Hello. My MPCNC has been put away for a couple of weeks now as I have had other things to do but I want to start working with it again soon. I Want to use Cable chains to make it look more “slick” and I have fixed a rest for the Z Cable chain. I had an idea of how I wanted the Cable chain fastened, but then I remembered the thing that is said in the Z axis build guide: “Please do not attach anything to this assembly above the tool mount”. I have seen Pictures of this (for example this one from Martin S)
If this is strictly forbidden, how do people do to fasten the Cable chains? If i put them in the gantry the chain won’t be able to move with the z axis and the wire will be pulled with it.
I have a couple ideas of how I would go around this problem but I would like to see how other people are doing.
Thanks!
I used the z_mount_fixed.stl part from the following thingiverse project. It attaches to the top XYZ part with a single bolt to clamp it in place, no drilling or anything. It is great for twist-tying power cables, etc. to and has worked very well for me so far.
I’m with you on needing to clean up the wiring on the Z-axis. The X and Y axes can also use cable chains to good advantage. This was my design and can also be found at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2743770 . I think it would be worthwhile making provisions for an attachment in any future revs of the XY blocks for sure.
I used the z_mount_fixed.stl part from the following thingiverse project. It attaches to the top XYZ part with a single bolt to clamp it in place, no drilling or anything. It is great for twist-tying power cables, etc. to and has worked very well for me so far.
I think the advice: “Please do not attach anything to this assembly above the tool mount” is especially valid for the suction system which are much heavier and deported from the Z axis. In addition these systems usually add mass on the same side as the spindle and so add force where there was already.
the chain support does not add much strength and in addition it is opposed to the strength of the spindle.
It really should be attached to the XY part and not the Z. Any wobble up there will be magnified at the end mill. Your build is pretty short though, so might be alright. Just keep this in the back of your mind if you get weird cuts.
ok, thank you.
also I have a very short Z height, the minimu 2.8’, but I will keep it and see when I will work on accuracy for the moment I have so many thing remaining before completely finish the machine.
This let me time to find some thing better
That’s mine, the hose and cords are hanging down from the ceiling at the center of the cuttable area, so no side loads. It’s also not like that anymore either, the tube on the new spindle is a lot shorter. My lowrider does the same thing. The vac hose, stepper wiring, and router power are mounted to a swing arm that follows the gantry around, so there’s nothing pulling on it. That was 3 years ago. I’ve learned a lot since then!
