Howdy all .

My name is Kent as the rest of you, I was really intrigued by Joes Design .So I purchase a kit, and have slowly (after a stupid mistake (chair) glued up Z carriage wrong) been assembling it. I have completed glue up and primed all but the Z-axis carriage ( Hopefully this is the only big mistake:stickpoke , thankfully Joe is or has cut me another) I went with the 4 Axis HCNCPROPKG Package w/ 200oz-in Stepper Motors. I have assembled the board and tested it for the first voltage of 5 volts; then completed the build of the controller card. I have not built the power supply, as I have been trying to figure out what to put it in. I have since acquired a equipment rack and have commenced to tearing it apart and configuring it to be home for 19 INCH CRT, Computer and Controller. This project has also caused me to upgrade my non existent shop. Needed air compressor to paint this thing, Opp’s silly me I’ll need a sprayer also :devious: I also picked up a dust collector. I hope to locate it outside in a cabinet. I am sure I will also need to upgrade it with JLT’s ATC that is so cool. Well this is just my intro. I have been following all the Joe2006CNC builds and have learned many things from all you fine folks. I wish at this time to thank all of you for your time and effort to help everyone who tackles this finely engineered DIY CNC. Of course a big thanks to Joe for sharing his design, advice and encouragement.

O/K now that I buttered you up :wave: I have a question about computer requirement. I plan on using Mach 3, and VCarve / PhotoVCarve. I have quite a few computers that could be used for this project. Ranging from dual processor PIII 600 MHz to a 2.4 P4. I guess what I am wondering, is having to much processing power just a waste? I really hate slow computers. But figure most of the real work can be done on a fast computer and then loaded into the CNC computer. As you may have figure I am a complete Newbie when it comes to CNC. I just had to make this my education project for the year. I hope to learn and have as much fun as the rest of you seem to be having. Maybe I’ll even have to learn video editing so I can be a “Star” like Jay

Welcome to the club!

Sounds like you are well on your way!

On the PC side of things I'm a firm believer in having a machine bigger than needed to handle the job. The PC is dedicated to the machine and has Mach3, AutoCAD, and a few other useful programs loaded already. Soon I'll have VCarve loaded on it as well. The PC has a P4 3Ghz cpu, 1 gig or ram and Windows XP Pro. It tests real clean with Mach3 and seems to be performing real well.

Looking forward to seeing your progress and videos! :)

The minimum requirements for Mach3 are 1 Ghz. It may work on the 600Mhz, but it also might cause intermittent problems that will give you grief.

Hey Kent,
That's a great intro. Great additions to the tools shed too. Compressor, paint sprayer and dust collector are great additions to any work shop. Looks like you will make fast progress. Keep us posted with your progress. I didn't see a new digital camera on your list of new tools. Got to have that to keep CNCzone happy. :)

Look forward to seeing pictures of your build.

David

Thanks for the replies.
I always enjoy the pictures so here are mine, more of what everyone has seen.but these are at my house...:rolleyes: (hope this works)

Heres a few more. The refridge in the back ground will one day be a smoker, But was in dire need of paint so I used it to learn on.

Great, thanks for sharing. I love the "turning device" you made.

David

Welcome, looks like you're well on your way. This all looks so familiar.

The weather here in Visalia was great in the 70's. I got off work early and was able to put on final paint "Hammered Silver" It came out decent for a beginner.

What flavor of primer did you spray & how much did it take? I was planning to get a gallon of Kilz from wally world.

Gary

I asked all over and even looked on Rust “O” site to find out what they would recommend to use for the Hammered paint. I really never got a definitive answer, I think some one here used or recomended So I went with:

ZINSSER High Hide Cover-Stain® is a high-performance, all-surface oil-base primer-sealer that offers outstanding adhesion and stain killing power and dries to recoat in 2 hours. High Hide Cover Stain offers excellent flexibility and penetration making it ideal for exterior wood siding and trim. It seals in one coat offering excellent hold-out for enamels.

It sanded between coats. I used about ¾ of a gallon. I painted inside and out. Outside was sprayed with 3 coats.

I was real tempted to go white looked nice as does everyone who has done it in white. but I had my mind set on the hammered paint. I hope it stays stuck to the primer 

It took 1.5 quarts to cover It (outside only) with two coats, I should of sprayed thinner coats I think, but it looks pretty good to my old eyes. At least for what it is, if it was my car I would be unhappy. Well hope that wasn’t to much info

Kent,

Great job, your machine is looking good!

Ha, using a treadmill, who would of tunk it... well I guess you did! :) Great Idea!!

Hey David, look at those pipes... :cool:

Keep them coming!

I know the pipes are nice :)

Well ccsparky, after seeing yours and the fact I couldn't find a shiny pipe store, I had to come up with some way to get that effect, not to mention how much smother the pipe is. The only problem is the wood bearing left heat marks so it is darker in the locations where it was located. I am going to redo the holder out of 2x6 and use up some of the extra bearings I got along with some angle aluminum. Hopefully I can make setup that will allow less friction and to clean up the heat marks.

Thanks for the comments and ideas you guys are making this a better machine with improvement that you guys make. I noticed Joe made a thread http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29977 but nobody has consolidated all the fantastic ideas / modifications in there yet . Maybe Joe could set up some kinda of format for people to use to record there improvement/ mods. This way we have a quick reference to the tricks you quy’s have come up. Well just a thought. I know I was real happy to see the thread made, and 282 people have looked at it. I realize it is a lot of work to locate all the great ideas. That is why I suggested Joe set the rules and have everyone post there own. Maybe even score / give a brief of what it accomplished or even if they think they may have improvement to the original idea. Thanks again guys for taking the time to post your trials and tribulations while building your Joes 2006 model. ( and you know he has us all hooked and has a new plan in the works ) Can’t wait to see it.

Howdy Guys I got a few things done,here are a couple of pixs .
I have a question for you guys. what wire are you using ? I have misplaced mine that came with my kit. I was sure I would need more anyways, but heck would of been nice not to replace what I already had. O'Well it will show up one day. I am pretty sure I will be doing this again :wee: . I saw some security wire at Lowes 6 wire I believe and it was shielded.I will check on it again. I was looking into jacks to enable me to disconnect easily.XLR 6 Pin Cable Mt(f) Neutrik Connector looks like it would work nice. what do you think? and please recommend what ever you think would work better.

thanks for checking this out, and any advise that you may have.

Kent

Howdy Guys I got a few things done,here are a couple of pixs .
I have a question for you guys. what wire are you using ? I have misplaced mine that came with my kit. I was sure I would need more anyways, but heck would of been nice not to replace what I already had. O'Well it will show up one day. I am pretty sure I will be doing this again :wee: . I saw some security wire at Lowes 6 wire I believe and it was shielded.I will check on it again. I was looking into jacks to enable me to disconnect easily.XLR 6 Pin Cable Mt(f) Neutrik Connector looks like it would work nice. what do you think? and please recommend what ever you think would work better.

thanks for checking this out, and any advise that you may have.

Kent

Kent,

Your machine looks very nice! I like the legs you have incorperated into the build! Check out Jay's site he has a really nice power supply enclosure and is using some jacks for his cabling also. The cabling I am using right now is 22awg. I plan on using no less than 18awg as once I hang my enclosure I'll be adding several feet to the length of the cable and want to make sure I don't have any line loss and if I add bigger motors in the future I should be set.

Keep up the good work and keep the pictures coming! :)

Thanks ccsparky,
I will go back and eyeball Jays control box. also great idea going to 18 gage.I am watching Jay's "Tim Taylor :idea: type improvement" More power! grunt grunt grunt. I am sure his will work with out all Tims mishaps.I am sure I will look into upgrading when I learn how to do all this. More power is just better some times :D As for the legs they were put on the first Joes 2006. I liked the look of them in a bit. not to mention, I didn't have to round off the corners :rolleyes: here is picture of Joe 2006 original legs ...

who cut all your aluminum parts?


:D

Machine is looking real good. like the color.

Thanks Joe .

It looks different in person. less aluminium like :D I am working on the bracing / shelf for the legs. I am bolting 2x4s around the outside with two braces in between the long run. I will screw down 1/2 plywood on top of that . This will make it little easier to anchor to wall if I decide to do that.
Did you ever post picture of your new and improved work area ?

Thanks Joe .

It looks different in person. less aluminium like :D I am working on the bracing / shelf for the legs. I am bolting 2x4s around the outside with two braces in between the long run. I will screw down 1/2 plywood on top of that . This will make it little easier to anchor to wall if I decide to do that.
Did you ever post picture of your new and improved work area ?


