I came to the machine today knowing that I just had a few last pieces to complete before the machine was done.
I drilled the Z-axis motor mounts (no measuring required — I just taped them to an already-complete motor mount), then counterbored the X- and Z-axis motor mounts. Then I installed all 3 motor mounts. I realized as I was installing the Z-axis motor mount that I was going to have to counterbore 2 of the BRA hold down bolts.
While I was doing that, I learned how I *should* have been installing the router gantry all this time — with the Y-leadscrew in, the top of the Z-gantry can be pulled off without the whole thing falling apart. sigh. Things you learn after you need them. 🙂
While I had the BRA off, I decided to throw some washers under the BRA, to tighten up the movement in the Y-axis. That all went back together well. Y-axis is nice and tight now.
Once the motor mounts were installed, I got started installing the motors. Not a problem, those went on fast.
One last thing to do, install the router itself. I knew I was going to have to find screws to bolt it on with. And this is where it’s better to be lucky than good. It turns out that the same screws that are holding on the motors also fit the router! So I removed one bolt from each motor, so that I would have enough to attach the router. And with a little head-scratching, I got the 3 mounting holes and the center hole for the end mill all drilled. The router moutned right up, although I figured out after I had it on that I had blocked the collet wrench because my bolts are too long. Once I replace those with a proper length, that will work like a charm.
With the router installed, I started looking for the next thing to do.
And I stopped dead in my tracks.
X-axis complete, with motor installed.
Y-axis complete, with motor installed.
Z-axis complete, with motor installed.
Router installed.
Machine’s done!
I spent some time hooking up the electronics; 3 motor cables, Gecko, parallel cable, and PC.
And I spent some time cleaning up all the tools and sawdust.
I’m ready to install software and then start cutting!