Official Luthiers Forum!

People tend to overdo the water cooling requirement on the VFD spindles.
All that is needed is a small reservoir setting next to the machine and containing a submersible pump.
Think "aquarium" as mentioned above. I used a clear plastic cat litter container myself.
The pump only needs to put out a few ounces per minute and that is about all the restriction within the spindle water jacket will allow.
Be sure the pump has enough head (pressure) to circulate the water. I set mine up about level with the spindle so that isn't a problem.
Running clear plastic tubing like 3/16" ID with a little food coloring in the water will let you see that the coolant is circulating.
I've seen pix of some of the overkill rigs like a heat exchanger , flow monitors etc. also.
I've not been able to make my 2.2KW spindle warmer than ambient even when running it as hard as I can.
Of course I've only been able to pull about 4-5 amps with the 11 amp rated motor so maybe I haven't given it a good test.
These VFD spindles are workhorses and will put a router motor to shame.
Nelson

OK, that's exactly what I was wondering. Those machines with the elaborate setups are what got me wondering.

The smaller ones don't look all that bad either. They are still around about 2 hp. Of course then I'm back to the ER11 collet.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-AIR-COOLE-MOTOR-SPINDLE-1-5KW-AND-MATCHING-INVERTER_W0QQitemZ370295380787QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5637531b33

Anyone have new info on this kit? I still get an update from George about once a week, but no ship date yet.

I'm in the same boat. He's very good about communication but no ship date yet.

I've got an estimated ship date for early Feb, but then again that's when I asked for it to be shipped (I'm out of the country the entire month, so I'd like it to arrive when I'm back at some point, as sea freight is a bit more complex than the mailman in terms of holding items). Upgraded to Gecko drives and additional rails on the X axis for stabilisation.

I went for the Gecko and extra X axis as well. That Gecko G520 looks like a great!

Oddly enough, I found George's link while researching the joes' CNC option. I'm in the same boat with Mattia, I may be able to build a Joe's for a "little" less, but not without major scrounging. I would rather get it and assemble it myself...This looks like a heckuva value. I'll be interested to see how you guys do with these machines...

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Mitch

anybody recieved a machine from George yet? I have money set aside for a 30 x 48 but am waiting to see some reviews first. Seems like a pretty good deal for what you get anyways but I am a complete cnc newbie so I could be wrong

Matt

After a lot of consideration, I went witht he Joe's CNC plan and I'm glad I did. There's a great forum witha tone of support and I don't have to settle for a smaller machine to fit my budget. With the Rack and Pinion mods I can get a cutting area greater that 4X4 and build it for less than $2500. Works for me!

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Mitch

Mitch,

Joe's CNC machine is a very good design, very popular, and a lot of folks are using it with GREAT success!!

Good decision, and best of luck with it!

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

Hey Mitch

I'm building a Joe's 4x4 with the Rack & Pinion modification too.

I'm still collecting parts and building my 2X2 steel frame bed like Joe's.
Hope to start assembly in about 3 weeks when the 6' racks arrive.
I'll be watching your build on Joe's Forum.

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Rick Hubka
Chemainus BC Canada

Hey Rick - Yeah, I saw your posts over on Joe's forum - I've started my base since I'm making mine out of wood - have the Racks on order from Diane at Moore Gear and will be getting the rest of the parts when the bonus check comes in March - hopefully! Seems to be a lot of guys just starting on the R&P build. What are you going to use for drivers and motors?

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Mitch

Hi Mitch

Drivers - I bought a Geckodrive G540 when they were on sale before Christmas ($100 off).

I ordered 4 of 380 oz-in Nema 23 Stepper Motors when I ordered the 3 Rack and Pinion Drive kits from Ahren
at http://www.cncrouterparts.com. I ordered the 48V 12.5A Power Supply and cables from Ahren too.
I too am waiting for my rack from Diane at Moore Gear.

I have been emailing back and forth with Mark from 8020inc on eBay today about ordering my
3 of 8020 T Slot Aluminum Extrusion 25 S 25-5010 x 72 N (3 X 71.15 = $213.45 U.S.)
The shipping to Canada via UPS will add $97.00 to that plus duty and brokerage, But what the hell, I just have to bite the bullet and pay it.

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Rick Hubka
Chemainus BC Canada

Yep - I"m doing the exact same setup - 'cept I'll have a 201 or 203 on a separate BOB driving the 4th axis with a little bigger motor...

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Mitch

Me too. 4th axis with a little bigger motor, except I'm going to wait several months before doing the 4th. This whole process is somewhat over whelming to me and I want to keep it simpler when I first start.

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Rick Hubka
Chemainus BC Canada

Got my CNC machine from George this week.

I've only had a chance to screw it together havent mounted the motors yet.

So far it seems very well made everything went together well, each axis seems to move smooth, and I cant find any play.

Very easy to assemble for sure.

I'll know a lot more once I get the motors in and start to get everything going of course.

Hi Chris

I decided to go with the HiWin rails upgrade, so a little bit more waiting..

Does anyone know how or if this purchase worked out and if it is a good machine or not?

Mike