.

I'de be curious to see as well.. :)

Well I got a shelf and support. It also added a bit of weight, should help stabilize it. if not I will achor to the wall as Joe stated he did. ( still havn't seen pictures of it yet ;) )

Here ya go a down and dirty bracing, makes it rock solid.

Joe

ps. that is quantum running in background, not mach3 i like it for the ramp curve acceleration of the motors.

Looks good Joe,

Simple and effective. Now I have a question is that 3/8th all thread across the gantry ?

It's always nice seeing the father of our machines ;)

I played with Quantum too, the only problem is that it seems like Art has moved this down the priority list for the moment and is not getting any of the updates that Mach 3 is, but I agree the ramp curve acceleration is nice especially for those who have higher ipm.


David

Looks good Joe,

Simple and effective. Now I have a question is that 3/8th all thread across the gantry ?


yes just waht i picked up in electrical department, 1/4 all thread will work. it is 14.5" from bottom of hantry, this allowed clearance for the ATC. you can make it up to 16" from bottom, but will start getting away from the center to help with any bowing, also look at the one in the bottom above bottom torsion bow added it also. one or two will work.

Thanks Joe, I remember now, it was listed in your "Tips/ Modifacations" thread.

...1/4 all thread will work. it is 14.5" from bottom of hantry, this allowed clearance for the ATC. you can make it up to 16" from bottom, ....

Say Joe, will the kits you are cutting now have these extra support holes, or will I need to drill them? If not, not a problem; I just need to remember to do it during assy.

Gary

yea they are a mod to the machine.

Joe

Hey Guys,
Here is a little update, I am not getting it done as fast as most, but it will get done.I finally decided what to build the power supply in. I decided to take two PC cases and turn them on there sides ( didn't have any desktop cases laying around) The rack will get a 19 inch crt the two cases PC in on and controller / Power supply in the other.I am looking into UPS system that can handle all the power filtering and backup for those surges,power outages. I know I will get if I don't have it :eek:

just take your time and most of all have fun :)

I have also been installing acme screws and the motors, I have a question for you All. When you install the screws and motors should they be installed in the "Zero postion" for all axis?. I am including pictures of what I hope is a emulation of Jays soultion to whip. and a picture of my Z axis ( hmmm it is my problem child (nuts) ) I have a misalignment . When I put the Acme screw in it doesn't align with the other side of by 1/8th to 3/16th . I will take it apart and see if I can figure out the problem. Well guys if you see anything wrong please let me know.

I am in no big hurry, I would like to see it move under its own power before end of the month (self imposed goal way back when I started) So I will give it a shot. I am sure I will have alot more fun working on it. I havn't had a cool project for along time. I am enjoying every minute that I get when I work on it .

When you fire it up let me know how the 4x4 legs work out. I'm finding it is a bit shaky with 2X4 and was thinking of switching them out on the first upgrade pass.

I have also been installing acme screws and the motors, I have a question for you All. When you install the screws and motors should they be installed in the "Zero postion" for all axis?. I am including pictures of what I hope is a emulation of Jays soultion to whip. and a picture of my Z axis ( hmmm it is my problem child (nuts) ) I have a misalignment . When I put the Acme screw in it doesn't align with the other side of by 1/8th to 3/16th . I will take it apart and see if I can figure out the problem. Well guys if you see anything wrong please let me know.

My limited understanding is that the spring is supposed to stretch the screw a bit (or at least put it under tension) to minimize whip. How is that going to work with nuts on both sides of the spring?

My limited understanding is that the spring is supposed to stretch the screw a bit (or at least put it under tension) to minimize whip. How is that going to work with nuts on both sides of the spring?


That is correct what you need is a washer against the bearing, then the spring and finally the nuts to apply tension and compress the spring, then lock it down.

Joe

The legs are actually 2x4s glued together ( covered the seam with spackle ), As for the spring I don't really know how it works . I was thinking maybe it helps stop oscillation, there by helping stop the whip. I know Jay used similar setup and said it helped in one of his videos I believe. If it works great if not I can try something else.

thanks Joe I will put in the washer I was hoping someone would point out anything wrong. It is a dry/ test fit run at this time.

Here is the correct way to do Jays preload as Joe stated
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=179320&postcount=35

This is something I threw together aq year or so ago. Replace the bellevilles with the spring and the leadscrew from motor should read motor shaft

The legs are actually 2x4s glued together ( covered the seam with spackle ), As for the spring I don't really know how it works . I was thinking maybe it helps stop oscillation, there by helping stop the whip. I know Jay used similar setup and said it helped in one of his videos I believe. If it works great if not I can try something else.

What might be a good idea to strengthen things a bit more is to run a piece of 1/8 in steel strapping, about 8 inches long to cover the back side (inside) joint between the short 2x4 piece and the front/back inside pieces. I think you've solved my question of how to strengthen the legs without taking them off. Thanks

Thanks sdantonio for the ideas and PDF. The table is pretty solid. After I put on the bottom shelve it really
added some weight and seems to be pretty rigid. If I put in the garage where I plan it should be easy enough to anchor to the wall.

Okay no bricks, but I moved this thing by myself. It is built like a brick outhouse :) I only had to move it ten feet and even with the help of a dolly (laid down and table put on top) it was a chore I do not care to repeat.
I have been waiting for OSH to get me a quart of light blue hammered paint for 5 weeks plus. I finely broke down and bought the only 3 spray cans I could find in Visalia. It was enough to get inside and out side of the rack (frame only panels are silver). I had a aluminum panel for the front didn't have paint for. I plan on doing the front in wood, should be one of the first projects I use the router for. Right after the dust collector attachment. I still have 1 motor to wire up. Need to figure out limit switches and E-stop. I might do with out just to try it out. The PC keeps hiccupping, so I am going to put a different system in. I have to adjust the length of all the cable to reach inside the rack. Pretty minor just need to get more cable. Well now that you read this here is the eye candy, O/K not candy but at least another picture of Joe’s fine machine...

Very Very Impressive! The machine looks like its ready to make money.

Jason

Thanks Jason ,
I am buiding this to learn how, I am complete newbe to CNC world . So I have lots to learn before I could ever make money. Its been a great project. I am having a blast building it.

Calgrdnr,
For me the Journey was as much fun as getting there. I'm still having fun.

Looking good Kent!!
I like the way you are doing your cables! Is that uni-strut you're using?

Bob

Hi Kent; my name is Ken, and I've been using Mack2/3 for the past two years, Ihave run mach3 on a 1 gig p4 with 256kb memory and it was OK but since changing over to an AMD XP2800 with 768kb ram which is running at 1.94 gig, I've had a more enjoyable experience, also could someone point me towards obtaining one of Joes kits? I was considering one of the Solsylva plan based routers, I,ve been very happy with my Xylotex controller on my Taig Mill so which ever way I go I will be using Mach3 with a Xylotex controll
if asome one could shoot me a line on one of joes kits though I would really appreciate it
Thanks
Ken Ferrell
Leapwood Tn.

Looking good Kent!!
I like the way you are doing your cables! Is that uni-strut you're using?

Bob

yea looks like elect. strut on the bottom, I have screwed it down with drywall screws and fenderwashers in the past wooks well.

Joe

Hey Bob.

Yep its Uni-strut. it limited me to using 1/2 flex, but it worked nice. it was even better is that I had it laying around :)

Hello Wax / Ken

Just contact joecnc2006 at yahoo . com. Hes the MAN ... :)

Well So close and yet so far .... I have everything wired and adjusted Vref's_ even have dust collector hose setup and Dust collector located outside. Need to set up sacrificial board clamping system. I even found my DB25 cable... so I need to figure out how to setup Mach 3 and see if everything works. Crossing my fingers... here is couple more pictures. as you can see I used aluminum expandable dryer vent. Hope it doesn’t cause me any problems . Had to use a 3 inch PVC coupler on the inside. I had to sand it down to get it to work. Speaking of PVC I remember reading that someone used PVC for sacrificial board. I have been looking into it, but so far it is kinda spendy. Mostly shipping adds a lot due to size. I could have them cut, but it but most say they have a 1/8 inch margin of error. I am hoping a sign maker in town uses it. Owell Time to study up on Mach 3. I need to see this thing work :D

that does look good, i like the dust collector outside the window.

you can place a plastic wall between the machine and your workbench, will keep the cutting shavings from going that direction, i know when i cut hdpe, the dust collector does not catch all of it.

