Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

How do I extend the X axis on a Lead Machine

Discussion in 'General Talk' started by Lee Whiteley, Dec 1, 2019.

  1. Lee Whiteley

    Builder

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2014
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    3
    I just purchased a Lead machine and know that in the near future I'll need to extend the X axis so I can make cuts up to 48" long.

    With that said what components will I need to make this change on my machine.

    Thanks for any and all suggestions you make, I appreciate it.

    Lee
     
  2. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,855
    Likes Received:
    1,525
    You'll need a larger diameter screw to go that distance. Shawn's Workbee 1510 is a good reference for that.

    You'll probably also want a double rail axis system to help resolve the torsional flexure issues of axis members that long. High Z Mod for Lead CNC provides good reference ideas for such a modification.
     
    Giarc and sharmstr like this.
  3. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    2,899
    Likes Received:
    1,613
    If in the U.S., McMaster Carr has 5 start 1/2"-10 lead screws that work great. You will need larger bearings and couplers as well. 6.35mm to 12 mm couplers are cheap and easy to come by and so are 12 mm pillow block bearings, so I had a friend with a lathe turn the ends of my two 1500 mm Y axis screws down to 12 mm. It saved me a lot of money on parts since his labor was free. ;)
     
  4. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,855
    Likes Received:
    1,525
    Zyltech has T12x8 screws and bearings with US based shipping. The only thing missing is proper anti-backlash nuts. That you'll have to work out on your own.
     
    Giarc likes this.
  5. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    2,899
    Likes Received:
    1,613
    Good find!

    As for anti-backlash nuts, they are easy (and fun) to make if anyone wants to try. Just order a screw longer than you need and make your own taps. I am tempted to try to 3D print one out of POM. That is the nice thing about McMaster-Carr, all their parts have a cad drawing so you can download and import into Fusion 360 then convert to an .stl or modify it.
     
  6. Lee Whiteley

    Builder

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2014
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    3
    Thanks for your suggestions and ideas. Will put me closer to planning to accomplish this in the future.

    Lee
     
  7. Andrew S

    Andrew S New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    I’m scoping out a lead1010 system, and will need a large travel in Z. The end product will be some nice looking bathtubs. 8” material is better than 2” but I’ll still need a total of 16 setups to complete the selections prior to joining. Has anyone worked an even larger Z extension?
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice