Aidan Williamson Log
Old Logs:
September 2013
9/23
The Z-Axis motors (there are two of them) spin threaded rod. To couple the threaded rod to the motor you can use air tube hosing. You buy both diameters of hose (1-2 inches of it) and then you put the big one in the small one and put them on the rods and use zip ties or hose clamps to secure them in. Source
9/22
If you want to see how this thing is built you can look at the FreeCad Model for a general idea or you can:
- Go to images.google.com
- Search for lulzbot taz
- Search Tools: Show images larger than 12MP
There you can find decent, revealing shots. There are also some in the download.lulzbot.com directory
9/16
Budaschnozzle is still unavailable. Lulzbot sales contacted me 2 weeks ago saying that it would be available by the end of last week but I guess they were wrong. I started Assembling some of the frame components starting with the Y axis. I am finding that my parts need to be filed/sandpapered and sometimes cut to accommodate the aluminum and steel parts.
- Start with sandpaper
- If that is not enough, use a file
- For really bad areas, use a utility knife
- Finish with sandpaper or a fine file
I found that the corners of the Y motor mount where the aluminum extrusions sit require special attention.
Two videos: First one is the frame assembly in fast motion that I found on youtube and the second one is a video I made about the aluminum extrusions.
9/1
99% of components have been ordered. Preliminary BOM has been posted to google docs:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApW9XrarWCKmdHVWNFZiSllGV2Y5YVpDTEZKN3B1LWc&usp=sharing
Greyed components I have not bought yet. The first sheet is the original BOM found here. The second, third, and fourth sheets are the components I bought. The fifth sheet is the total cost. This does not include shipping. I estimate I spent about $50 on shipping alone.
Misumi will not deliver my components until 9 September so I have some time to do some documentation. I stard TIG and Milling tomorrow so time will be less freely available.
I put some parts on [1] for a DIY budaschnozzle but my lowest quote is $205 which is still twice the price of the hot end from lulzbot store...
August 2013
8/28
Funding running out so I'll have to cheap out on the heated bed. I am going to go with this design to save around $75. I've compiled an updated master BOM spreadsheet for anyone interested. I think I found the best deals on most things - except for the blasted heat-set inserts. It will be uploaded when I finish the electronics order. Misumi is taking a long time to ship me the aluminium extrusions...
The Budashnozzle 2.0 from Lulzbot is $95. It's a simple design that you can see at [2]. I am looking for a machine shop to quote me on the aluminum and steel parts. Hopefully I can save some money and make it myself...
8/20
My order from mcmaster carr
8/19
Printed Parts Final Cost: $95.47 incl. shipping
My Order From Bolt Depot:
My Order From Misumi USA
8/13
Back from Vacation. Bolt Depot has good deals on individual units of hardware. Often cheaper than McMaster, too. Sourcing hardware today.
8/6
Inspired by work on Hydrafabber to build my own LulzBot. Taz documentation can be found here : download.lulzbot.com. A full build documentation in forum style by rsilvers can be found here: matter-replicator.com. Contact eBay merchant mjrice for affordable printed parts prices ($87 + shipping for all taz components) in case you don't have a 3d printer at hand.
Prelilminary Schedule:
- August: Research and Sourcing
- September: Frame
- October: Electronics
- November: Extrusion, software, testing -> printer ready