3018 CNC - Ultimate Upgrade using MGN15H Linear Rails and a 500w Spindle

prusaprinters

<p>This Upgrade gives you the Ultimate 3018 CNC Machine - PCB's and Aluminium can now be milled accurately.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>Build Steps:</h4><ul><li>Remove the old X-axis rods and Z-axis carriage</li><li>Loosen the vertical X-axis mounts and slide them as far rear as they'll go, tighten the bolts (this minimises Y-axis area loss)</li><li>Install the Linear Rails using fixed M3 T-nuts (not the rotating ones which have a habit of not engaging correctly). You only need to secure every second mount point.</li><li>Install the MGN15H Mounts to the Carriages using M3 Bolts</li><li>Install the Z-axis Upgrade loosely to the included T-nuts using M4 Bolts - this can be a bit fiddly to get right so be patient. I start with the top mount, then bolt on the bottom mount and leave the lead-screw mount to last (I use a thick piece of wire to push the T-nuts up into place).</li><li>Once all the Z-axis bolts are hooked up, tighten up the 2 main mounts while ensuring they are parallel with each other and the X-axis runs freely from side to side.</li><li>Install the X-axis lead screw and anti-backlash system - tighten up the lead screw coupler and then make sure it moves the X-axis cleanly before tightening up the lead-screw mount bolts on the back of the z-carriage.</li><li>Install your wiring and Power supply as desired.&nbsp;</li><li>Install your end-stops and configure them as required.</li></ul><h4><br>Tramming the Spindle:</h4><p>Thankfully my design makes it super easy.</p><p><strong>X-Axis:</strong> You just need to put a bit into the collet and drop the bit down to the bed. Then just spin the machine around and loosen all the screws for the z-mounts (including the lead screw block).</p><p>Then use a builders square to ensure the actual Spindle mount (not the Z-frame) is square with the bed and tighten up the bolts (ignore the test spoil board in the photo, I put it back on after tramming the spindle).</p><p><strong>Y-Axis: &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>The procedure is basically the same, but this time you loosen the bolts attaching the X axis to the base. Then set the builders square against the front of the spindle mount. Adjust till its Parallel with the bed and then tighten the bolts back up.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>Printed Parts:</h4><ul><li>MGN15H Mounts - Print in ABS+ or other structural Plastic</li><li>Power Supply Mount</li><li>End-stop mounts x3</li><li>Y End-stop Bump</li><li>Spindle Speed Controller Panel</li></ul><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Purchased Parts:</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003736622087.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.5f6e1802mO6z68">Z -Axis Upgrade</a></li><li><a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003976067042.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.5f6e1802mO6z68">2x 300mm Linear Rails w/ 1x MGN15H Carriage&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32971982814.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.5f6e1802mO6z68">500watt Spindle, Mount and Power Supply</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQV2NPN?psc=1&amp;ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">Fused IEC Socket for Power Supply</a></li><li><a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003678960619.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.14b53adfQkOoLt&amp;algo_pvid=7b1ce284-6cbd-44c6-b5c0-3fdeef34dc33&amp;algo_exp_id=7b1ce284-6cbd-44c6-b5c0-3fdeef34dc33-2&amp;pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000026771328227%22%7D&amp;pdp_npi=2%40dis%21AUD%21%2116.07%21%21%21%21%21%402101d64d16547459774067167e0de1%2112000026771328227%21sea">Spring loaded M3 T-Nuts</a></li><li><a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000954338209.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.f16d1399BBCIQG&amp;algo_pvid=5daca3c7-933f-4995-b70f-f04c2efe9c0b&amp;algo_exp_id=5daca3c7-933f-4995-b70f-f04c2efe9c0b-8&amp;pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2210000012507498936%22%7D&amp;pdp_npi=2%40dis%21AUD%21%214.01%21%21%21%21%21%40210318c216547462725077848e04b0%2110000012507498936%21sea">3x MakerBot v3 Limit Switches / End-stops</a></li></ul><h5>&nbsp;</h5><h4>Optional Parts:</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/222574-500w-spindle-dust-shoe-magnetic-and-flush-mount-ve">Dust Shoe for the 500w Spindle</a></li><li><a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003511653219.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.b4691802jptz6h">MKS DLC32 Controller and TS24 LCD Screen</a></li><li><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/110423-enclosure-for-mks-dlc32-v21-with-ts24-r-v20">Screen Mount for the TS24 LCD</a></li><li><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/222588-mks-dlc32-v20-case-and-mount-for-3018-cnc">Rear CNC Mount and Case for the MKS DLC32</a></li><li>Replacement fan for the 500w Spindle</li><li>Cable Guides for 2040 V-Slot Extrusions</li><li><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/251758-3018-pro-to-3040-upgrade-with-aluminium-mounts-and#preview">3040 Pro Bed Upgrade</a></li></ul><h5><br><strong>and here it is in action:</strong></h5><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SevxWXc0jgo&amp;t=4s"></oembed></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>&nbsp;</h4><p>&nbsp;</p>