Post date: Jul 18, 2013 1:16:08 AM
I got a little more structural work done on my mill- the support for the Z axis stepper, raised up to accommodate the Z axis' driving rod. It was my first time using a [non-CNC] mill, and I at least didn't break anything. Better yet, the part fits just like it's supposed to. It started out as a piece of 2" square aluminum tubing, so taking a bit off the edges wasn't exactly rocket science.
The pictures above show my handiwork, as well as how it fits into the machine itself. Nothing too fancy; it just needs to hold the stepper up and allow the Z axis acme rod and tubing to pass through it.
I also FINALLY got my spindle hooked up to the VFD. The good news is that it works, and sounds good (quiet and smooth).
The bad news is that I did a shoddy job of wiring it up (there's no point in having shielded wire if you don't hook the shielding up to something...), so the outside of the spindle (which isn't connected to ground) gained a not insignificant charge (that's a little worrisome on its own, mind you). I should really know better; I guess that's what I get for wiring while tired. Anyway, I'll hopefully have a chance to wire the shielding to the ground of the VFD and the casing of the spindle tomorrow- that should solve the problem.
Finally, I got my cooling pump hooked up to the spindle, and it works like a charm (it's quite nice to have it work on the first try). I should probably get a picture of that. In any case, it can't push water up too high, so the cooling tank will probably have to be approximately on the same level as the spindle itself- not a huge deal.