Joe

Thanks Joe, I am going to flip bench 90 degrees that will give me about 3.5 feet away from router, and kinda partition the garage. Would like to park one car in there :). but then again hopefully I am having so much fun I will just leave it outside.....

Yea, i just moved and now have a two car garage, and now its my workshop, Truck stays outside, no room for it alreay. Plus I have my new machine i'm building in there also. 4x4.

Joe

"Plus I have my new machine i'm building in there also. 4x4."

aahh another tease about the new cnc design any idea when we can see some pictures :D

Me too. My car hasn't seen the inside of the Garage since I started building my JGRO router in February.

It moves !! :banana: I finally learned enough of Mach 3 to get it to move. Had some problems with Y axis. so got on HobbyCNC forum, Dave let me know what to look for .. I put RN2 in backwards (chair) put in correctly ( was a pain to get out guess my solder skills ok) and it works, I still have some more learning on mach 3 setup . I did get my shuttle pro to work ,set up a few keys so I can jog around. even ran the first 1000 line of road runner . I am a happy camper guess its time to get sacrificial board and some router bits.:cool: O Yeah my nieghbor came by the other day and saw the router and told me he had a 17 inch touch screen crt, If I was interested... I bought it $50 bucks. pretty cool I will mount it by my work bench so I will be able to control from either side of the router :)

It moves !! :banana: I finally learned enough of Mach 3 to get it to move. Had some problems with Y axis. so got on HobbyCNC forum, Dave let me know what to look for .. I put RN2 in backwards (chair) put in correctly ( was a pain to get out guess my solder skills ok) and it works, I still have some more learning on mach 3 setup . I did get my shuttle pro to work ,set up a few keys so I can jog around. even ran the first 1000 line of road runner . I am a happy camper guess its time to get sacrificial board and some router bits.:cool: O Yeah my nieghbor came by the other day and saw the router and told me he had a 17 inch touch screen crt, If I was interested... I bought it $50 bucks. pretty cool I will mount it by my work bench so I will be able to control from either side of the router :)

Congratulations Kent! It's a great feeling when it come alive! :)
Now that you've got us all on the edge of our seats... picture time.
I've got the shuttle pro also but have not done anything with it yet, when I do I'll hit you up for some pointers!

Bob

Well Bob, it still looks like the last pictures , I will take some video soon would like to get it cutting first . I still have alot to learn to get it semi right. I will order software this week. Mach3 , Vcarve and PhotoVCarve. So I will be busy learning . I am still looking for PVC sheets to make sacrificial board and to cut to make T-slot.

As for pointers on the Shuttle Pro. It is real easy download pluggin
http://www.artsoftcontrols.com/artsoft/plugin.htm
Install and then assign each key with what you want it to do.I don't know enough about Mach3 yet so have only assigned keys to enable jogging each axis.
The pluging has drop down menus. A.Fenerty / Brian Barker did a great job on the pluggin. it is pretty much
idiot / Kent proof :D

calgrdnr,
Your machine looks real good. I hope mine turns out as nice!
Hey Joe, are you planning on sharing your new 4x4 design as well? I would like to see a new thread started on it. Im interested!

Domino11

Thanks Domino, I would also like to see some more info on the 4x4 router... Joe keeps giving hints :devious: but still keeping it to himself... I am sure when he feels it is right he will share pictures at least with us :D

Yes very soon, ned leadscrews will be here this week, gantry is installed, and Have a few ideas on the Z-Axis then i have just a little bit more to go and you can see the whole machine built. Very Close, hopefully within two to three weeks. As all of you know it takes a little bit of time to build a machine.

This is my third rebuild of it (alot of research and development / trial and error), And if i'm not happy then I figure others will not be also.

Joe

trial and error... errors, say it ain't so Joe :D . Looking forward to seeing your new creation. I hope your not like me 1 week equals 2 or 3... then we would have to wait upto 9 weeks. :( As you said before to me. Take your time and enjoy the building of it.

trial and error... errors, say it ain't so Joe :D . Looking forward to seeing your new creation. I hope your not like me 1 week equals 2 or 3... then we would have to wait upto 9 weeks. :( As you said before to me. Take your time and enjoy the building of it.

Any more progress on your project Kent?

By the way, Joe has posted initial details on his new 4x4 here;

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38220

Claudio

O/k Claudio here is a update

I have everything up and running put in T-Track and spoilboard. extended the spoilboard to cover the x-axis rails hope to keep some dust/shavings out.

I am still trying to learn Mach3 and V-carve. unfortunately I have been fighting migraines ( they are winning ) for the last month or so. So I do the no brainer stuff and slip in some useful stuff when I can.

I am sure I need to do some adjusting, I used the shuttle pro and cut the slots for the T-track and slots in the spoil board it came out pretty decent. I am off 32nd here and there but that shouldn't have any effect as in is just the clamping fixture.O'yeah The first thing I need to accomplish is vacuum duct attachment, The dust from MDF is worse then Joe's Ninja popcorn....

I just ordered Mach3 and V-carve/photo-carve so it is time to really learn.
Maybe actually carve something this weekend.

Looking good Kent and you are getting so close to completion. Good luck with the first lot of carving.

Sorry to hear about your migraines.

Claudio

Kent,

Can't wait to see what you carve! Very nice and clean build!!
Oh, and don't forget that video ;)

Bob

Thanks Claudio and Bob .

I have no idea what I want to carve first. I guess I should do the road runner as a initiation.Bob I will get video as soon as I can,I made one of drawing road runner with my digital camera. It came out pretty grainy and was 40 meg. I am going to try borrow digital cam corder or take with video recoder and convert. So will post as soon as I get nice video :)

Howdy Guys,

I did the roadrunner first to initiate mach 3 and Bullshead to initiate V-Carve. The first Roadrunner went deep, but I had no idea how it should look. I then did bullshead and it went along real nice and then buried itself in the top of "B" you see in the picture. I did it again and it buried itself at the bottom of the "B". So I took a break ate and came back. Windows had crashed so I rebooted, ran Roadrunner and it looked totally different then first time. So I did bullshead again and it came out pretty nice.
I guess I will need to redo windows to basic load as is recommended. I made the vacuum out of floor protection vinyl like Joe did, but I just used industrial Velcro.
What you see in picture is what it looked like after I ran the last Bullshead. I am real happy with the clean up that was accomplish. The vinyl gets sucked up the hose that is around the hose and I have a fix in my head, But heck its doing great job as it is so why fix if not broke?
Well that concludes this update. Hope you all had a good weekend. I know I am happy to finally cut some thing. I have a lot to learn ,but that’s why I started this project :D

Looks great Kent. Good to hear you finally were able to carve something.

Those t-slot hold-downs looks very slick. Where are they from?

Looking forward to seeing your machine soon.

Claudio

Hello Claudio I got the parts from Rockler


http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?sku=10602&cs=1

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5739&filter=t%2Dtrack%20hold%20down%20clamps

The following is wrong as pointed out by Joe in next post, I am leaving it here so the thread still flows right.

Mentioned in post 71 was the fact my router was buring itself ( z-Axis was going up to .75 of an inch deeperthen programed) I found out if I turn on controller after I start Mach3 it happens, so far 3 times. So just a heads up for anyone else in the begining of the learning curve, That you need to turn on controller before you activate Mach3. You might even give it a moment or two for windows to reconize a change ( it doesn't tell that it found it, like when you add a USB device) This at least is the solution on my setup.

Hope this helps someone

Kent

hmmm, I always wait to turn controllor on until i'm ready to possition machine and set my 0's. mine is the HobbyCNC board, the printer port does not really recognise the board, because it just uses signals when needed.

joe

Bummer really thought that was my problem :( I tried bullshead again and now it just buries its self no mater what. I will have to do some more research. It is strange it has worked 3 times like I said before.:confused:

Thanks Joe for pointing out my mistake.I will edit that post so no one thinks that it is right.

The only time my z-would cut to low was when i missed steps, then after lube the leadscrew it worked fine. make sure you are not loosing steps when the motor tried to lift the router, it will go down but not up and the machine thinks it is at the right height and lower it more for next cut.

joe

Thanks Joe I will lube it up again and hopefully it works.

Well Joe,

I checked the screws for the lube,they were all coated well with Tri-Flow synthetic grease with teflon. But when I touched it it was real sticky,suger sticky not grease sticky. So i removed it with the help of WD40. I went and got a 3in1 product called "Dry lube" applied and ran Bullshead again . This time it worked great. Hopefully it will keep doing so . I am going to run the open sign next Hopefully it continues to work and it was as simple as lube thanks again for your assist.

