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A while ago I started to build a CNC router. Thanks to a busy schedule it has been difficult to get some critical parts finished that I needed to put everything together. I decided to outsource the parts and found a vendor that was able to machine the parts from my solid models. Today I received the parts and were able to put the x, y, and z axis together. The router has a 24 x 32 x 8 cutting area. The motors are all servo driven by Gecko G320 drives and I will be using Linex EMC as my controller software. I have the controls done so I am on the home stretch and hope to have the router working by years end.

Thanks for looking!

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Brad
Avon, OH

Brad,
That's looking really good. I like the way you're gearing down the servos, I assume youre doing that on each axis?
Keep us posted,
Thanks

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

It is kind of strange how the gearing down thing worked. The X, Y, and Z axis I purchased as used surplus equipment. I was very lucky since they are great quality linear actuators and I paid almost nothing for them (probably $300-400 total). The biggest problem I had was trying to balance the torque of the motors for the desired rapids speeds (600 ipm) while still maintaining with the encoder precision needed for accuracy. For the x axis I am using the (2) servo's (one for each side) into a 25:1 gearbox and then into the linear actuator. This will allow the most torque to move the gantry since it is fairly heavy (80 lbs). The y and z axis aren't as heavy so i have opted for timing belt with pulley setup.

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Brad
Avon, OH

Good looking machine!!! Please keep us updated on your progress...

One question I have is for your z-axis....it appears to be extending rather long, with no support in the back, and this might cause it to flex when cutting...might be just the pictures, or you might have not completed it yet.....that is what stood out for me....

You will be amazed how a home build machine can perform!!!

Best of luck in your build....

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-CyborgCNC
http://www.cncguitar.com
https://www.facebook.com/CncGuitar

The Z axis actuator is an 8" travel which is longer than I originally wanted. I would have preferred a 6" travel. In any case I will put the limit switches to keep the z axis extension limited. Overall the machines is beefy so I am fairly confident that it will work but it will come down to how hard I can push it.

What kind of machine are you using? Do you have a router or spindle? Thoughts?

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Brad
Avon, OH

Hi Brad,

I am using a home-made machine, which I basically designed in Solidworks, and then put together. you can see it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85tWFt2V3WI (First tests)

and here (Cutting a Strat....)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeJpQJy88uw

As you can see, the router is a common "Wood" one, 2HP. Machined the mount as well. It has worked quite well for me so far. machine can rapid at 400IPM, using Steppers, ballscrews, and Hiwin rails on all the axes. Drivers are from Keling, with a controller I build as well.

I have a spindle, which I will mount one of these days, you can see it here:

viewtopic.php?f=10106&t=26076

also, you can see some shots I had posted of the controller here, and the machine (Yes, I am using an xbox controller as a pendant!) LOL!

viewtopic.php?f=10106&t=23037&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=25

Scroll down to see them...


have been EXTREMELY happy with the machine...I just actually cut a neck out, and each time I am amazed at the speed and accuracy...

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-CyborgCNC
http://www.cncguitar.com
https://www.facebook.com/CncGuitar

Brad, I can tell you right now that machine is never going to work.
You just as well send it to me and I'll see what I can do with it.
Nelson

Last time I sent you one of my machines it never came back!

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Brad
Avon, OH

I really like your spindle. In the past I have had limited experience using CNC routers..one with a router and one with a spindle. The spindle was so nice and quiet compaired to the router and everyone tells me that it is worth the extra money. There is an 3kw air cooled spindle on Ebay that looks very similar to your spindle and the price is just under $700 delivered. I usually believe you get what you pay for but this is a tempting offer.

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Brad
Avon, OH

I agree,

I would be careful with anything on ebay...and also, what happens when you need support, or something does not go right?

The one in the picture as you can see is air-cooled, and about 1 3/4 HP. Obviously, you can get much more powerful ones, but for cutting wood, I figured this is more than I need. In addition, anything higher, then the power requirements also go up, which means more cable for 220V lines etc etc. I kept it simple for the time being.

Water cooled adds a bit more complexity, since now you also have to run those lines, figure out a fixture for them to make sure they do not interfere with the machine movement, and have a pump with water going. Not a big deal, but will add complexity. You might consider air cooled, but again, these things are NOT cheap! This is the reason why I went with a plain 'ol simple Home Depot Router special to start with, and to my surprise, the results are quite good! Router has very low run-out and I have cut pretty much any kind of wood with it, including inlay, carbon fiber, Garolite etc....it is LOUD however

You are going to love the accuracy of a CNC machine!

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-CyborgCNC
http://www.cncguitar.com
https://www.facebook.com/CncGuitar

I have a Bosch router that I purchased a while ago for my CNC router. I will probably stick with this for now but start saving some bucks for a good quality spindle. I checked out the link for the spindle you purchased from Europe and it looks like a great options that is expensive but not out of reach.

What are you using for CAM software?

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Brad
Avon, OH

Bosch is good...also check this out....

http://www.thinktink.com/search_results ... fromSearch

you can get ER collets from him, for many routers, which have a VERY low run-out! Others are using them with excellent results...it also makes the changing of tools easier, and allows you to use a router with smaller bits (for cutting inlay pockets, and inlay...)

Mastercam is my cam package...using an earlier version, but get the job done!

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-CyborgCNC
http://www.cncguitar.com
https://www.facebook.com/CncGuitar

Thanks for the link....looks like good stuff.

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Brad
Avon, OH