Tantillus Upgade (1 reply)

I recently acquired a Tantillus from a local enthusiast. It needed some work but the price I paid for it reflected that.



I purchased some 8mm hardened shaft from McMaster Carr to replace the middle x-y rods, probably made from unhardened drill rod and pretty rough from from the action of the linear bearings. Also, the printed plastic bushings on the outside x-y rails had quite a bit of slop, so I machined some UHMW bushings on my metal lathe.



I think these will wear better than the printed versions and they are lighter (and cheaper) than bronze bushings.

I'm also making some upgrades. I'm replacing the plastic gears with timing pulleys and belts. I think these will be quite a bit quieter than the gears.



I'm also making my own hot-end.



Although copied from the J-Head, I'm adding a finned section between the plastic barrel and the heater block. I'm going to try Corian for the plastic barrel and am hoping the finned section will sink enough of the heat to keep the Corian from melting.

I've been a hobbyist machinist for many years, but this is my first foray into 3D printers. I'm pretty excited about it and certainly welcome any ideas, suggestions, and criticisms from any and all.

Chuck