PRT ShopBot upgrades

[pro70z28]

I've been procrastinating for long enough, I'm finally getting around to the upgrades on the old ShopBot. Out of necessity I've already upgraded the computer to a new windows 10 touch screen, although the touch screen part doesn't get used because the 'puter is in a box to keep it clean. Also replaced the control board with the latest version, as the old original died along with the 3PH Woods spindle control replaced with a HUANYANG VFD.

The dust collector boot is coming along, still have to drill & tap some holes. I cut the parts on the laser, split the boot so I could change bits without having to raise it high enough to get the boot off, magnetic attachment. It rained today so I played hooky today, working on the boot. So, tomorrow will be a work day. Unless it rains again.....

[pro70z28]

I miss calculated the clearance for the front magnet holding the boot. I didn't think the spindle would go high enough to hit the gantry, but it did by about 1/2" from the top of the travel. I cut the magnet tab off and relocated one on each side back far enough to clear. Everything fits now, snug but everything clears. I wanted to keep everything inside the gantry to keep it all out of the way. I have a few more parts to build for the vac system & then I can tear the CNC apart to start installing all the update stuff.

[EricSchimel]

That's a very cool mod. I'm into making dust shoes myself:

That one is 3D printed, and has some embedded rare earth magnets in it.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JW7CWMZ9XuD3Rpds7

What did you use to design the yours, and how did you bond the acrylic together?

[pro70z28]

Thanks Eric. I designed this one with Flexisign. It's the program I use everyday in the sign bus., so I'm most at home using that program. I used ''SCI Grip'' acrylic glue to bond the parts.

[Brady Watson]

A few things if you're freshening up your PRT. First, the Z axis...those t-rails wear hard on only 4 v-roller bearings. The holes for the axles are already drilled in the Z for 4 more. Get some knock-off bearings from VXB etc, and the cam adjusters. It makes the t-rail surface last WAY longer and makes the Z stiffer...and they're cheap. If your t-rail is getting worn out, lay a weld bead along the length and regrind it. I know you have metalworking skills & probably have enough hand control to pull off a steady result. Belt sander works best.

You can gain another 1.5" of Z if you put the Z axis 90 deg brackets on TOP of the 1.5" utility strut. Not sure if you want more Z height, but I thought I'd mention it. You would have to drill four 1/2" holes for the bolts, but it's not hard.

And finally....Kudos for actually making your own dust foot. It always irked me that people who own their own CNC preferred to buy a dust foot rather than make their own. It's sad....but that's just my perspective.

[Chuck Keysor]

Brady, that is a great idea for getting 1.5" of added Z height. I'll do that after I finish installing the steel tubes on my X-car. (I finished fitting both of them today. Now I have to drill/tap and paint before welding...) Thanks, Chuck

[pro70z28]

Eric, these are the ones I ordered. I just clicked on the firsts ones I saw.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Brady, I am a miser at times. I planned to make some eccentrics on the lathe. Chuck the stock up off center a tad, drill a hole, then re-chuck and turn to size. I planned to make the washer part of them large enough to put a couple flat spots on them so I can adjust them & Hold them while tightening the nut. Might work might not, but I'm always up for an adventure.

[Brady Watson]

Nice find on the Vrollers...even cheaper than the ones I posted when you factor in shipping, if you have Prime.

You might want to consider starting with some hex stock. I believe they take a 7/16" wrench, so: 360 Brass $9/ft It's way cheaper/easier than trying to put flats on round stock.