Just registered. I have learned a lot here over the last month. I have almost finished the mechanics of my first CNC router. I designed it to cut balsa sheet mainly. It has travels of 36 X 12 X 4.
I am going to order my steppers and controller board this week.
I have decided on the Zylotex board, and the steppers they have on sale, 116 oz/" I think.
Before I order, can any one let me know of a comperable board and steppers available in Canada? I mean comperable in price and function.
I will post a picture of my machine as soon as I can. Thanks everyone I could not have gotten this far without CNCZone.

co

Originally posted by yukonho
I will post a picture of my machine as soon as I can. Thanks everyone I could not have gotten this far without CNCZone.



Welcome to the Zone, and I love to hear things like that!

Welcome Yukonho,
Sounds great, post lots of pics. As far as steppers and drivers most of the guys around here swear by Zylotex and Geckos. I am a cheap so and so and I built my stepper board and I am trying to use some cheapy steppers I got from E-bay. This is only a prototype machine and I will probably go with one of the brand names when I build my next one.

Good Luck,
George
(aka Hawkeye)

Hello Yukonho!
Ya! post those pics. With every pcture you can save a thousand words.

Hi yukonho,
I've personally not seen anything in Canada comparable.

The only ones I know of other then Xylotex for that size of system are:

HobbyCNC
http://www.hobbycnc.com/

Stepperworld:
http://www.stepperworld.com/

Hmmm.
I think the Zylotex setup is going to be the best way to go. I have Mach2 as well, should be a good combination.
First photo, sorry about the quality, digital cam is next on the list.

I checked out the hobbycnc and the stepperworld setups, but I like the idea of the chopper system instead of resistors. The price of the Zylotex setup is actually a little less with the steppers they have on sale than either of the other two.
co

Good choice.

Eric

what is the zylotex website? what is used for your linear x dim glidea?

Ernie

Hey topspin80
www.zylotex.com After all of my reading, I think they have the best drivers (chopper style) at the best price $125.
My X and Y use the gas pipe and rollerblade bearings. My Z axis is drawer slides that I have tightened up to take out slack.
I just have to decide on the best way to mount the dremel tool to it.
co

the link didn't work, but I found a site... is this it?

http://www.xylotex.com/

Ernie

Yep, that's it.

Gerry

oops, sorry, I put a Z instead of an X.

Some progress. I have all three axes (axii, axis', aaxes; going to have to look that one up) in place and moving well. I installed the leadscrew for the X. Actually it is 1/4-20 threaded rod, which leads me to a question.
I chose 1/4-20 because somewhere early in my research, I read that a TPI count divisible by 10 is a good idea because it works out with the number of steps the steppers have and gives an even ratio between revolutions and linear distance. I have hooked this up to my 1400 RPM drill and at the extreme ends of travel I get a little bit of whip. I think I will be able to eliminate this because I am tensioning the shaft, and was running it with almost no tension during that test. My question lies with my jog speed.
Assuming I can prevent the shaft from whipping at higher RPM's What am I looking at for a max jog speed. I guess in other words I am asking what RPM steppers spin.
You probably need to know some info on the electronics I will be using.
Xylotex 3 axis board running the three steppers they have on sale (116oz/in) I will be giving it 24V at 6.5A and running Mach2 in windows XP.
Some insight into the TPI thing would be great too.
Thanks everyone
co

With that setup you will get to go 25 to 30" per minute which computes to ~500 rpm. Whip may or may not be a problem at that speed.

1/2-10 is a nice screw to use with those steppers and gets you a bit more speed and still not too much money. Since you got the 1/4-20 in there I would give it a try first.

Eric

THaks.
So it is a good idea to stay with TPI divisible by 10?
Also, where might I source 1/2-20 threaded rod in Canada? I have not been able to find any yet.
30 IPM isn't so bad, but double that would be great.
P.S. where in Ontario are you? I am visiting my folks in Oakville over the holidays, and if possible, I would appreciate it if I could drop by and see your machine.
co

I am in Woodstock, between TO and London. Stop in anytime.

You can use any pitch. Devisable by 10 is not a requirement. I use 6 pitch screws.

The Fastener Center has 1/2-10 ACME.

I just bought a Micro Mill from Harbor Freight that I want to CNC.
I'm also looking for a Canadian source for stepper motor controllers.

The only one that I've found so far is:

http://www.technologicalarts.com/myfiles/app_evbs/ad12dx/xyzsm.html

Their 3-axis board, with parallel port interface, is $189 US
versus $140 US for Xylotex's 3-axis board ($125 for the board
while it is still on sale, plus $15 S+H).

I'd prefer to buy Canadian because once I get the mill ready
to CNC, I'd rather not wait the 3-4 weeks (or longer!) that
it takes for US Air Mail to get delivered. (That's how long the last couple of items that I ordered from the USA took to get to me.)

I cant comment much on that board except to say that it is a chopper which is desirable. Remember, what you may pay extra for in canada will be offset by customs charges, so there probably wont be too much of a price difference.
When possible, I buy Canadian as well.
co

It has been a while since I posted anything, I was waiting for my electronics.
Well, the 3 axis Xylotex board and 3 steppers and other various stuff arrived! I was surprised at how small everything was. Super cool though. I have to spend some time and hook it all up and mount the motors now. I unfortunately have a project or two to do before this, but hopefully in a week or so it will be done.
I already have a couple of projects programmed and ready to run once I get it up and running.
I will keep you posted and post some pics now that my digital camera arrived for christmas. oooeee lots of new toys
co

Well, now I am just waiting for the 24V power supply. I have the motors mounted and the limit and home switches in place. (switches are not wired up yet) Just waiting to plug those 24 volts in and let er rip.
The wait is killng me.
co