Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine

Step 2: The X Stage Rails and Motor

Next its time to add the rails for the X axis stage. These rails are 3/4 inch U chanel aluminum that you can get from the hardware store. Put a washer under each end to space the rail off the pipe just a bit. Don't worry about the rails being perfectly parallel. You'll see why later. Now mount the stepper motor with a bracket like you see here. Connect a length of 1/4 by 20 threaded rod to the motor shaft with a short piece of rubber hose (1/4 inch fuel line). Now your ready to set the movable part of the X axis(the stage).

Comments

[brcoenen]

Hey, can someone tell me how to remove the old gears that are that are on the end of the stepper motors that i pulled out the old dot matrix printers? They seem harder then plastic, can't seem to pull them off, i might be being to cuatios and trying not to damage the motors. Not sure if i need to cut them off or what.

[JenAsaurusRex]

Tom

I found my stepper motors in an old inkjet and scanner. When i yanked iut what i needed an d scavenged the rest of the coolbits i was left with two motseith two connectiins each. Any ideaswhat i can use these guys for? I haven't done a lot of work with little motors, and am a blank slate of creativity here.

[Kilopondio]

Hi Tom! I`d like to ask you for the long of threaded rod to the motor shaft.If I want to make some square base what would be the size of this square?. Thanks

[jcskyhawk09]

Where can i buy a step motor at.

[fozzy55]

hi there...

can someone tell me what kind of stepper did he use???
please....

bc i don't know what step motor i should to use :S

[bluumax]

Unipolar 5-8 wire.
Size NEMA 17

[Dodgy]

does the far end of the threaded rod (left, on picture) just hang/sit/rub on the steel pipe? Should/can you support it somehow?

[bluumax]

Just let it hang.
If you don't it will want to move the table or whatever is riding on the nut all over.

If you support it you'll need bearings on each end.

[mmason1]

I found it easier to just take a few minutes and grind a section out of the pipe that way the coupling nut could travel past the piping for an extensive use of the X axis.  I also welded a sleeve into the slot where I extraced material on the piping, and not necessarily for structural reasons, but for a nicer look(sucks to be OCD). 

[ganjamaniac]

could I see a photo of that please

[Jorg]

What kind of rubber hose did you use? I'm still searching for it.

[Tom McGuire]

Go to the auto parts store and ask for fuel line. :)

[mmason1]

Advance Auto has it for about $1.29 per foot...... and if you're looking into Lowes or Home Depot, it will be a clear line instead of black.  I found that the auto stores have a thicker wall thickness on their lines, and the Hardware stores have a smaller wall thickness(if you are wanting to use the smallest available parts)

[kasari001]

WHAT MOTORS......PLEASE!

[disturbedreaper]

stepper motors i dont think it maters for a perticular modle just a steper motor becuase u will have to zero everything on the software

[msalhi]

Tom you did not mention anything about the motor specifications ... what kind should i get ?

[concretebox]

The threaded rod will attach to the moving platforms, that'll secure them just fine at the other end.

[systemBuilder]

Ok i'm a little clueless, but what did you use to drill/tap the holes, so that you could screw the rails into the pipe?? Thanx.