[Sami] Hey! Today we'll be assembling our Avid CNC rotary axis. The avid CNC rotary
access adds rotary cutting and indexing capabilities to Pro CNC and Bend shop
CNC machines. This kit includes a self centering four jaw Chuck, adjustable
length tail stock, independent framework, and profile linear guide rails to allow
quick and easy workpiece setup. If you haven't already check out our helpful
listing and site with step-by-step instructions with tips, tricks, and
detailed diagrams. This will walk you through the assembly installation and
calibration processes. Okay, onto the frame assembly. This example is for a recessed
rotary. A table mounted rotary will have small variations which will be indicated
in the written instructions. First we'll prepare our 272 millimeter 4080
extrusion. Thread a socket head cap screw into the t-nut through the anchor
fasteners. We'll slide the anchor assemblies on to the 4080 extrusion and
then repeat this process at each corner of the extrusion.
Next we'll slide the 4080 extrusion assembly on to the 40/40 frame extrusion
pieces. The lengths will vary depending on your rotary configuration, they are
the two long pieces. Then we'll take our short 4040 extrusions and insert the
socket head cap screws through the anchor fasteners into the extrusion slots. We'll
partially threat on the fasteners into the double T-nuts then we'll slide a 4040
extrusion assembly into the rotary frame on each end. We'll position the 4040
extrusion flush with the ends of the rotary frame and then fully tighten the
40 40 extrusion assembly fasteners.
We'll position the 4080 extrusion assembly 120 millimetres or four and
three-quarter inches from the end of the rotary frame then will partially tighten
the 4080 extrusion assembly anchor fasteners. By following the diagram we'll
insert our role in T nuts to attach the Chuck plate. Then use the holes on the
Chuck plate and a small allen key to line up the T nuts to the holes. We'll
attach the Chuck plate to the 4080 extrusion and partially tighten the
fasteners. Note the orientation of the chuck plate with dowel pins toward the
closer end of the rotary frame.
Next we'll partially thread the fasteners and sliding T-nuts on to the linear
rails. This is a little tip we picked up from Frank Howarth, to suspend your rail
over the frame, drop in the fasteners and light up the sliding T nuts for quicker
assembly. Slide one of the linear rails onto the frame extrusion and offset at
one inch from the non Chuck end of the rotary frame. Then we'll assemble our
rail alignment jigs and mount one to each end of the frame next to the linear
rail
and fully tighten those fasteners. Then find those perfect small clamps and
clamp down the linear rails to the jigs. Then fully tighten the fasteners while
clamped.
Next we use a framing square to align the back at the dowel pins on the Chuck
plate to the installed linear rail. Then fully tighten the fasteners on the Chuck
plate. You might find it easier to hold the framing square to the inside or the
outside of the linear rail, either is fine just be sure that it's square. Then
we'll fully tighten the 4080 extrusion anchor fasteners.
We'll install the bottom chuck clamp orient it with the small holes facing
forward and position the Chuck clamp flush against the dowel pins. Ensure you
use the M8 16 millimeter socket head cap screws, these will be located in a
separate bag. Fully tighten these fasteners orient the reducer with one of
the access holes facing up and with the reducer flush against the bottom chuck
clamp. Align the holes shown in the reducer with the holes in the front of
the bottom chuck clamp and fasten it in place.
Next we'll attach the top of the clamp and tighten the fasteners incrementally.
We'll attach the m5 shoulder bolt to the adapter plate. Align the dowel pin in the
reducer with the hole shown in the adapter plate we'll tighten the
fasteners incrementally, alternating between fasteners.
Now we can slide on the Chuck, be careful as this is one of the heavier
parts and will be slightly oily out of package.
Be sure to align one of the jaws with the shoulder bolt on the adapter plate.
This is important for the A access sensor later on. Use a six millimeter
stubby Allen wrench included in your rotary kit to tighten.
We'll remove the whole cover and insert the four millimeter allen wrench through
the reducer access hole into the shaft collar. I will remove the motor key of the
NEMA 34 motor. Then attach the motor to the reducer, the motor can be mounted in
any orientation just be mindful of how you'd like the direction of your cable
to be depending on your rotary axis mounting orientation. Be sure to fully
tighten the shaft collar using the 4 millimeter allen wrench. Now on to the
tailstock assembly. We'll slide the second linear rail onto the extrusion.
Install the grease fittings into the linear bearing blocks. Do not remove the
plastic bearing retainers at this time.
Next we'll slide the linear bearing blocks onto each rail use the rail to
push the plastic retainer out of the block. Orient the blocks with the grease
fittings facing toward the Chuck attach the spring plungers to the tailstock
plate. Fully thread on the spring plungers into the tailstock plate and
tighten the jam nuts with a wrench.
Set the tailstock body on the tailstock plate and orient the tailstock with a
live end facing away from the spring plungers. Insert the dowel pin and fasten
the tail stock to the tail stock plate.
Attach the tail stock assembly to the bearing blocks and partially tighten the
fasteners. Turn the tail stock handle counterclockwise to remove the live
center and extend the tail stock 65 millimeter or two and a half inches. Then
lock the tail stock.
If you are completing a recess mounted frame assembly then you can insert the
tailstock all the way into the chuck. If you're following a table mounted
assembly procedure only insert it 1 inch into the chuck and then tighten the
Chuck with the tail saw clamped in the chuck. Then tighten the tail stock plate
fasteners. We'll remove the tail stock from the chuck rotate the spring plunger
handles to lock the tail stock in place. The spring plungers will lock into the
counter bores on the linear rails. You may need to adjust the position of the
second linear rail for both spring plungers to lock in place with the tail
stock locked in place tighten the indicated fasteners on the second linear
rail. Unlock the spring plungers and tighten the remaining linear rail
fasteners while moving the tail stock down the rail.
Now onto the chuck alignment. Insert the drill Center into the chalk and tighten
the Chuck with the drill Center flush against the jaws. Then position the
tailstock next to the chuck. We'll use the alignment procedure in the following
steps to align the tip of the drill Center with the tip of the tail stock
live Center. Either the front or rear jack screw locations will be used
depending on which way the chuck needs to be adjusted. The front jack screw
locations will adjust the front of the chuck up and the rear jack screw
locations will adjust the front of the chuck down. If the rear (*or front) jack screw
locations are to be used loosen only the indicated fasteners.
Insert the jack screws and jam nuts into the front or rear locations tighten both
jack screws the same amount to raise or lower the chuck so the drill Center
lines up with the tail stock. Then tighten the two Jam nuts, tighten the fasteners
that were loosened in the previous steps. Then we'll attach the touch plate
isolator to the tail stock plate.
We'll attach the sensor bracket to the bottom chuck clamp and then insert the
proximity sensor. We'll rotate the Chuck to align the shoulder bolts with the
sensor. Thread the sensor in until it touches the shoulder bolt and back the
sensor out one fold turn. Then tighten the sensor jam nut. Your rotary is now
ready for installation. Be sure to check out our rotary alignment video to
properly calibrate your system. Thanks everyone for watching! Keep an eye out
for more rotary build project and pro tip videos soon. See you in the shop!