Quick Fixes

• Updated X axis connectors to be simpler and more intuitive

• Readjusted spacing for Y and Z axis because of changes from X Axis

• Also readjusted spacing for Bearing Blocks & Linear Rails on X axis due to change

• Reorganized structure or machine to Upper and Lower Axes

Added more support/connection brackets

• Basically just added more brackets for structure and support.

• While designing brackets for connecting the X and Y axis, I at first had conjured up a complex, round-about bracket, but then after I finished the design, I realized all I had to do was make some aluminum extrusion and little longer and design a MUCH simpler bracket. So that was like an hour wasted.

• Also adjusted tool head position even more to move it closer to the center of the cutting plate

3D Printed Supports

• Added many 3D printed support brackets/connectors to make sure CNC machine is structurally sound, specifically X-axis connectors and stepper motor supports

• Edited assembly by moving back tool head so that’s its closer to the center of the cutting plate

Finished CAD for Casing

Cad was pretty simple, added a bottom body, middle plate and top plate to cover everything up

Forgot about the required spacing for components such as diodes and the controller board so I added those as well.

Basic Draft complete

• Completed basic drafts of the X, Y, and Z axis for the CNC machine. X and Y axis were already basically done, but now Z axis includes clamp for the Makita Router.

• The CAD file was huge and slowed down my computer, so I split the 3 axis into 3 different file, which heavily improved performance and decreased time just sitting there waiting for things to load.

• Also I made a few mistakes and everything was at random angles which messed up some measurements, but I fixed those, which also took a while, since I had to re-assemble everything and make sure the tiny misalignments didn’t appear.

Since last devlog,

Added rotary encoder, OLED screen, LEDs and re-designed layout to follow scanning matrix layout rather than direct connections for each switches

Because of added complexity as well as additional components, PCB was much more complex and a lot of time was used to make sure no traces were overlapping or spacing issues between components.

LEDs were not through-hole so they could only use one trace side, which made process also much more complex.

Finished basic design for Hackpad PCB

I have never designed a PCB before so it was a challenge, especially routing the PCB and making sure no connections shorted, but the hackpad guide helped a lot.

• Designed and added brackets to bottom structure for support.

• Also replaced linear rail supports from 2040 Extrusion to 2020 Extrusion to save materials and space.

• Assembly has gotten pretty big, so program runs slow and sometimes freezes when trying to save. When I was changing out the extrusions, I accidentally moved the linear rails out of place and had to align them back into their original positions, which took some finessing.