A professional milling machine is quite an expensive pleasure, but what if you want to try your hand at wood carving or you rarely need a machine and for very minor work.
Try to make a do-it-yourself milling machine from an old washing machine.
General information
Pros and cons of a homemade machine
The only drawbacks in such a device are that homemade does not have all the capabilities of an expensive machine, but it can do simple things, and if you put a little imagination, then with the help of a homemade machine you can get incredible beauty. Well, the power will be inferior to a professional machine.
But such a device also has advantages, a home-made machine is much more mobile, it is convenient to store it at home and carry it in your hands, unlike a professional machine.
Simplicity of design is also a plus, even an amateur can assemble a milling machine on his own, well, it is also very easy to replace parts in case of breakage. In addition, it is assembled from improvised parts, which means that replacing them will not hit your pocket.
Types of washing machine motors
Before you learn how to make a machine with your own hands, you need to figure out what kind of engine you have. They are of several types.
Asynchronous: There are two types of two-phase or three-phase, respectively.The former were used in old Soviet washing machines, the latter are installed in modern models.
Collector: a motor in which the speed can be controlled is often very compact in size.
And the last motors that are often put in Korean washing machines are direct drive motors.
Important:
Before you start creating a milling machine, remember the safety measures. And also clear yourself free space so as not to hurt anything in the process.
Details
Materials for the machine
Before starting the assembly, it is necessary to prepare all the materials.
- Drill, electrical tape, screwdrivers and pliers, you will also need metal scissors.
– Grinder or hacksaw, measuring tape, foam rubber or other dense material to protect the engine from debris.
– Stud to hook cutter chucks.
- Iron corners and screws for fastening to them.
– The motor, the most important part, is removed from the old washing machine and cleaned.
- A board or a dense sheet of plywood.
- Two metal tubes.
- Two shock absorber springs from the car and a rubber swivel wheel.
“Something that will serve as an on/off switch for you.
- An optional part, but easy to use, is a speed controller, for example, you can take it from an old drill.
Assembly instructions
Let's start assembling a milling machine with our own hands.
Step one:
We clean the motor of the washing machine from dirt and remove possible plaque on it. It is also necessary to check the stability of its operation by connecting to the network. It is necessary to listen and determine if there are extraneous noises: clicks or crackles, such a motor will not work. A serviceable motor is needed that will rotate monotonously without extraneous noise.
Important: after checking, be sure to disconnect the motor from the power supply, you will not need a working motor during assembly.
Step two:
We measure the dimensions of the motor to determine what size the table will be for it. The dimensions are as follows: the table should be three times the size of the engine, and the motor itself should be located 7-8 centimeters above the floor. We cut out the wooden structure of the desired size.
Step three:
In the table cover we make a hole for the backlash of the motor, and in the bottom there is a hole for installing the nut.
Step four:
We assemble the finished table using self-tapping screws and corners. Thus, we made a table for a milling machine with our own hands.
Step five:
We proceed to the assembly of the machine itself, we attach the clamping collet to the motor shaft.
Step six:
We take previously prepared tubes and use scissors to make special fasteners. With a drill, we make holes in the mounts so that they can be conveniently fixed at the table and the motor.
Step seven:
We attach tubes to the back of the table so that our design becomes as stable as possible. Now the tubes must be carefully screwed to the motor from the washing machine.
Step eight:
We attach a nut to the bottom of the machine.
Step nine:
To securely fasten the motor, we screw the stud into the nut so that the threaded end fits snugly against the motor.
Step ten:
We add springs so that you can freely adjust the engine in height, and optionally add a steering wheel.
Step Eleven:
It's time for the wiring, we mount and connect it to the power supply sensor, attach the start button and, if desired, the speed controller.
Important: After wiring, check that all cables are insulated and not tangled.
Step twelve:
We install foam rubber or other protection to avoid clogging.
Last step
That's all, it remains only to check the do-it-yourself wood milling machine for performance and use it.