How often do you lube the screws ?

every other day they get a shot i cut alot.....

joe

Hello All,

After I removed and replaced lubrication on all screw things seemed to work well. The next day however was right back to burying itself. I took the front off z-axis off and removed motor and bearing blocks I then realigned the screw and bearing blocks using Buzz's method of over sizing the mounting holes. I really just aligned everything clamped bearing blocks and redrilled the holes.
I also built my Brute Filter ...Man 4" ABS is spendy... I found PVC and they wanted even more :( O well It looks good and works great if you look at scrape on the table I have ran the Bullshead 3 times with out cleaning anything afterward so I am happy with it so far . well I hope I didn't just jinx myself by giving this update :D

It looks real good. That is the same Dust collection I did can not beat the price for what it does, I also made a ring to fit on the inside of the Brute Trashcan to keep it from colapsing. you can make it out of MDF 3/4" ring, with it being round the ring holds up. If i remember i think it was 19.5" or so, just beasure the inside dia. in the middle.

Joe

Thanks Joe , and yep knew you had it,where do you think I got the idea :)
So far I see no flexing at all in the can. But I remember you having a problem and what you did for the fix. So I am sure I will be doing the sooner then later..

Now can anyone point me to thread with discusion on surfacing work area ?

thanks Kent

Well the Brute trash can is soft around the middle also. I made a ring like Joe did,to suport the inside from collapsing, By the way mine was 20.5

Here is link to Video of machine cutting it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8zoof2D0Qc

Bob this is the best I could do at this date.I used my Olympus 5050 takes much better still pics, then video :)

Well the Brute trash can is soft around the middle also. I made a ring like Joe did,to suport the inside from collapsing, By the way mine was 20.5

Here is link to Video of machine cutting it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8zoof2D0Qc

Bob this is the best I could do at this date.I used my Olympus 5050 takes much better still pics, then video :)

Kent,

Your router looks a little confused, it just keeps going around in circles... Just pulling your leg, looks good! ;)

Your build is very nice!

Bob

Well Bob , The filter is like me (soft around the middle) so its only fair the router is like my mind.... :)

Howdy Guys,

Here is my first atempt at setting up VCarve with a imported picture.The MDF kinda shattered around the edges. I think that was from Cheap end mill wanta be from HF. I still need to get some more quality bits. But I was cool to play with VCarve and see what it can do. I have a lot to learn about it. but it is really simple. The hard part is knowing how to clean up pictures, Thats really not hard. I just need to spend more time with it. I can see lots of things that can be chaged in this carving to make it better. I hope to get some more time to play around with it in the next few days.

And no Bob I look nothing like this guy.... O/K i act like one some times :)

Howdy Guys,

Here is my first atempt at setting up VCarve with a imported picture.The MDF kinda shattered around the edges. I think that was from Cheap end mill wanta be from HF. I still need to get some more quality bits. But I was cool to play with VCarve and see what it can do. I have a lot to learn about it. but it is really simple. The hard part is knowing how to clean up pictures, Thats really not hard. I just need to spend more time with it. I can see lots of things that can be chaged in this carving to make it better. I hope to get some more time to play around with it in the next few days.

And no Bob I look nothing like this guy.... O/K i act like one some times :)

Ya, sure, what ever you say... :D

Nice job! VCarve is a lot of fun, the more I mess with it the more I see that can be done. Keep um coming!

Bob

Hi Kent,

Just read through your thread. What a nice journey to a very very nice copy of Joe 2006!!

It is so inspiring to see the machines that Joe, Buzz, you, and others have built and what you are able to do with them. I'm still at the stage of scrounging together parts and waiting for mine to be cut out. Then the fun begins........... Somhow I don't think that building a Joe 2006 is a smart way of entering into my upcoming retirement! :)

I'll be checking back often.

Thanks

Mike

Howdy Mike ,

Thanks for grouping me with such a fine crowd . It has been a lot of fun and i'm sure it has just started. Retiring,perfect cause I am sure you will want to spend lots of time playing with the CNC router. Make sure you start a thread this way we can all enjoy your build and answer any questions you may have ( I will try, But count more on all the experts.) This is a great group and welcome to the club :)

look forward to seeing your build

Kent

Well still learning here.

I did a carving for my daughter it was hearts and stuff,you know little girl stuff. It took over an hour to carve. When it was cutting it out ( tabs and all) on the last go around it lost Y+ steps and cut into carving .... :eek: bummer.

O'well I had to figure out why, It sounded like I was getting resistance from screw. I have been using dry lube ( I have used a lot for little cutting). Well I put on a coat of white lithium grease.and walla everything sounds much better... Guess till I find better dry lube I will go this route.

I have recut the Jester ( hey Bob I had named file " Bob's portrait" as a joke to buddy who had asked me if I could make statue of him .... as I was getting ready to load it up I laughed and thought Bob might not like this... But what the heck not often I get dual use out of a picture ...;)


Well any ways I cut the Jester again after some work in VCarve getting better I think ...sure is a neat program.

This carved with no lost steps ... :D

I have recut the Jester ( hey Bob I had named file " Bob's portrait" as a joke to buddy who had asked me if I could make statue of him .... as I was getting ready to load it up I laughed and thought Bob might not like this... But what the heck not often I get dual use out of a picture ...;)


Well any ways I cut the Jester again after some work in VCarve getting better I think ...sure is a neat program.

This carved with no lost steps ... :D

Kent,

LOL!!! I'm pretty thick skinned and got a kick out of that! Actually I'll take it as a complement, makes me look much better... :D

That looks pretty good, you should put it over in Joe's new project log!

Bob

Howdy again.

I am glad you took no offence Bob :cool: .

I have a question has anybody had problems with new version of VCarve creating hugh tool paths ? I did the enclosed dragon on both the version 4 and version 3 the version 4 time estimated was 84:37:42 something like that . I freaked:eek: so I redid it with version 3 and it came up with 54 minutes.
Needless to say I think I'll use 3 version. I hope I can figure out what I did wrong. Just hoping someone else did it also and would give me the answer :D

O'well here is the dragon

Hi Kent,

I would expect the V4 times to be quicker than V3?

If you,

Save your V3 File
Open this in V4
Recalculate the Toolpaths
You should see similar, possibly quicker times in V4

If you still see a big difference please send us the file - support@vectric.com

Tony

Howdy again.

I am glad you took no offence Bob :cool: .

I have a question has anybody had problems with new version of VCarve creating hugh tool paths ? I did the enclosed dragon on both the version 4 and version 3 the version 4 time estimated was 84:37:42 something like that . I freaked:eek: so I redid it with version 3 and it came up with 54 minutes.
Needless to say I think I'll use 3 version. I hope I can figure out what I did wrong. Just hoping someone else did it also and would give me the answer :D

O'well here is the dragon

Can you email the crv file i can run it and see.

Joe

Hello Tony and Joe,

I redid everything again this morning,I have much better results. It still shows V4 little slower estimated time by 2-3 minutes. More then likely I don't have everything the same. So this looks to be OHS (Operator Head Space)
Thanks for the quick replys and offers to look into it.

Kent

I am so impressed with both VCarve and Joes Router design. I am just playing around every second I get. I put "Angle Iron" on the side of the gantry next I am going to anchor table to the wall. Its amazing something this heavy get shakes like it does.

Well I attached a small carving I did. I am amazed with the detail you can get using 90 x 1/2 V-bit.

Well hope everyone has a good weekend. Claudio is suppose to be by today so guess I better make place presentable.... na I will play insted :D

Hey Kent,

Thanks again for taking the time and showing me your Joes CNC. What a great setup you have. It will definitely help when I start building mine.

I'm in Sacramento for the rest of the week then heading back to Australia on Saturday with a lot of bits and pieces for my project. More details will follow in my log.

Cheers,

Claudio

Hey Kent,

Thanks again for taking the time and showing me your Joes CNC. What a great setup you have. It will definitely help when I start building mine.

I'm in Sacramento for the rest of the week then heading back to Australia on Saturday with a lot of bits and pieces for my project. More details will follow in my log.

Cheers,

Claudio

Just curious what you thought, and how his presentasion was for you, seeing the machine 1st hand, you have an advantage over a few others just starting.

Joe

Well my first impression was, this machine is bigger than what I thought it would be - which is a good thing for me.

I've read a fair bit about it and seen some videos so sort of knew what to expect, but it seemed to run very smoothly and reasonably fast and Kent is only using the 10 TPI ACME so the 8 TPI 2 start ACME should run nicely.

The ShuttlePro looks like an excellent addition and I received mine yesterday. Makes it very easy to position the cutter to where it is needed.

