3!0a - One (1) Power supply, either the 24V or 36V (recommended): https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-power-supply - Finally, an interface is needed, either parallel, or USB. The USB works with planet-cnc software only. The parallel interface works with all major CNC control software: https://buildyourcnc.com/category/breakout

Can you design and sell a laser that is medium sized? The Black Tooth is too small and the XL is too big. I need about 36" x 24" cutting space minimum. 60x40 is ideal.

Yes, I was intending to design a medium sized laser cutter and engraver but the project was put on hold. I will start the design in a few weeks (around mid Dec 2017). Additional Information: Do you think you would want a horizontal machine, or a slanted, more vertically oriented machine? Additional Information: For the work I plan to do, I would need a horizontal bed. I will be doing some work with cutting small pieces and can not afford to have any drop during a raster or another vector cut. Additional Information: Ok. Thanks.