BT 32 / 48

[bob_dodd]

Has any one made any modifications to the Buddy to expand its capability ?

[bob_dodd]

Buddy 32 modified

IF YOU USE THIS INFO , ITS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Y axis (gantry) I opened it up to 36 + inches

Z axis Changed rack gear to a longer one , added heavier aluminum mount, added heavier stops , 11+ inch movement

X axis made alum. release handle & other parts to disengage pinion gear from rack gear, made my own version of power stick x axis 70 inch movement

Before I did the above I Redrilled the 4 legs & lowered the table 6 inches , while machine was assembled , loosened & lower 1 side at a time , I added 6 inch alum 80/20 to take up space , used bar clamps to pull everything togather , retighten bolts, resurface table
579
580
581
582
583
584
585

[dana_swift]

Good work!! where did you get the rack gear and extrusions? Extending Z axis for a few more inches would make my life radically easier.

Also it looks like the powerstick is going to be a long time coming. Perhaps it is really the vaporstick, it will probably be less expensive to go ahead and build my own also.

D

[bob_dodd]

dana I got the parts on ebay. I would think it would be less expensive to build it your self just some time involved. I did all machineing of aluminum on the buddy. There are a lot of issues with amount of weight you place on the Buddy , when it goes outboard 70 inch, need to be careful Bob

[dana_swift]

I just searched ebay for rack gear and came up with all kinds of sound equipment and no rack/pinion pairs. Looking up pinion lead me to steering gears for cars, and looking up tpi and other likely keywords came up with nothing. What did you search for when you found the gears?

D

[Brady Watson]

Dana et al,
You can buy rack, pinions & any other component that you find on a ShopBot, directly from ShopBot.

-B

[bob_dodd]

Dana I searched for .5 x .5 rack gear , I don"t see any there now . I found it when I ordered the Buddy & had it waiting . Bob