The paint job looks very slick too, very industrial looking with the 'beaten hammer' look.

And the equipment rack and dust extraction system just tie it all together into a very functional and professional looking setup.

I've got a long road ahead and will learn by my own mistakes and probably repeat some of the ones that others have made, but it's all part of the process and the fun.

I did take some video and photos, then unfortunately my battery died without notice so that was the end of that. But I got most of what I wanted. Once I figure out how to post on youtube then I'll put a link up.

Can't wait to get mine built.

Thanks again Joe for putting together a great design for us all to share in.

Claudio

Howdy Claudio,

It was my pleasure, its was nice to talk to someone in person about the
"Joe CNC2006" someone who has an idea what it is and should do.
My daughter thought your accent was fun. If your ever back in the area you have a place to stay. Can even show you the giant redwoods.

Speaking of "Redwood" has anyone experience with carving /machining it?
I have some ideas for my garden area would like to carve some up :)


Thanks for the Kind words. I look forward to seeing the Video.

well to show I am still learning I have include picture of latest carving

The carving is 9inch wide 6 tall

I found this ring of flame thought it would make platter for my hot Rod neighbor.But after it was cut maybe it would make better clock? O well Maybe this will be my first atempt at painting some thing :)

Looks very cool there Kent.

Maybe it can be used as a photo frame as well if you cut the centre piece out and sat the photo with plexi or glass behind.

Claudio

I found this ring of flame thought it would make platter for my hot Rod neighbor.But after it was cut maybe it would make better clock? O well Maybe this will be my first atempt at painting some thing :)

Kent,

I was thinking it would look good with your portrait in it...

40144

;)

Mighty fine looking work! Keep um coming!

Kudos to you, that was pretty cool that you were able to meet Claudio and show him your machine!!!

Bob

RFLMAO thanks Bob always good to start the morning with a good laugh :D

I thought about mirror but ...

yeah it was nice to meet Claudio, can't wait for him to get started. I have a feeling we will see another realy nice build

thanks for the ideas guys :)

Kent Awesome work I would say you are ready for some real wood.
Where did you find the ring of flames?

Rick

Thanks Rick... I am looking for local source for some good wood . May have to settle for first few using box store wood :(

I honestly can't tell you where I got it. As soon as I decided to make this router I started search on-line and downloaded what I could for free :)

There is some great downloads here on CNCZONE Share Your Files Parts or Art
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19346

also Vectric forum Free.CRV files
http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=444

I have uploaded some round flames hope they work for you

Thanks Rick... I am looking for local source for some good wood . May have to settle for first few using box store wood :(

I honestly can't tell you where I got it. As soon as I decided to make this router I started search on-line and downloaded what I could for free :)

There is some great downloads here on CNCZONE Share Your Files Parts or Art
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19346

also Vectric forum Free.CRV files
http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=444

I have uploaded some round flames hope they work for you

Kent thanks for the file.
I have looked at both of those places but I can not say if I saw that file or not.
You may have to ask a cabinet person were they get their wood from I have found they have good sources.
Also here where I live there are two good hobby stores they carry everything you could need or use for woodworking one of them I can order from rockler for the same price with no shipping cost.

Rick

Thanks Rick... I am looking for local source for some good wood . May have to settle for first few using box store wood :(


Take a look in a turning magazine, usually a lot of ads for wood shops. If you are traveling to either the Bay area or S. Cal I can give you a few good spots for exotics and domestic hardwoods. You can also see if there is a local wood turners group, I as a turner am pretty cheap when I buy wood so I tend to find all the decent spots I can :), so they might have some good sources

Thanks Guys for the great suggestions. We have a local guy for exotic wood they were closed when I went by, so I am not sure on his prices. I would like to have multiple places so maybe get better deals.

and Erebus my Grandma used say she wasn't cheap, Just really thrifty :D

I did inherit those genes, but I will buy quality over quantity. It usually pays in the long run

Nah, I'm just cheap :)

While (to me) Cocobola, Ebony, and Lignum Vitae are great looking woods, I'm not sure how they will do on this machine, they are all very hard dense woods and the Cocobola and LV are really oily. I've never used anything other then a bandsaw and lathe tools with them. But if you can afford a good board from any of them they would look great. Same can be said for Afzelia Ley (the great looking part).

Hope you find some fun stuff to play with. Zebrawood is usually fairly inexpensive and looks good (really good if you do something with lots of flowing contours).

The zebra wood sounds like it could be fun. It would be fun to turn anything been years hmm couple decades ...where does the time go.. O'well here is my latest

Like looking in the mirror ....

The zebra wood sounds like it could be fun. It would be fun to turn anything been years hmm couple decades ...where does the time go.. O'well here is my latest

Like looking in the mirror ....

Nice!

LOL, I guess we'll have to ask Claudio if you're that good looking or not...

What method of painting are you using?

Thanks!

Bob

OK Bob you caught me...He didn't take any pictures of me ... and all my mirrors in my house are polished steel if the tells you anything ...

I haven't used any paint yet the wood was coated before I carved it

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=304862&postcount=71

It was a little corner left after all my intial testing .. I am like erebus , cheap I used every square inch of the test board and didn't want to throw it all out...

Claudio left yesterday, I hope his flight went well. And I am curious to what he was able to get here AND get on the plane.I hope he was able to get it all without to much extra cost...

Kent was a little camera shy so I respected his wishes.

I made it back home to Brisbane a few hours ago and managed to get all that I bought back here without any additional charges. In fact in the end I probably could have bought some more but didn't realise until the last weigh-in with my girlfriends and my stuff combined on Saturday morning.

I ended up getting 2 x 1/2 8-2 start ACME threads sent in a 6ft tube from MSC and I stuffed the tube with 5 t-tracks, hold-downs, etc. from Rockler and taped another tube from the t-track kit and stuffed that with various router bits and some other stuff. Ended up being about 25 lbs worth. Plus a DeWalt router, ShuttlePro, a sample carving of a butterfly from Kent and a few other bits in my bags. All in all a very fun trip, with one of the highlights being meeting Kent and checking out his Joes CNC Router.

Claudio I am glad you made with all your parts intact. I am betting your better half wasn't happy there was more weight to go. I am sure she could of found something to fill it with :D
It was a pleasure to show you a Joes 2006 and if your ever back this way make sure you stop and say hello.

I am betting if renovations have priority that they will get done that much quicker, so you can get your “Joe 2006 Model “ started.

Keep us post on your progress :)

Howdys guys.

Well I had to play auto mechanic this weekend. I went out a bought a OBD2 reader ( On Board Diagnostic 2- all 1996 and newer cars have this) anyways it wasn't cheap,except the people who packaged/ manufactored it. They didn't even give you a cheap pastic bag to store it in. So I drew up a storage box in VCarve.Had a little problem with getting vectors to work right, I sent an email to Vcarve support/Tony he got right back to me with a solution. I am very impressed with VCarve product and service, Thanks again Tony. well any ways I got it drawn and processed through VCarve. Here is the results so far. Got it Glued up also. It wasn't real expensive so I figure it can be put in painted MDF box :)

Very nice and inventive.... V-Carve is a great software.

Joe

If fits :D my precision guess work almost right on. I have sanded and primered hope fully paint tomorrow.

Thanks Joe, like I said I am very happy with it, I couldn’t do anything without it….guess I should look into more software. Or at least start learning the CAD programs I have. :) All in good time. Well here is the proof it fits.I guess I could of made it more form fitting ,but Owell I am happy for my first attempt :)

you can engrave a name or tool name and model on top cover.

Joe

Already have Joe, I even carved a reimnder to remove the batteries. getting older I need notes every where :D I get the fun of learning how to piant the letters. I will be ordering some of the masking material for the future.I hope I learn to like painting because at this time I hate it :( Maybe if I learn more trick the easier it will get :)

The easiest method, if you are carviving letters into the surface (ie sunken letters) is to paint the whole top the color you want the letters then just lightly sand the top taking the paint of the surface. If you want different colors for different letters or lines just use masking tape to cover the set you don't want painted with the current color and sand after all paint layers are applied and dried. If doing this to MDF apply a coat of 'white glue & water' to the surface (the part getting sanded) to ensure the paint doesn't soak/absorb in to deep.

That box looks great Kent. Being in the Home Automation and A/V business, I have a lot of hand held testing and programming devices so it has given me even more ideas on what to build with the router.

Thanks,

Claudio

Thanks erbus for the painting tips,Of course I have already started it ...ALL wrong I might add (chair) I will heed your advise next time.

