Cheapest CNC-Z Axis

In this project we are going to make a super cheap CNC Z axis using glue sticks and pen.

Due to lockdown in our state, I had to take recycling to the extreme to finish this project.

Prepare for an amazing journey.

Further updates will also be added in the future [Don't forget to follow].

Empty glue sticks

Barrel of pen as shown in the pic

Acrylic sheets

Aluminum L bar

Sand paper

PVC pipes

Super Glue

Screws

Nut and bolts

Stepper motor

12 volt dc motor

Ignition cable cover

FOR FURTHER ASSITANCE PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO UPLOADED

We have chosen our pen, such that it's one end is closed. This is necessary as the back end of the pen will provide the base to screw parts later.

Cut the required portion from the pen barrel and glue it with the help of super glue .

We also need to place a spring in the glue stick as shown. I salvaged the spring from an old printer.

From a PVC pipe a clamp is build to fix the glue stick to our mechanism as shown in the picture.

We also need to place a small piece of sand paper in between the clamp and glue stick to ensure a tight fit.

Stepper motor for the build is salvaged from an old dot matrix printer.

Using the templates provided in the video cutout the parts and drill the necessary holes needed.

Now assemble the cutout parts one by one as shown in the picture with the help of screws and nut&bolts.

You could also use rivets to fix everything, but it will be difficult to replace or modify later[if needed].

I used a cover salvaged from an ignition cable to make the coupler for the stepper motor.

From the cover a small portion is sliced. Then it's ends are tapered with help of a cutter knife.

Finally the motor is fixed to the mechanism using screws and aluminum bars as shown in the picture.

For the drill attachment , I will be using a 12 volt dc motor.

We need to screw it into our mechanism as shown in the picture.

I also made a simple coupler to fix the drill bit to our motor using m seal glue.

With everything assembled we are finally going to test it.

Simply connect it to the computer via a Arduino board using a4988 driver.

Our mechanism performed flawlessly.

The actual performance of the z axis in real working conditions will be uploaded later.

Or you guys could make this z axis and test it performance.

I will be placing this z axis in a writing machine ,which I have built a few years back .

Due to lock down in our state , there is no way to get supplies for the build.

In order to make this build possible, I had to reuse and recycle any available parts I had.

One's lockdown is over I will surely post my updates[ or if there is any other ways to modify the writing machine]

Till then enjoy making creative projects, be safe, be creative.

******Please post your suggestions and opinions in the chat box.******

Thank you for reading.

Yours

Misfit Maker