I purchased a PSI Turncrafter midi lathe to use as the basis for my rotary axis. Since it is a very nice machine I didn't want to cannibalize it completely. My plan is to make it a dual function machine. By switching belts, I can convert from conventional turning to CNC and back. I started with fitting a timing pulley onto the end of the spindle. My friend Gary let me use his Atlas lathe to bore and thread the pulley. I don't recall the bore diameter but I do remember that it is a left-hand metric thread. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of the turning process. Here is the finished product in place on the spindle. At this point it was time to start on a bracket for the stepper motor. I has some 3/4" thick aluminum left over from the Z-axis build that was perfect for this. I started by filing some flats on the headstock end of the bed. I cut my aluminum to size and test fitted it. After filing and final sanding the brackets are parallel with the pulley. 7-29-10 Still having some issues with electronics so I haven't done any cutting yet but hope to have video soon. |
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