Claudio, I am glad my box idea can inspire creative and hopefully useful ideas. :D

what i do is paint or stain top surface like erebus, but then i coat it with poly, this seals paing then when you carve and paint the letters the top is just wiped off with a rag, no sanding.

Joe

Thanks Joe for the tip on sealing first ... Of course I was doing another project that would of worked perfectly. :) Hopefully it still works, if not I will know how to do it right. I decided not to paint the letters on my storage box. Here is some pictures of it . My daughter is pretty bored with my hammered silver and blue... she is in luck I used what was left up today. Time to learn to use paint that doesn't help hide mistakes :)

Sorry about the flash glare,it looked to gray without it and I wasn't going to try find more light :D

She may be tired of it, but it looks good.

Thanks erebus, I guess I can see her side though ... My router table is Hammered silver the rack silver and blue, my roll away blue... my very first toolbox was refurbished and painted hammered silver... o'yeah did I mention our general use computer is hammered blue with silver accents :D

as you might have gathered i kinda like it. hmmm it does come in other colors ...http://www.rustoleum.com/product.asp?frm_product_id=21&SBL=1 .....:banana:

Great finish on that case. I have a few tools around here to that need hard cases.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Jason

Yea the hammered look is nice, no complaints here.

You can add some small gold looking wrap around hinges to finish it off.

I have an idea on your next one, to make a perfect fit of the tool or what ever you make a case for, take a pencil trace the outline onto paper scan it and bring that into v-carve and make a vector out of it, with the new V-Carve Pro 4 it is a snap.

Joe

I have an idea on your next one, to make a perfect fit of the tool or what ever you make a case for, take a pencil trace the outline onto paper scan it and bring that into v-carve and make a vector out of it, with the new V-Carve Pro 4 it is a snap.

Joe great idea. As for hinges I think more then needed for this tool, hopefully it spends alot of time in storage. :D

Thanks Jason
hmmm Hard Case now that sounds much better then storage box....maybe it does need hinges :rolleyes:

Howdy Guys

My friend George got a new job and is leaving California, Lucky B______d.
Any ways I will miss him. I made this as gift for getting the job. It should go good with the Accessory kit.

Here is the carving at different stages

Well I finally got some time to figure out how to use youtube so I thought I'd post some video I shot while visiting Kent on my recent trip to the USA.

Unfortunately my battery died before I had a chance to shoot any more but am pretty happy with the quality.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZySshvd4c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vajhtfn89rA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWGNc15UOVY

The videos show the cutting of the butterfly Kent showed photos of a while back. First one is the carving with a 90 deg vee bit, the next two just cutting out the round profile with a straight bit (not a spiral bit) and the last is just some Y axis travel.

If you listened to the first, you would have figured out that I cannot actually use the zoom on the camera while recording video. It was shot on a panasonic DMC-FX50 digital still camera.

Cheers

Claudio

Howdy Guys

My friend George got a new job and is leaving California, Lucky B______d.
Any ways I will miss him. I made this as gift for getting the job. It should go good with the Accessory kit.

Here is the carving at different stages

Kent,

George ought to be happy with that! I like the accessory kit! I've got some BBQ tools and a bottle opener from Klien Tools with the black rubber handles.

Your hammer silver / blue kit looks good, very creative!

When I saw the pictures of the cutting board load up, I thought for sure my name would be associated with them... you missed a good opportunity! :D

Bob

Bob,

Associated with that good looking fellow. We should be so lucky :D

I believe he will be happy he loves to BBQ.
I think I am going to recut it,The ogre (good looking fellow he is) looks like he got popped in the mouth on the left side. I have cleaned it up.Here is rendering from VCarve. Please let me know if you think bettter, or If I should fix further or leave it alone.
Thanks
Kent

Claudio thanks for posting the Video. That little camera did a wonderful job.

Bob,

Associated with that good looking fellow. We should be so lucky :D

I believe he will be happy he loves to BBQ.
I think I am going to recut it,The ogre (good looking fellow he is) looks like he got popped in the mouth on the left side. I have cleaned it up.Here is rendering from VCarve. Please let me know if you think bettter, or If I should fix further or leave it alone.
Thanks
Kent

Claudio thanks for posting the Video. That little camera did a wonderful job.

Kent,

I think they all look nice! The touched up one does make the mouth area look better, but hey, he is an orge and probably got popped in the mouth my some human...
I think your friend George will be pleased with it!

Bob

Thanks for the input Bob.... I thought the same thing about being popped in the mouth.. I have a week to decide either way.

I have been playing again. I downloaded some of the 3-d puzzle,Here is some results. Please tell me If you see I put them together wrong ...the pieces fit so ....

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40567&highlight=3d+puzzles

These puzzles are fun . The flat spider is made for my friends daughter as you can see I made begineers mistake on the cut out off her name.. silly me :D

Some of the pieces tabs broke,yeah I made them to thin....
learning curve .... :) well hope you all are having as much fun as I am .. Kent

O'yeah the sheet spider is 22.5" X 48" incase your wondering :)

those look good, maybe post them in the completed work section.
Joe

Howdy all,

I am going to post some of my work here that is in other places, Because friends and family asked me to.So they did'nt have to look all over. Yes I know about search .... but some people just can't figure it out :) First up is my first lithopane small but sure made me happy..Looks better in person. .heres where I got the bits http://www.centuriontools.com/router_bits_toolcase/centurion_tools_showcase.html?splashPG=y&__max=6&pageID=1&cart=118633447063440298&id1=374&id2=15&id3=363&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=363&--SECTIONSword=ww

Those bits u purchased are they really worth it ???. I looked at there starter set seems pretty reasonable. What bits do you use for engraving???

Howdy Biotech1,

I haven't cut to much, the lady in the woods was cut with the 0.5 90 degree bit and the lithophane was cut with the 0.5 V 30 degree no roughing pass so saved at least one pass and tool change. I am real happy with the bits. and if you look at the size of the 30 degree they had to use more stock to make it versus the 90. they also have good slection of cutter and ball point that I think are really reasonbly priced.

Kent

Hi Kent,

That lithophane has come out great. Is it corian or acrylic?

When you import the photo into PhotoVCarve (assuming that's what you used), do you have to much tweaking?

Cheers

Claudio

Howdy Claudio,


I hope all is going well with the refurbishing . It is Corian. I just scanned a small color picture, I scanned as black and white. The picture had some issues so I tweaked it with photoshop. I also created oval shape in PS. then used PCarve to load it up the picture had square white frame around it after I imported. I put a check mark in the Make color transparent and clicked the white with the "Ctrl" held down this cleaned up some left over white pixels around the oval. ( at this stage you need to set up size you are going to use in Vcarve) if you are going to cut it out like I did. Once you import picture into VCarve you can not change the size. The corian I have is 0.5 inch so I milled it to 0.25. keeping the same x,y I rezeroed at 0.25 and ran VCarve code. pretty simple really ( thanks to Vectric)

I used Bill's procedure. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41845 I didn't set zero for -0.1" as he did I was confused where he did it ( I suppose in Vcarve) didn't matter it worked great. He also explains later to clean it and spray it with clear even better result I will try that when I get it finished into a night light. Well hope that wasn't to much info :)

I tell you the vectric software is worth every penny. When I get good at this I will be getting the 3d software :)

The refurb is going slowly, in between running my business, but has to be finished by early Dec. I'm also managing to slot in some time to build up the HobbyCNC kit and connecting it up to my WidgitMaster midi router. I'm almost there and should have the router moving tonight, so a video might soon follow.

Thanks for the details on the lithophane process. I've been reading a fair bit on it but some details always seem to be left out so your extra info helps me get my (sore) head around it.

All the Vectric software seems great, so I might just have to buy the lot as a bundle to begin with.

Cheers

Claudio

Howdy.

Well Claudio I'm thinking once you start playing with the WidgitMaster midi router, you will be starting on a bigger model real quick :) I hope you can focus on the refurb...

For everyone else I have included pictures of litho as a night light. I have a question for you anyone, how can get the pictures to be black/white instead of brown. Sure would appreciate a tip or even site to
teach me thanks

Kent

Well the WidgitMaster is going and I'm hooked (again!). Got it moving last night and fine tuned it today. All I can say is Wow! The BIGGER machine will have to wait but will happen.

With regards to the litho, I'm only guessing but could it be the light source not being pure white. Test it with a fluro and see what result you get, or maybe a bright white LED. If that doesn't work, I guess it would be the material itself.

