Introduction: 3018 CNC Machine [Modify Side Guards]

By Tim's Place
About: Retired due to health. Oldish. My background is in Structural Engineering. Also smith of many trades. The majority of my project will be what can be made sat in a chair within arm's reach, on a plotter, 3D pri…

My 3018 CNC Machine came with Acrylic Side Guards.

  • This is all good but sometimes they may get in the way
  • They limit access to the Table.
  • I have also fitted Limit Switches and the switches for the Z Axis hit one of the guards.
  • The guards could do with being a little further out.

When I got the 3018 CNC Machine, The Guards came with Allan screws that attached them to the side supports.

  • To move them out a little so that the Switches for the Z Axis do not hit, would require longer screws and some packs.
  • I also wanted to be able to Remove/Attach them quickly, so I came up with a clip design.

This Instructable is how I changed the way my Side Guards are attached to my 3018 CNC Machine.

  • I have designed some Clips made from PLA printed on my 3D Printer.
  • With the clips attached to the Side Guards, it enables me to quickly pop off/on my Side Guards when I require easy access to the Table.

It is a very short Instructable.

  • But as a hobby, one of the things I like to do is: Get a cheap device then the fun comes upgrading it.

Supplies

I have made my clips on my 3D Printer.

  • As this is a mod for a 3018 CNC Machine, there should be no reason why the could not be made with this machine out of a suitable material. I have attached a profile in DXF format.

Twelve M3x10mm long self tapping screws. They are this size because I keep plenty of them for my projects.

  • As the holes in the Guards are for M5 Screws I will be making Top-Hat Washers.

The STL files are attached:

  • Six Guard_Clip.stl are required.
  • Twelve 5-3_Washers.stl required.

Attachments

Step 1: Print and Assemble

As I say This is a Short Instructable.

Attach the Clips to the Guards as shown.

  • Three clips on one Guard as shown.
  • Three clips on the other Guard will need fitting Opposite-Hand.

To fit the guards:

  • Hold the Guard so that the top of the Guard is leaning in.
  • Place the clips in the top groove of the Side Support.
  • With slight pressure downwards, pull the Guard up straight.
  • The lower part of the clips should spring into the groove on the side of the Side Support.

To remove the Guards:

  • Firmly push the top of the Guard towards the middle of the machine.

Hope the video shows it better.

  • The video is my Second Short, trying to watch the clock and do a video needs practice, ha-ha.
  • Shorts have to be portrait and under 1 minute.
  • Why do people take videos portrait? Do they spin there wide screen TV's on there end to watch them?