grumpygeek.com

For the most part is has been too cold to work on the machine for the last month or so, so I have not made a lot of progress, and I managed to crack part of the Z axis while testing the machine.

First the good stuff:

I decided to mount the power supply and electronics in a cheap storage container, which is exactly what I did with my last machine.  I used an x-acto knife instead of a drill this time, and did not any issues with the plastic cracking like I did last time.  However using the x-acto knife to drill this many holes by hand did lead to a couple of good sized blisters, there is a better way I am sure.  This part is pretty much done with the exception of a toggle switch on the power supply AC so I can turn it off without unplugging it.

Case 1

(more…)

I was having some issues with the lead nut carriers splitting when I bolted them down, so I decided to try cutting these parts from the Trex composite decking. The piece I bought was 1.125in thick, 5.5 in wide, and 8ft long for about $18, I cut it with the same 2 flute end mill I have been using with MDF, and I think they came out well.

Given that the part is now wider and contains a mix of saw dust and plastic, I am pretty sure I will not have the splitting issues.

Trex Parts

(more…)