5 Axis CNC Beast

thingiverse

This 5-axis CNC machine is a test rig for my 5-axis controller project called 'Super Gerbil'. It's more an educational model than a fully functional machine, but if you reinforce the plastic bits and use linear rails instead of rods, it might just be able to do something. I remixed this design from an existing cncDIY project by Tony Hoang. I upgraded the spindle motor for a Chinese eBay spindle motor (750w) and added a spacer in the C-shaped Z frame to allow the extra height needed for the 4th and 5th axis and the spindle itself. An additional spacer is also necessary for the z-motor to allow more acme z-axis travel, with the coupler between z-axis and z-motor now sitting higher into the spacer. The x-axis work block/table has been internally modified to accommodate a black lash nut on the acme x-axis. You need to mount a lazy Susan bearing disc on top of the x-axis work block (or table). These discs can be found on eBay, with the bearing going between an inner and outer ring. The inner ring is mounted to the 5th axis frame, while the outer ring, along with the bearing, is attached to the x-axis work block. A GT-2 belt should be glued around the outside of the lazy Susan bearing. Around this fixed GT-2 belt goes another belt driven by the 5th Axis frame motor (B-Axis). The A-axis motor, a 5mm coupler, and a 5mm brass rod (through the 5th axis work plate) are all connected to a bearing (5 mm). I created this machine to test my 5-axis G-code controller project "Super Gerbil". You can find our webpages or Kickstarter by searching Google. Enjoy! Also, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2118335444/automate-anything-with-super-gerbil-cnc-gcode-cont?ref=user_menu for more information.