just started my machine today.. got all the parts cut.. gonna order the motors and stuff this week.. didn't drill any holes in the parts yet cause i want to see how the electronics work first.. will keep you posted

Day 2:

I have both tables complete, all 1 1/2", 1" and 13/64 (tapped also) holes complete. Those adjustment blocks were fun! I own a Construction Co, so I have a lot of tools and jigs that made that go fairly easy. Hopefully Day 3 goes just as smooth. I have pics of simple jigs for the adjustment blocks that might work for people who are looking for ideas on how get them all perfect.

Day 3:

Most pieces all drilled and tapped.. got all black pipe cut at my buddies plumbing shop... all adjustment blocks mounted.. one piece of advice is to make the adjustment blocks out of a harder material (I used oak..laying around the shop) I found the small adjustment blocks split when backing out the tap for the side holes... was growling when I had to reset all the jigs for drilling... I plan on getting it mostly assembled today, so we will see what happens.. not to much time today due to NFL playoffs. :cheers:

hey EMCLLC,

when you get the time how about some pix huh, good luck on your build.:)

I had the same prob with trying to tap the MDF and was wondering about your approach, how well did the threads form in the oak?

Day 4..

Got the gantry, x axis, and z axis built.. after losing page dtl40 and wasting about 1/2 hour looking for it because I was too lazy to print another one up and threatening to kill everyone in the state on NJ.. here are some pics of what I got done..

The oak threaded beautifully btw...

good job, seems your build is coming along very well, keep us posted on your progress and i hope you don't get "stalled" like i have waiting on parts.:)

Tapping MDF? Why not try a threaded insert like these?

http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/products/NUTBTI.cfm

When you screw the insert into the mdf it tends to crack as well. It helps if you put the mdf into a vise while putting in the insert. I could have experimented a bit more with drill sizes for the insert, maybe a slightly larger hole would help but my drill bits only go by 16ths.


Tapping MDF? Why not try a threaded insert like these?

http://www.microfasteners.com/catalog/products/NUTBTI.cfm

almost there... just waiting on a couple of parts and shes all done.. any bit recomendations.. I have a 1/4 collet... id kit a nice little starter kit if possible... heres a completed pic minus the motors and stuff.. hopefully tomorrow on them...

You're kidding me! It only took you six days for a complete build and it looks great. Way to go!!

thanks.. I own a construction business, so a lot of it was easy for me.. as soon as the motors, boards, and lead screws come in, I can try to get them installed.. Lets see how long it takes me to get that all to work and lined up.. I am anticipating on having problems, so don't make me out to be a saint yet!

just got some deliveries yesterday.. got my 425 oz motors, boards, transformer, lovejoy couplers, flange bearings, acme nuts.. i forgot to order the spider gears for the couplers, so they are on their way.. still waiting for the acme rods, and hold down channels.. i ordered everything larger then specified because i want to use all the parts on my next bigger build.. i have a better idea on how it all works now, so ill use a little from everyones plans to build my next one.. still need a place to buy bits ( i would like a nice "starter kit") and maybe an adapter for 1/4 collet to 1/2 if it is possible.. also need 1/4 to 1/8 for my router.. using a rigid laminate trimmer for now..

Looking good - your progress is pretty impressive.

I'm using a HF Laminate Trimmer with a 1/4" collet and haven't been able to find an adapter for 1/8". I have some 1/8" spiral bits I'd like to try. I bought a RotoZip 1/8" collet at HomeDepot hoping it would fit, but no luck - it was longer than the one in the trimmer and the nut that came with it was a different thread. I'm using a Whiteside 1/8" Spiral Upcut Bit (Part #RU1600) which works well, but it'll only cut through 1/2" material.

I'd like to hear what people are using to cut through 3/4" material.

ill let you know if I find anything.. the router I am using will not be the permanent one, being I need that one for work.. I am gonna buy one as soon as I can find out where to get a nice bit starter kit and find out what size they are..