figNoggle Designs: HF 8x CNC with X-Axis Ballscrew

HF 8x CNC with X-Axis Ballscrew · Nov 9, 22:07

We’ve already CNC’d our 8x a while back and have been putting it to good use. Even after we upgraded the X-axis leadscrew with a 5/8-8 TPI with brass leadnut (not split), we wanted better resolution and backlash control (there’s not a lot of space underneath the cross slide as you can imagine).

So, we retrieved the eBay ballscrew purchase from the parts drawer and commenced the upgrade. It’s a Kuroda C3 class ballscrew with little detectable backlash. Well, it has to be better than what we already had…

Above is what looks like. Not particularly hefty in diameter nor is it very long, but we just need the 8x to run short-production motorcycle parts. It should do just fine!

Having not messed with ballscrews in recent months, we forgot that the ballnut is hardened! There’s an HSS TiN coated end mill to prove it! So, with the trusty DeWalt angle grinder, we reluctantly removed one side of the ballnut flange.

At 10,000 RPM, the cutting wheel made short work of the flange. We then took it to the bench grinder to soften the edges.

The reason we had to do this was to be able to fit the ballnut in the cavity under the cross slide and in the hole located within the carriage. This allows just enough space to make a cross-slide adapter that will mount to the tang of the ballnut (pictures to follow).

Here’s what the tight fit looks like. Removing one side of the flange allows the ballnut to clear the underside of the cross-slide.

We’ve already CNC’d our 8x a while back and have been putting it to decent use. Even after we upgraded the X-axis leadscrew with a 5/8-8 TPI with brass leadnut (not split), we wanted better resolution and backlash control (there’s not a lot of space underneath the cross slide as you can imagine).

Stay tuned as we make more progress tomorrow! This will be exciting indeed!

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