Post date: Apr 8, 2013 4:37:33 AM
After a lot of work, the new axes are mounted, the limit switches are installed, and I've milled some PCBs! See Pictures!
Overall: This thing is AMAZING! Super smooth, much quieter, and nearly no wobble (some backlash, though. That's on my to-do list). About the only thing I can really complain about is the Z axis is stiff and, despite the oodles of aluminum holding the driving rod, it flexes a bit before the Z axis actually starts to move. I'll be looking into trying to get the driving rod closer to the center of the axis to minimize/eliminate this issue.
I also had a brief adventure with the Y axis. "Wait!" you may say, "isn't that the one axis you weren't messing with?" Indeed it is. Except it decided to start binding up, so my dad and I installed a bearing like on the other axes, and now it's smooth and quiet, just like the others. It'll still need to be given a proper upgrade at some point, but it worked well enough for me to play a bit tonight.
I should probably add more here, but it's late and a school night.