Its been 3 weeks and a day since my last post. What can I say? "Real" jobs require more attention than a hobby.
But there was some progress and I want to share it with you!
First- the main frame is ready!
Thanks to Giuliano from Energy Automation who allowed me to use their workshop (flex cutter), I was able to cut the threaded rods in a more humane and modern way.
A bit later I also discovered my lack of experience.
In order to hold the threaded rods in place while cutting, I used a vise. Everything would be cool should I protected the threads while squeezing them. I did not exaggerate with the force, but it was enough to damage the threads... During the construction I had to use a lot (I mean a LOT) of force to put the screws on those rods. Fortunately the 2 Z-axis rods were not damaged at all, and I will be able to use them.
TIP: while holding a threaded rod with a vise make sure to put something soft in between. A piece of cloth will do. This will prevent the rod from moving and will not damage the threads.
Enough of that, I am sure you are curious of the effects :) Here is the frame:
Forgive the mess on the table. We are working, aren't we? :)
Right now the frame is waiting till I make the flats on the shafts of the motors.
It is also not tight screwed. It will be done after I cut the bottom moving board.
The frame was done some time ago. In the meantime (during last week), I managed to find 2 hours to relax and solder a little bit.
First I soldered the multi-pins to Pololu motor drivers.
TIP: when you enter the pins into the holes, they move a lot back and forth. To prevent them from doing so, you can use the slots to hold them in place. Pic below show how I did it.
And here are the 4 Pololu drivers in full glory :)
Next, I moved to mount the main board. Some may think- "this is sooo difficult", "wow, you need to be very skilled to do that", "its requires tremendous knowledge". That is not true. You just need a bit manual skills and not to do drugs that make your hands shiver too much (other drugs also suck- don't do drugs ;) ). Youtube have tons of "how to solders", for beginners, and pros. Of course some practice earlier would not hurt (lucky me, but should have done more soldering in the past). Finally, the manual at RepRap.org prepared by Traumflug is just awesome.
The work itself for me is great. You have a purpose, calmly focus on one, rather simple job, clear your mind and enjoy yourself :) I love soldering! Here is the result of the first "session":
Some time later I found time for a second "date with a soldering iron" :) Overall I think I did a good job. The only thing I screwed a little bit up, was the 4-pin slot on the very right. It was leaning a bit (did not put it perfectly straight). While I was trying to fix it, I slid the two right pins inside, instead of bending the left ones. It was just an aesthetic thing, so I left it like this (its even hard to see it anyway).
I also put some super-glue in one of the holes in the left 4-pin slot. That was stupid. Fortunately I cleaned it fine with some metal piece and deoxidizer.
Here is the result if second session:
That is it for now.
Again I have a lot of stuff to do at work, also have packed two weekends, so can not tell when I will be able to put some content. Hope quite soon. Till next time! :)
