6040 CNC Spindle Mount relocate

[@MrIonutz2008]

Hi Rick, nice informative video for all of those 6040 frame owners encountering frame flexing, we all know that they are not very reliable even for hard wood but they are a cheap way for beginners to learn about cnc machines. I am one of those but instead of cutting that plate and move the spindle clamp on the carriage base, i added one more clamp at the top spindle to maintain the same Z axis travel. There is also that Z axis guard plate which i removed, milled the protuberances of carriage unit and spindle support in order to get closer to base of travel. Gathered few mm for Y travel and a bit more rigidity due to moving the forces closer to base. Added fully supported rails on X axis with 0.5" aluminium thick plate 8" width, removed the X axis guard plate and shortened the top and bottom plates ( the Z to X carriage links) allowing 2 mm gap between X and Z carriages. Gathered another +mm on Y travel and a bit more rigidity by moving forces towards base. I know those guards were meant to protect the rails and ballscrews but when using hoover and dust shoe they don't protect much and the dust in suspension it gets there however.

[@rickcperry]

Thanks for the information, My next upgrade is the back plate and supported rails. I'm in the middle of a house remodel and have not turned on my machine in 3 months :( I tell people who are looking at buying a 6040 that if they don't want to tinker and work on it, pass and buy something else. May cost a little more up front but it's worth it if you want to simply start making parts.

[@ernest-pj2du]

Is that the original spindle , I’ve the 4030 machine and was thinking of changing the spindle to a more ridged one . Any recommendations.🤔 All in all they are a very sturdy machine for the price .

[@rickcperry]

The spindle upgrade is nice but unless you have totally supported back rails, you will have issues cutting with anything larger than a 3/16" end mill due to deflection. Jobs that I know I can use a 1/4" bit I will use 1/8" for more spindle rigidity unless I'm cutting wood.

[@MartinDolan]

Do you have a link to that cnc on AliExpress? There are so many that look the same but when you zoom in on the photos you notice that rails /supports etc are cheaper versions etc. Love your videos. Keep them coming!

[@rickcperry]

Martin Dolan the 6040 is a generic design and hundreds of companies have made their own version dependent on the stock they have on hand. I got mine off eBay and the spindle and controller was defective within 2 weeks. I read of so many people in my same boat and decided to document these upgrades. Finding 2 machines exactly the same or actually getting the one pictured in the ad would be extremely rare. Thanks for watching, back rails are coming up soon.

[@forrestgumpv9049]

That is why I am not going to buy that machine.

[@rickcperry]

I totally agree and wished I knew then what I know now. Hopefully my journey will keep people from making my same mistake. I do love modding the machine but sometimes wished I could simply make parts without issues! Lol thanks for the comment