Hello everybody! This is my first post. I thought I would introduce myself and post a project I am attempting to have some fun on my free time.
So Hellooooo, my name is James
I have been reading the forums for a while now, and decided it was time to sign up and do my best to contribute something in the form of pics and updates of this project as it goes along. Since I received my degree, I have been spending a lot of time behind the computer, and havent had much time to actually make anything that isnt code related. I figured an all metal hotend would be a great primer in getting back into fabrication. Before this, I was an ironworker and made things all the time. Loved it.
SO some may be asking "Why would I choose to make an all metal hotend?", I dont really have an answer except for, "Why Not?" at this point. I know that its been done already, and done very well, however I see that there is still some room for a tad bit of innovation.
As an fyi, when I say "hotend" I mean everything from the cold end to the nozzle.
As of right now, I have designs that I will be testing for the groovmount type of systems, with plans to design for those who need 6mm threaded installation heads.
Materials preferred:
Aluminum
Stainless
Although current design account for possible ceramic insert.
To be Determined
Id like some of the criteria of the hotend to be:
Standalone, no additional fans needed to cool the cold end. No "needed" reliance on mounting block for cooling.
As compact as possible in both length and width/diameter
Easy to maintain
Able to accept as many type of filaments as possible
Basically to be as good performance wise as it can possibly be.
Ive secured most of tooling to accomplish my goals, with a few still left to be ordered once I finalize a design. Ive also secrued most of the test metals from a site by the url of onlinemetals.com.
Tooling I have so far:
Mini Lathe, customized and still being customized to my needs
Quick change post, insert holders
Dremel and Dremel drill press
Series 1 3D printer for testing, with other printer purchases (reprap) planned for further testing
Tools still needed:
Drill bits, taps, Micro bits and micro bit holders once I finalize the design
Mini mill/drill press
Will post the designs once I get closer to finalizing the design.
Any input or requests are more than welcome.
Here are some pics:
Unboxing of the lathe
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Mini Lathe after complete disassembly and most of it reassembled. Shipping/storage grease has been removed. All of the ways have been lapped, the motor has been properly positioned. The head has been removed and packed with grease. Main belt has been properly tensioned. All axis, have been packed with grease. Apron packed with grease. Tailstock has been centered with lathe.
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That working desk is a mess, but I know where everything is lol.
Will post more images and design files of the actual hot end once I finish modifying the initial cad files.
So if you have read this far, awesome. I think this will be an interesting project as there are some very small details that will be incorporated that I think will make a huge difference in performance.
So Hellooooo, my name is James
I have been reading the forums for a while now, and decided it was time to sign up and do my best to contribute something in the form of pics and updates of this project as it goes along. Since I received my degree, I have been spending a lot of time behind the computer, and havent had much time to actually make anything that isnt code related. I figured an all metal hotend would be a great primer in getting back into fabrication. Before this, I was an ironworker and made things all the time. Loved it.
SO some may be asking "Why would I choose to make an all metal hotend?", I dont really have an answer except for, "Why Not?" at this point. I know that its been done already, and done very well, however I see that there is still some room for a tad bit of innovation.
As an fyi, when I say "hotend" I mean everything from the cold end to the nozzle.
As of right now, I have designs that I will be testing for the groovmount type of systems, with plans to design for those who need 6mm threaded installation heads.
Materials preferred:
Aluminum
Stainless
Although current design account for possible ceramic insert.
To be Determined
Id like some of the criteria of the hotend to be:
Standalone, no additional fans needed to cool the cold end. No "needed" reliance on mounting block for cooling.
As compact as possible in both length and width/diameter
Easy to maintain
Able to accept as many type of filaments as possible
Basically to be as good performance wise as it can possibly be.
Ive secured most of tooling to accomplish my goals, with a few still left to be ordered once I finalize a design. Ive also secrued most of the test metals from a site by the url of onlinemetals.com.
Tooling I have so far:
Mini Lathe, customized and still being customized to my needs
Quick change post, insert holders
Dremel and Dremel drill press
Series 1 3D printer for testing, with other printer purchases (reprap) planned for further testing
Tools still needed:
Drill bits, taps, Micro bits and micro bit holders once I finalize the design
Mini mill/drill press
Will post the designs once I get closer to finalizing the design.
Any input or requests are more than welcome.
Here are some pics:
Unboxing of the lathe
Mini Lathe after complete disassembly and most of it reassembled. Shipping/storage grease has been removed. All of the ways have been lapped, the motor has been properly positioned. The head has been removed and packed with grease. Main belt has been properly tensioned. All axis, have been packed with grease. Apron packed with grease. Tailstock has been centered with lathe.
That working desk is a mess, but I know where everything is lol.
Will post more images and design files of the actual hot end once I finish modifying the initial cad files.
So if you have read this far, awesome. I think this will be an interesting project as there are some very small details that will be incorporated that I think will make a huge difference in performance.