Ultra-low cost Mini-CNC - 5mm spindle fixed!

Finally!
The horrible sound turned out to be over-tightening of the bell/bearings in order to avoid slop. Thanks to Bill H. for mentioning that and saving me from a lot of grief!

Using a small bl ESC now, but later I will use this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13024~r.64404114
A 60 Amp brushless ESC with rpm-governor function for a few bucks. (hehe)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• axi
• model
• motors
• brushless
• spindle
• cnc
• diy
• homebrew
• noise

[HammerFET]

I've just built a similar spindle with an ER11 spindle with 8mm shaft. What kind of PSU are you using? I'm having trouble finding anything that's up to the task of me sending this spindle into metal. Only thing I can think of using is an ATX supply.

[1kreature]

@HammerFET Nice! I suggest you get a industrial psu, or use an atx.

I found a main motor supply at goodluckbuy which does 36v 9.7 amps. It works for my axis motors. I use 12v 45A for my spindle.

[knutselman]

Hi,

I'm building a tiny CNC machine for milling PCB. Did you like the dremel chuck? I'm planning to buy such a chuck and make a beared spindle attached to a brushed DC-motor which does around 12k rpm at 12v. I read a lot about the chuck not being centered. Did you have this problem?

[1kreature]

@knutselman No. The dremel chuck is not precise enough for pcb-milling. It has a lot of runout and in addition the threads on the chuck are not true, making it angle randomly to one side when tightened. The error is small, but noticeable and differs from unit to unit.

[BaiCam1]

Hi,

Really interested to know more about how this is assembled, I seen the link for the speed controller but how is it assembled onto the spindle and how you are controlling the speed? Also will this setup work with any CAM controller software or just yours?

[WTREMMEL]

@soulstudio I don't think that would work unless you use all reverse threads on one end...

[1kreature]

@soulstudio I would suggest you look at those cheap dremel tools with flex-tube on em. Clamping the flex-end will be much simpler. It also solves the drive-coupling.

Alternatives really require tools to machine parts.

[soulstudio]

@1kreature Ah, thanks, well, looks like I have to put it on hold for now. I was thinking about something like a "double sided chuck" similar design as an ER style chuck, but with a threaded tubing in the middle and able to tighten up on both side... just an idea.

[1kreature]

@soulstudio On this version I machined an adapter to fit on the shaft, and with the same threading as the tiny chuck.

I made a new version later with extra support-bearings and it uses a standard 1/4" chuck.

Both versions required a lathe to make though. To couple my new version to the motor I used a shaft-coupler.

[soulstudio]

Could you please tell me how did you couple the chuck to the motor's shaft? I've been looking for something off the shelf and had no luck. thank you!!