I finally got my router/lathe pool cue conical taper jig to work to where I’m almost happy with it(after 2 months and 5 different iterations..grrr)
I’d like to set up the feed rate using a ball screw and motor, which is currently done manually, the weak link in the process.
Does anyone know of such setups or could advise on which direction I should go?
(I’m not giving up on doing this on the CNC, but I need to take the class in February, first, and then dig in to the 4th axis a little deeper.)
Have you looked at the Clough42 electronic leadscrew project? I suspect it’s overkill for this application, but might give you some good ideas.
The 4th axis isn’t something covered in the CNC class and not broadly available to members.
This use case for the 4th axis may be doable, depending on your knowledge of Fusion CAM. It’s probably not going to work in VCarve with the current limitations of our controller / gcode interpreter.
Hi Jon,
Checking it out. Thanks!
Thanks Michael, Yes, I’m aware that the 4th axis isn’t covered in the CNC class. I should’ve been more clear in my post.
The OpenBuilds part store might be of interest, e.g.:
They have a lot of designs/plans, mostly oriented around diy CNC routers. Although it looks like they are shutting down 
. The designs might still be helpful.
A grbl shield with an arduino is a good choice for this diy project. you could also get away with a belt drive system to save on some cost over a ball screw. all these choices depend on how much you want to spend and what your other goals are for the project
The lab has most of these things to experiment with (plenty of steppers, but no driver shield IIRC).
Thanks for the response, guys.
@kyle.spafford , yep, that helps with some ideas. Thanks!
@EricP Thanks for introducing me to grbl and arduino. Never heard of either so I have some homework to do but looks very promising!
@JohnWickham Thanks John, I’ll look in to the Lab to get better educated on this.
I’m not sure if you’re going to keep making cues, if you are you’re investing your time in the wrong equipment. Look at this videos pay attention at the kind of lathe. The inlay and finishing techniques of this guy are insane. If you look at his videos you learn techniques, repairs, design, and modifications to normal equipment. Anyway, you need a metal lathe in my opinion (in Asmbly they will not let you use theirs for this.
duck://player/Qab6WR1oyCk
