Hi all. I'm jumping in with a Joe's machine. I got the kit from Joe about a week ago (still cleaning up foam peanuts). I have already built the electronics (HobbyCNC 3-xis kit with 200-oz motors) so now on to the machine.

I have never built a CNC machine before, or done any machining, so my learning curve is straight up right now. I will probably ask a lot of dumb questions before it is all over but this is fun.

I'm also restoring a 1949 Ford 8N tractor, so my machine will probably end up red and gray from the leftover tractor paint ;)

Thanks to Joe for a great machine and especially to CNCZone for all the info that's here.

-George in AZ

George, welcome to a fun build. There is a slight learning curve but it will seem like nothing spread out over the entire build. Much of the difficult work has been done if you buy the kit (I did) and the rest is mostly assembly beyond the bearing angle mounts. Post pics as you progress and feel free to ask any questions, that's what we are here for.

Welcome to the club George!

Post often with pictures, can't wait to see your machine!
Second what bp092, the members of this group are the best around! I've really enjoyed being a part of this! Also check out garcwell's spreadsheet of parts he posted on his site and the mod page. He did a great job with it and it'll be really helpful!

Enjoy!

Bob

Thanks for the welcome guys. I checked out the spreadsheet and it helped a lot.

I don't have pics uploaded yet, but I have most of the woodwork done. I built the z-axis box and both of the y-axis boxes a couple days ago. I glued up the x-axis torsion box today. I find that the fit of the parts is so precise that the assemblies are virtually self-jigging.

I used the .5" MDF for the x skins as others have. That is one strong box. I had the HD guy cut them for me on his big saw, and even though the sign said "NO precise cuts!" I asked him to get it as close to 24" as he could. He nailed it, and the parts snapped in place.

To make the box, I laid one skin on the worktable, and glued and clamped one cross piece in. Then I glued the long pieces in, and then worked back gluing the rest of the cross pieces in. As long as the skin is square, you're almost guaranteed a square box this way because the parts fit so tight.

I finished the extension pieces and then glued the top skin on. I'm using polyurethane glue. The only thing I don't like about it is the way it foams up out of the crevices. It seems to wet the MDF pretty well though.

[QUOTE=GunPilot;296761]
I used the .5" MDF for the x skins as others have. That is one strong box. I had the HD guy cut them for me on his big saw, and even though the sign said "NO precise cuts!" I asked him to get it as close to 24" as he could. He nailed it, and the parts snapped in place.

Welcome to the club. Have fun ask as many question as you need to.
I to used 1/2" MDF on my X torsion box the only problem I had was I had to notch the gantry (right side) so it would fit right.

Looks like I miss spoke myself I just can in from the garage I had to notch the X torsion box right side top skin 1/2" MDF so the adjustable bearing block would fit.
Rick