Re: Rod Sizes

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "krashking405"
<krashking405@...> wrote:

>
> OK, I have measured the rods I have. Three of them have the carriages
> that came out of the donor machines, two of these have a rod diameter
> of 0.35 inches [8.89mm] with a length of 15.28125 inches [388.14375
> mm], the other is .392 inches [9.9568mm] in diameter, and a length of
> 17 inches [431.8mm]. The rest have no carriages, I have two at .235
> inches [5.969mm] in diameter with a length of 10.5 inches [266.7 mm],
> two at .275 inches [6.985mm], one has a length of 16.5 inches [419.1
> mm] the other is 9.71875 inches [246.85625mm], and one at .305 inches
> [7.747 mm] in diameter with a length of 10.125 inches [257.175mm].
> What would my approximate work area be? I plan on using the rods with
> the carriages on the X, Y, and Z-axis. Can I get away with just a rod
> and lead screw per axis?
>

Put the heavest rods on the base. If you still have the slides, then
all you need to do is to adapt the slide to a platform maybe epoxy or
some such. maybe screws if you have them.

if you figure securing each end by 1/2" and a 2 inch long bearing,
then you have about 3 inches taken up.

figure the dremel will drill down the center of the gantry and you
lose an inch on each side from the slides. if it overhangs on one
end, you lose the 2 inch on the slides, plus the overhang.

If you get a length of 1/2" threaded rod, you could use that as one
rail. but, the diameter of the parts is small an you might want a 3rd
rail.


As for end supports, you can use a 1x1 wood end rail and another on
top of it. then just bolt them together and sandwich your rails in
place. That allows a simple method of getting the ends mounted
without high tech stuff.

Although your rails are really light, you will be able to have the
drill move accuratly to a location. that will allow you to manually
push the dremel into tougher materials for drilling. This is what I
do to spot drill holes in aluminum. I use a 1/8" dia center drill and
just finger press the unit into the aluminum, then take it to the
drill press and put in the larger holes.

The reason I mention this is because once you get the X and Y
movement, you can use postioning to locate holes super accurate to
make plates and supports to have the machine help you make parts for
the rest of the machine.

Dave