MENU

Fun & Interesting

Z- and X-axis power feed using windshield wiper motors (PM-30MV)

Hangar Queen 18,047 2 years ago
Video Not Working? Fix It Now

Note: I've uploaded a follow-on video to this one, at https://youtu.be/hREQjPV7l8I?si=dCKOAbZll8d-SPjD . It shows the wiring detail, whereas THIS video focuses on the mechanical detail. I encourage you to watch BOTH to get a complete picture of my setup. Decades ago, I had rotator-cuff surgery of my right shoulder, due to lots of racket-sports misuse. It wasn't very successful, and so I don't have much overhead strength/endurance on that side. :-( In my first day of owning my PM-30MV mill, it was clear that I wouldn't be able to manage using the Z-axis crank for more than a few seconds. So in the second day of ownership, I created a very simple Z-axis power feed using a cheap Jeep windshield wiper motor. With that success under my belt, the following week, I created an X-axis power feed using another copy of the same motor. I think that my X-axis feed is somewhat unique in that it preserves full use of the X-axis manual crank. The only modification to the mill itself is three inconspicuous drilled and tapped holes for the mounting, and a deeper recess in the crank handle. So the mill could be restored to "normal" very easily. Unfortunately, I did all this before I even considered starting a YouTube channel, so I have no videos of making the parts (mostly on the mill; just a little on the lathe). So retroactively, I've disassembled the X-axis mechanism to show its design and construction. (The Z-axis feed is too simple to even require a disassembly.) The major parts list is provided below. You'll also need the aluminum and steel stock, some hardware, and some wiring. The chapters are timestamped so you can skip ahead to what interests you. 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Simple Z-axis power feed 04:14 - Quick view of the motor controllers 05:05 - X-axis power feed overview 07:15 - Modifying motor to delete common chassis ground 09:04 - How I prototyped/built the X-axis feed on the mill 09:42 - X-axis power feed in operation 10:41 - Minor machining of original X-axis crank handle hub 11:23 - Showing X- and Z-axis limit switches 13:05 - Simple clamps for X-axis clutch in/out slide limits 13:38 - X-axis belt and tensioner detail 14:30 - X-axis motor drive using 15mm socket 16:15 - X-axis slave pulley detail 17:08 - X-axis drive disassembly on workbench 21:13 - X-axis belt idler detail 21:57 - Start of re-assembly of X-axis drive assembly 25:02 - Reattaching X-axis drive assembly to mill 26:42 - Reinstalling the X-axis drive belt 27:34 - Reinstalling the X-axis motor (out of frame) 28:15 - Reinstalling the X-axis manual crank 29:00 - Testing the X-axis power feed after reassembly 29:08 - Internal detail of the X-axis limit switch assembly 30:58 - Wrapping up with detail of controller connections Electrical: Jeep Wrangler wiper motor: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VVFNHXA 0-48VDC 480W power supply: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SZSWZ6Z Aluminum project box: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KYFS9S7 PWM motor speed controller: https://www.ebay.com/itm/385108148663 (includes rocker switch, potentiometer+knob, LED readout) Push button switches https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NXPPKDZ Microswitches: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08736NP44 Mechanical: 1/2 inch drill rod: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R11KFTW 1/2 inch bronze bearing: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MND8R5W 60T GT2 pulleys: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08X68JKS7 400-2GT-6 timing belt: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014U7OSVA Idler pulley with bearing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMRR7CC 15mm shallow socket: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0885KK1B9

Comment