Rong Fu type RF-45 CNC Mill Conversion

Converted RF-45 milling machine

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• CNC
• CNC Mill
• CNC Milling Rong Fu
• RF-45

[msgmonly]

if i can give you 1 hint.... throw out that drill chuck! those should never hold a end mill

[gomiddlemas]

@msgmonly Thanks!

[uhmgawa]

@msgmonly

Ideally true. But when you don't have the correct collet handy and waiting for the UPS truck to deliver such isn't an option, dealing with the potential of added runout may be acceptable.

[JohnGrimsmo]

Awesome conversion! I've got a converted X2. Love how you put zerk fittings in there, I'll have to remember that for a future build. What sort of rapids are you getting? You should be able to increase the speed of backlash comp, I think mine is 100% because it happens much faster than that. Wow, 12x20x20 is a GREAT working area, jealous! Mine is Y4.5, X11, Z10.

[metricmikey]

Could you give me a "left to right" breakdown of what is involved on the ends of the ball screws. I know there is: Stepper > Lovejoy Coupler (1/2 to 3/4?) > Two Nuts > Block with bearing. Which side of the block is the bearing pressed in to? Am I missing anything else there, spacers or washers? Also, Ive read that some people "float" the opposite end of the ball screw. Does that mean it is completely mountless?

[gomiddlemas]

@metricmikey Hello, Thanks..... The Ball screws are from Roton. The part number for them is 60394. We custom made the mounting plates using 3/4" aluminum stock and thrust bearings. Standard love joy couplers work great for coupling to the stepper motors. You have to end machine the screw yourself. We found that putting it on a lathe and grinding off the outside layer works best. The case hardened layer is very hard on lathe bits but once passed it, they will machine nicely...Good Luck!

[metricmikey]

After a bit of research I realized that the factory screws are actually lead screws and not ball screws. Do you have the part numbers for the ballscrews and ballscrew nuts you used? Id like to have almost the exact same setup. Looks great.

[metricmikey]

Awesome mill. I have an RF-45 CLONE that came from the factory with a power up/down jog. Im hoping ill be able to adapt it for CNC. Do you have any information on the actual stepper mechanical set up for the X and Y? I know you mentioned the size, but could you elaborate more on the mechanical components? Is it using the factory ball screw? What about the couplers and thrust plates?

[ab0miantion]

Great conversion Mate. Really nice setup. I've fitted a one shot cooling system to my ZX-45 in preparation for a cnc conversion once I have all the parts together.