E-Chain To Strut Machine...

[rb99]

I bought a some used e-chain I want to put on my older strut machine.

Anny suggestions where and how to attach it? On the Y there is not much room, as the bearings and hold down brackets make the outside of the strut impossible. The insides have the motor and track on one, and the router on the other. Perhaps a track above the strut? I also will be adding it to the X length as well.

Any pics, suggestions or sarcastic comments appreciated.

[Brady Watson]

I know there are 18 pages to sift thru...but you can check out what Gene has done with his PR. You might even send him a PM asking him to take a pic of how he mounted his if you can't make out the pics: http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11816

-B

[rb99]

Thanks Brady,

I finally found a video that shows he used a 3rd rail parallel to the other 2 Y rails as a platform for the e chain to ride along.

[jerry_stanek]

I used a piece of aluminum angle and attached it with short pieces of unistrut for the chain to lay on

[rb99]

I used a piece of aluminum angle and attached it with short pieces of unistrut for the chain to lay on

Thanks Jerry.

Do you have a pic?

Where did this go? Above a y rail or beside it?

What was the size of angle you used? The size of e chain?

[gc3]

here's what I did all from stuff laying around the shop...down 'n dirty...

[rb99]

here's what I did all from stuff laying around the shop...down 'n dirty...

Thanks Jean,

I am wondering if having the Y track as a 3rd rail wide made for any difficulties? I was thinking about going above one of the rails... any thoughts?

Thanks

R

[jerry_stanek]

Here is what it looks like

[gc3]

Thanks Jean,

I am wondering if having the Y track as a 3rd rail wide made for any difficulties? I was thinking about going above one of the rails... any thoughts?

Thanks

R

no problems at all...works well

[rb99]

So there are the 2 options. Jene put an extra rail parallel to the Y rail, and Jerry put an extra rail above the Y rail...

Jerry do you have any troubles with the rail above the other- ie does it get it the way working on the motor or anything?

Also Jerry are you still using the ball screw Z?

[rb99]

Does anyone know if the cables take a beating constantly bending in the e-chain? I have some e-chain that has a very small radius and I am worried about flexing the wires in the chain...

[Brady Watson]

If the wires don't feel right to you - like they can't make the min radius without really cranking on them, then increase the radius of the e-chain....That is to say, raise up the termination end that moves with the gantry to open up that radius. You'll lose some overall length of the chain to do this.

-B

[rb99]

OK thanks Brady I will check and remedy if required.