Sunday, January 5, 2014

Upgrading 3020 CNC Router Cables & Connectors - Part 2

The track for the Z-axis was just a tad wider than the existing track, so I was able to use the same mounting brackets and tray. I am using the same cable and track as I did for the lower chain in the previous post. The only difference is this chain is a little narrower (since it only has to pass two cables). 0.41" x 0.79" instead of  0.41" x 1.18". I also only purchased 2 feet.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#55835k34/=q4lpi9 
See Part 1 of the cable upgrade for more links on the cables & chains.

All of the bends were tight with the cable, but don't strain the steppers, or impede movement.
There is a slight problem with the power cable for the spindle motor. Since it moves up and down, there needs to be a certain amount of slack in the wires. I had to add (after this photo was taken) about 3-4" of wire to give it the necessary range of movement. Technically there should also be some kind of cable chain to serve the motor, but on a CNC this small, it's hard to find anywhere to mount it that doesn't interfere.
All axes hooked up the the control box with the next connectors and shielded cables.

Limit switches are probably going to be my next project.