Cheers

Claudio

Hello all,

I have been carving lots of lithophanes, It is addicting :) I have been carving for friends, so I won't post their pictures. Here is some of my parents and grandparents . The "Support our Troops" carving had an Eagle in the missing part,but I lost a couple step in the Z-axis so it cut through. My Mom has picture of a nephew in patriotic outfit, so she wanted it. So i painted it up. The letters are actually blue.


Kent

your getting pretty good at it, post some specs of materials, cutter, cutting time, settings ect. people would be interested, I for one need to do a couple for friends of mine.

Joe

Thanks Joe,

I am using 0.5 V45 3 sided from centurion speed is 3.5 on the hitachi( any one know where to get bearings? I have one go bad all ready working on second). I use corian ( white is best, off white will work) feed is 65 plunge 10. I am have some issues with Z axis losing steps some times,I haven't figured out why yet. That is the reason for the 10 IPM no biggy only lifts 0.1 above anyways. Attachment shows settings in PCarve. I cleaned up this picture for the actual carving otherwise my mom would of had white spot on chin and nose ( see what appears to be depressions? ) any ways hope this helps anyone get into lithos they are a blast . If you can get .25 corian that would be best , I have to mill .5 to .25 . Maybe that is why I wore out the router. And Lowes quit carring the simple varible model. the hitachi with plunger kit is same router, just 70 dollars more! . Mine is less then 1 year old so guess I can get my money back. but need to get bearings anyways for next itme . Maybe go to Porter instead ?

If anyone has question feel free to ask. and If you have pointers please tell :) thanks Kent

Here is link to more info on Lithos, That I made using Bill's technique from Vectric site.Llink to his in my thread, also some other lithos that I have completed .

http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2241

:)

Here is a couple Lithos I am working on for Christmas presnts need cleaning and frame

Dog pictire is 7 x 4 approx and Eagle 8 x 5 approx

Here the latest I even tried my camera at video .... need better camera for video :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sauTd1eMf1Y

Hey Kent

You're doing a fantastic job on those lithos so you'll be very popular this year with all those gifts.

My widgitmaster has been sitting idle quite a lot lately, but not for much longer. Most of the refurb is complete (this stage of it anyway) and the family is up to spend time here for Christmas and my 40th. So I'll have to try my hand at the lithos and a few other things. The machine will get an upgrade soon too in order to run a larger spindle, which will also then give me access to a wider range of bits.

All the best for the holidays!

Cheers,

Claudio

Thanks Claudio,
and not all will be happy I made one special for 1 of my brothers, Had to photochop and make a funny picture he wont like. But heck what are brothers for :)

Hold off on thoses lithos they are addicting .... I am glad to hear your Refurb is almost done and Happy birthday 40 nice and young :)

Hope you have great holiday

Kent

Here the latest ...


What kind of bit is that?

Gary

Awesome job Kent
After the holidays I am going have to learn how to do these as good as you have

Rick

Thanks Rick . It is alot of fun . Photo carve makes it so easy.

Gary the bit is a 30degree .5 inch V90 Here is link to some pictures and link where I got it from http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2241

Here is another litho my friends dog Rio . He cracks me up he is the King ! , his owners are his servent :)

Your litho's are getting better and better.

Thanks Joe .

I will post pictures of them cleaned and in their frames hopefully by the 24th :)

Tha hardest part is cleaning them up real well . I hope to be injecting air soon,I hope that helps.

That's awesome. You mentioned in the video or somewhere else that the litho u did in it took around 4 hours? What kind of feeds speeds are you going at? They look really neat, clean but like an old photo. Sometime after the holidays I'm going to buy photo carve and start getting into it.

Howdy all,

Here is a link that started me on the path to the dangerously addicting lithophanes http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2034 I don't do mine exactly like this, but did follow Bill's lead to use V-bit.

BP I run at 65ipm and plunge at 10. I broke a couple of tips with faster plunges. The 30 degree bit comes to a needle point, Yes i get poked :stickpokewith it all the time.

Photo carve estamation is with in 10-15% of the time most of the time .
The Rio litho picture was est 3:40 it took 3:08 so 3.5 hrs with tool changes.

Hope this helps if not, please feel free to make me give you better answers (chair)

Hi Kent

What are you using to back-light them for the photos as you don't seem to be getting the yellowish tinge any more.

That dog one looks incredible.

Cheers,

Claudio

Howdy Claudio,

I made a light box, I used parts from old desk lamp I have been hauling around for years never knowing why :)

I have been letting my camera work on auto so some times I get brighter pictures . guess I should figure out the setting to take manual picture. These picture come nowhere near showing the detail that is in thses carvings. I will try this week to post some good pictures . Here is my Light table made from stuff hanging out in the shop . I still need to cut the lexan ... .375 of an inch does that make it bullet proof :)

Hey Kent,
Your lithos are amazing! Especially little Rio. I already have VCP and Cut3D but you seem to be sucking me into PhotoVC as well.

We recently had to put down our dog after 13 years and it seems as though a litho similar to Rio's would be a fitting tribute.

Awesome work.

The "other" Joe

Howdy other Joe,

Sorry to hear about your dog, Rio unfortunaly has cancerous growth and vet has deemed his life span shorter then it could of been. He is still a hoot full of energy so I hope its down the road abit .

If you like send me a picture of your dog I can cut a litho for you. Better yet I can make you a PVC file you can import into Vcarve. But I would definatly recommend you buy photo carve it is realitively cheap for what it does. I have already paid for it and part of Vcarve just selling lithos just by word of mouth. I am sure I will get few more after Christmas also.

it really is a kick to see it after it is done ... of course when it looks like dodo after 4 hours you are not so happy :( only had one look bad that didn't get cut thru do to lost steps so I can live with that . PM if you want me to make you a PVC file. I will send you email address to send picture.

Here is picture of the eagle in the frame. Its getting to cold to paint . but it will have to do :)

Its getting to cold to paint . but it will have to do :)[/QUOTE]

Kent that look great.

Cold to paint do you want to try here where I live (LOL) it is about 15 and the wind is blowing

Rick

Merry Christmas All,

Here is the last 13 lithos 12 frames and 2 ladys in the woods. Its been a busy week . This Santa shop is closed.

Hope you all have great Holiday have Fun be Safe


Kent

Here is something got done today .. been awhile since I got to play :)

Howdy all ,

For those that are thinking of changing out the 10tpi acme screw to 5 start screw , DO IT ! . I just changed mine out, what a difference. The machine is quieter,smoother and really just looks more professional when it runs. I tuned it to do rapids at 320ipm ( can go faster but this seemed alot smoother and heck, 4X's faster then I was able to go before) I got my screw at Mcmasters http://www.mcmaster.com/itm/find.ASP?tab=find&context=psrchDtlLink&fasttrack=False&searchstring=99030A704

and leadnuts at http://www.dumpstercnc.com/leadnuts_acme.html don't forget to add the flange you need ( I did :) , no biggy just modified holders and saved 7.50 :) So nice to have a machine you can make your own parts with.

I also got thread clamps http://www.dumpstercnc.com/thread_clamps.html

I got the parts for all three axis but only changed out X & Y I figured I didn't need that fast of Z axis . Silly me,I will now have to build something to use all my extra parts :)

Just thought I would let you guys know of my experience with it, I have been heehawing on doing this for months ok over a year ( thanks JAY )

by the way I am still using the 200oz motors from hobbycnc. as stated at the begining of this . The machine runs smooth ,seems like motors work better not having the 16000 steps ...

well guys have a good day

Kent

Good to hear was wondering if you could post a video of some runs with the upgrade. If you don't mind.

Hi Kent,

Great to hear the results you are getting out of your upgraded Joes. Are you still cutting at the same speed or have you been able to increase that as well?

I'm still no closer to building my bigger machine, and haven't had much time to play with the 2 WidgitMasters I have lately. Just got back from the USA a few days ago and am a married man (again!). Unfortunately as mentioned, time didn't permit dropping in to catch up with you again. Didn't even go on a CNC shopping spree!

Cheers,

Claudio

Congrats Claudio,
I have cut a couple of calibration cuts ie circles and squares to see if all works well at 150 and it worked very well.

Bio here is the requested video , It is only cutting air . I wanted to show how nice 320ipm is to get from one side of the ttable to the other. hope this works ....

It is not working yet will repost when it is

Here is link to the Video 320 to 150 to 75 ipm

YouTube - Changed to 5 start screw, 320ipm,150ipm,75ipm

hey thanks man, i was a long time wondering if my hobbycnc 200oz motors would work with 1/2" 10tpi 5 start now you've answered that for me, hope now you post another video of it actually cutting to see what speeds you get there.

cutting at 120 ipm

YouTube - Cutting at 120ipm

very nice, looks like the machine is still kicking some butt for you.

