Hear me out. I’ve had my Pro for just over a year so I’m currently having serious “drive system envy” when I look at the 5; mainly because I know my machine is a beast solely limited by belt drive (constantly checking/tensioning/replacing belts).
In the meantime, I checked out the drive systems of different CNC machines and came across the rack and pinion drive from Avid CNC (PRO Rack and Pinion Drive, NEMA 23 | Avid CNC). I can’t help but imagine a drop-in replacement for the belts with a rack laying where the belts sit, and a gear mounted on the side plates; connected to the motors with a small belt loop.
The only thing better would be an upgrade kit to the 5.
Hardly! Makes sense. A steel rack isn’t going to stretch. And it looks like the RPM reduction in that drive system should improve repeatability & accuracy.
I think I would consider mounting the rack above the pinion gear. (gravity is your friend )
Interesting concept. Do they supply just the belt loop and tensioner? Reviewed the website and guide and it felt like they only provide complete drive systems that include the rails.
Just utilizing that on the X axis would be a big improvement. The two idler pulleys would have to be adjusted down to keep the belts locked together, and one of the idlers would prolly need a little lateral adjustment so that the two belts lined up correctly. A little CA to fasten the bottom belt to the gantry,
Its a self-contained system so you’d have to replace most of the Shapeoko axis; including the side plates. The only thing left standing would be the frame.
I have a 4 Pro XXL, so I already have the linear rails, So I would fasten the static belt directly to the gantry. Doing that would eliminate a lot of “spring” when making heavy cuts. It may not work well with Vee roller systems.
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