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  #1  
Old Thu 05 February 2009, 07:35
glintid
Just call me: David
 
Back in Toronto
Canada
Long Z axis and motor springs

Ive been a long time wannabuild and intend to build a long z axis approx 2.5m x 3m x 1m Mechmate for cutting foam when I can secure the space, time and money. My question is, with the long moment arm on the extended X axis, does the spring loaded motor tension system need to be looked at again or is it just a matter adding more tension to the spring system. If so, does the added load and friction on the rack potentially create problems. I know the lateral cutting forces for foam are low but, what about the inertia and momentum involved in moving the increased hardware weight of the enlarged Z axis.
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  #2  
Old Thu 05 February 2009, 08:23
domino11
Just call me: Heath
 
Cornwall, Ontario
Canada
David,
The forces on the rack I dont think will increase that much over a traditional length Z slide. You still need to counter balance the weight of the Zslide in some manner so that should not be an issue. The motor tension springs just keep the pinions engaged in the rack and should be fine the way it is. The main concern is the extra flex and strain on the Z slide when fully extended and this has been discussed some in the Zslide forum. Check out this thread.
http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=920
Sean Reish is working on I believe the first extended Z slide for foam applications.
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  #3  
Old Thu 16 January 2014, 07:53
smreish
Just call me: Sean - #5, 28, 58 and others
 
Orlando, Florida
United States of America
I was PM'd recently and asked what type of cable/spring balance was used for the extended Z on MM #5.

I personally used a 35# constant force retract spring from a Milwaukee Vertical PANEL Saw.
They are available as a replacement part from MANY manufacturers.
A standard TOOL balancer with work well, but mounting requires a few special clevis points to make work.

Also....if you can find a REALLY GOOD window shade company....I did find a replacement from an OLD - heavy wooden sash with 1/8" cable that worked perfectly too.

Lots of options - expect to pay about 80$ us for a good balancer

Last edited by smreish; Thu 16 January 2014 at 07:55..
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  #4  
Old Thu 16 January 2014, 08:37
isladelobos
Just call me: Ros
 
Canary Islands
Spain
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Sean.

Not understand "35#" this is Pounds? = 15,87 Kilograms?. This Z is very Light.

Thanks for the info.
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  #5  
Old Thu 16 January 2014, 08:56
smreish
Just call me: Sean - #5, 28, 58 and others
 
Orlando, Florida
United States of America
Mine was 35 lbs......
You can order the cable balancer for many weight ranges.....Like 8-12lbs, 15-22lbs, 28-35lbs, etc.
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  #6  
Old Thu 16 January 2014, 09:32
isladelobos
Just call me: Ros
 
Canary Islands
Spain
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Yes yes, "This Z" your Z.... is very light.

Aluminium I Beam puls porter cable plus guideweels plus wires.

Nice work.
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