Joe

Sure is Joe, I am have some miss steps on the Z every once in awhile ..:( I am going to change out the screw to the 5 start also . I know it is over kill but the motors really sound alot better ( less stress? ) with the 5 tart. if that doesn't work I will rebuild using V bearing . :)

Yea, slower speed of the motors will give you more torque and should help.

joe

Needed to update for friends and family, Don't want them to think I am to much of a slacker

i like the roses, how did you get the color? like to see the process.

Also, the converse looks good, as a added touch, it would look neat to see the big star offset with a green led strip behind it as a back light which shines behind and outward from the star.

Joe

Color procedure = BSImages "Bill" was nice enough to share his procedure http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2824

Hmm I like the light behind the star idea ( hope my daughter doesn't see it ) Maybe use Green acrylic instead of LED.

thanks for the idea.

the color looks great, seems a simple proccess thanks,

joe

For all of you building CNC's you really will be doing yourselves a favor by getting the Vectric software. I was / am completly ignorant when it comes to CAD and CAM . This software has enabled me to design and make some pretty cool stuff,support is fantastic. can't ask for much more then that . here is my latest litho of my daughter.... one day I will have one for every year :)

All i can saw is WOW, your last litho is amazing looks just like a photograph no machine marks at all show up.

Joe

Thanks Joe . I was happy about that myself . I normally don't get any ,but I normally use 30degree v-bit and it take long time to cut even 4x4 pictures . this is a 8x10 I cut with 0.125 ball nose it took less then 3 hours so I was real happy :)

This one has machine marks @45 degree , cut angle (last post jinxed me) The machine marks didn't show it the PVC preview, I cut at line spacing 10%. Owell they don't show it the photo and it looks pretty cool in the window ( you don't see the lines)

size 10x10y

Great looking, keep up the great work someday I will have to try one of these

Rick

Thanks Rick . They are Fun, but addicting :)
Here is link to Vectric. I posted colorized version of this tiger.
I used my 19 inch LCD to backlight the tiger with its own picutre.

http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3791

Here an update latest Litho,

Tiger is 10x10 for referance

It is cut out around. My light table to much glare replaced background in photoshop no other photochopping done...

This is the kinda photo that should be lithophane.... or so I thought anyways :)

As always it is Awesome.:)

Rick

Thanks Rick , I wish you would post more your work here, Everytime I run across it I am so impressed. It would be nice to have one location to go to when I want to look at it again ... I feel so bad copying your pictures to save in my files ..:eek:

Thanks Rick , I wish you would post more your work here, Everytime I run across it I am so impressed. It would be nice to have one location to go to when I want to look at it again ... I feel so bad copying your pictures to save in my files ..:eek:


Don't feel bad you can copy my pictures anytime.

The last cribbage board I made it was with Joes 4x4 I can post pictures here but I did post it on Vectric site in JamesB's 3D Gallery.

Rick

The guys at the Mach3 forum were showing off there dogs . Rich posted Logan . I made litho of him with Rich's permision . I screwed up and left material between his ears so cut agin . unfortunatly I only have Bone left in .25 corian so had to used it on the fixed version ...

Heres another eagle 10.5x10.5

Here is eagle as suncatcher and a couple more things I am working on

Here is eagle as suncatcher and a couple more things I am working on

Looks great as usual, I like the 3D pieces also, I been looking for a good Last Supper Model.

Joe

Thanks Joe,

I got the 3d model at http://www.vectorart3d.com/store/index.cfm?q=last+supper

another of James Booth exceptional work .

hello im new here could you give some tips

I will gladly give you any tips I know as would most anyone on this site . please narrow down the subject in which you would like the tips. Kent

Here is a dragon I modified with the 3d dragon and wings included in the Aspire package. I added the wings to the Chinese dragon

Hmm... Visalia. I am stationed in Lemoore (NAS).

THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN THE SPINDLE STARTS FROM 0 TO MORE THAN 2000RPM IT GIVES AN ERROR
SP0010

Bkboggy if you would like to see a Joes2006 feel free to pm I will send you contact info and directions

ARABHAWK112 I am not familiar with Hartford you should do a search of this forum and find someone with a hartford or similar machine. sorry I wasn't any help

Kent

calgrdnr -- I've ordered Joe's '06 kit a few days ago. So, waiting for it to arrive and start building. I will be building it mostly in Riverisde, but some stuff I might build in my barracks room. There's not a sufficient space to do much of the work... plus, I would probably get in trouble creating a mess and noise, heh However, it will definitely help out seeing the machine in person and having someone nearby who has a working version :D I'll P.M. you.

BKB sent you PM with the info look forward to meeting you Kent

Here is another Litho... this one generated using Aspire , This is part 1 of a larger project... will post when I get Fin

Woo, nice one!

Here it is finally finished it

Very nice what is the black that you used around the clock pieces

Rick

The dials are a nice detail touch also.

Excellent Bro! You do great work, that clock is really cool, the dragon too.

Thanks Guys. Rick I used hammered Bronze ... Yeah looks like charcoal black to me :) I intially painted hammered copper ... that really didn't look Harley like so I went for the darker color .

Thanks Guys. Rick I used hammered Bronze ... Yeah looks like charcoal black to me :) I intially painted hammered copper ... that really didn't look Harley like so I went for the darker color .

What is the hammered Bronze applied to MDF or something else?
Did you use Aspire for this project?

Rick

The whole clock was designed using Aspire, The eagle is the first Litho I was real happy with using aspire instead of PVC. The frame is made of 5 pieces of MDF 2 @ .75 thick and 3 @ .5 , I used a string of xmas lights
60 led . it is a bit bright :) . I might redo lights or just put on dimmer switch lol

The frame face 2.5 hours to carve , rest of frame 1.5 or so hours
eagle 5+ hours, clock face 1 hr maybe.

as you can see in the picture I initially cut the clock face into the MDF. I think next time I will leave it that way. would made clock easier to read at night ....

as you can see in the picture I initially cut the clock face into the MDF. I think next time I will leave it that way. would made clock easier to read at night ....

You can always fill the numbers in with the same bronze hammer paint for daytime viewing, and I think will look good at night to.

Yeah I thought of that, Just knew it would be close to imposible to get paint out, if didn't like . The led are bright enought the the numbers show up fine during the day . so for now they will stay unpainted i.e. litho like .
next time maybe emboss the numbers in a circle. and paint the surface of the number... that is what is so great aboout having thius machine and software.. I get to play with all kinds of different ways :)


O yeah, it is the hands that get lost at night ... if it wasn't backlit the glow from the eagle would illuminate the face :)

Yeah I thought of that, Just knew it would be close to imposible to get paint out, if didn't like . The led are bright enought the the numbers show up fine during the day . so for now they will stay unpainted i.e. litho like .
next time maybe emboss the numbers in a circle. and paint the surface of the number... that is what is so great aboout having thius machine and software.. I get to play with all kinds of different ways :)


O yeah, it is the hands that get lost at night ... if it wasn't backlit the glow from the eagle would illuminate the face :)

you could also try an inlay of the numbers, place them on if do not like it then remove them.

you could also try an inlay of the numbers,

Hmm thats a thought . the face is convex, so little more of a challange. (wedge)
I think you are just seeing if my machine is that tight :devious:

I have yet to try inlay, so maybe I will give it a try one day ...

Here is the latest litho

Kent,

As always it looks awesome.

Rick

Yeah, great stuff! Dragon is still my favorite... and that illusion automobile, tricky little thing, heh :)

Mothers day gift ....I'm not late, just 51 weeks early :)

This one I used LED's

This Machine never fails to impress me , I would build the 4x4 if I was just starting out.
But I am one Happy camper ... with this machine, Mach 3, and all the Vectric software ( PVC VCP and Aspire)
I am able to create what ever I want ,When ever I want.
Thanks Joe, Mach peeps and the Gang at Vectric.

Thanks to all who have contributed to CNCzone and Vectric forum.
I have learned a great deal from all the fine folks at both sites
And my local buddy TomB who still enlightens me every time I talk with him .
I have had a fantastic time with this hobby.
I started little over 2 years ago carving and have enjoyed every experience
Even the ones that caused me some grief… It is always good to learn , Even if it is a screw up


OK here is the pictures of my latest lithophane and frame with 30 LED's powered by 3 AA Batteries

I redid the crucifix in Aspire only . the litho is 13.25 wide by 27.5 or so tall

Couple more pictures after cleaned up .

Wow. Just Wow ...