Small mill carcass needed - don't need quill or electronics

[SimonRafferty]

I'm looking to build a custom 3D deposition printer and figured that the best place to start would be a desk-top mill.

I've been kicking myself as I was offered a Novamill carcass last year - but couldn't think of a use for it!

I need something that uses stepper motors to move the X,Y & Z axes. It doesn't need any drivers or electronics working, nor the quill motor / chuck assembly.

I only need the extents of the movement to be about 100mm in each direction - but even that's not a show stopper.

Let me know if you've got something sitting under your bench that needs a new lease of life!

Kind regards, Si simon.rafferty@x-eng.co.uk

[Denford Admin]

How much are you wanting to spend ?

I think I'd be tempted to buy this kit of everything you need for £800:
https://www.technologysupplies.co.uk/rapmankit.htm

If thats "too easy" how about this mini mill you could retrofit for £300:
https://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... =1&jump=44

[SimonRafferty]

No definite budget.

I was trying to avoid the RepRap style machines. In order to be self replicating - they compromise accuracy and rigidity.

I've had a couple of Denford machines now (Easiturn and Triac) and have been impressed with how accurate they are with relatively simple (read adaptable) construction.

I think that with an extruder I have designed, I should be able to achieve 0.1mm layers in whatever X/Y accuracy the mill can achieve - at least 5 x better than a RepRap type machine.

I want to avoid any of the nasty Chinese mills - not sure where the Axminster machine comes from, but likely that neck of the woods.

The best option for me I think is a scrap machine - ideally where the electronics are shot. That will give the best result for the least cost and time.

Si

[Denford Admin]

A cast iron machine feels like overkill though, when are no cutting forces...
We get very good, rigid, positioning on the PCB Engraver from IGUS rails like these: https://www.igus.com/show_dw.asp

[SimonRafferty]

I agree - but my whole Triac cost me less than the mechanical kit for a RepRap. For that matter, so did our current Bridgeport Interract.

The chap who had the novamill carcass only wanted a couple of hundred quid for it - which seems like a reasonable way to go.

I then get the option to use it for PCB drilling etc as well if the desire takes me!

My company has used IGUS polymer bearings for quite a lot of stuff - mainly automotive suspension. The linear bearings are very good too.

Regards,

Si