Re: About to start building a CNC wood router - leadscrew

> I'd still prefer ACME threads, and am pursuing this...hopefully I

won't

> have to make the 100 mile trip to Dallas (TX) just for threaded

rod, though.

>
> >Acme Rod is surprisingly inexpensive. Enco has a sale on it,

IIRC....

> >www.use-enco.com. Available in 3 and 6 foot lengths, but you're
> >likely to pay a bit more for shipping if you get the 6 foot length.
> >Nuts are more expensive than not, but the inexpensive plain variety
> >can be turned down. (Hint: turn it down on the shaft to make it
> >centered),

I made a 4" long delrin nut for my unit. seems once you get over ten
internal threads, the inconsistancies of cheap rods make the stuff
very low backlash.

I did the first section wth 1/2-13 hardware grade all-thread. I got
very good results with that section. I did prep the rod by running a
die down it to eleminate any high spots them spun it and wiped the
grouves with my fingernail and a rag feeling for snags, found many.

I did the same with some 1/2" ACME and was happy with those results
too.

Can't beat getting plastics and spending the $30.00 for a tap and
then making not only all the stuff you need now, but replacement if
needed in the future.

one thing I did notice was that the threads were TIGHT when I
started. seems the plastic gave a little when being cut and that
after a half dozen passes, it wound up being just snug.

If you think about the idea, it is really easy to use plastics for
the nut and add a second section for adjustable backlash.

Dave