I was wondering how many Aussie members there are on the group.
Also how many of you are using Siemens controls
JBO

I here near Warrnambool Vic
Machine still under construction Have AMT drivers and a few 5804's

Thanks Bob

Hi Aussies,

From Oak Flats NSW, near Wollongong, CNC Is our businness. Great to see Aussies join the zone, more and more every day.

Welcome jbo echnidna, and Kookaburra,
Your locally related contributions to this forum will be appreciated.
I am encouraging us Aussies to also put your State and even your suburb into your location details.
Already we have built a small network of CNCers in Melbourne. If you enter you suburb details you may be able to meet with others with the same interest.
Please also post any local suppliers you find in the "Aussie suppliers" thread. This will help us all to source products easier.

Thanks Kookaburra

We are in Bayswater Melbourne, and are toolmakers and cnc machinists.
I happened across the Zone by chance and think it is great.
I look forward to sharing some info in the future
JBO

Hey Boys,

This is great. There are quite a few of you guys here in Melbourne.
I'm out of Eltham, Myself.

I'm pretty much a novice at this. I have bought some linear rails a screw (linear that is) and some stepper motors. Now all i need is the know how to put this puppy together.

Any of you chaps wiling to lend a eyeball and guide me through some issues i have?

Mikie

Hi Mikie, I am also in Eltham and just starting to gather parts for some sort of router. At the moment I only have a cnc lathe and want to some 3d stuff. Any intrest in sharing ideas,resorces,etc to help each other out?

Hi Nigel,

I am happy to share any ideas i have come up with.
I'll send you an email with my details, give me a bell and we can catch up over the phone

Mikie

Hey guys why dont you sign up for the next BBQ. The last one we had was good. I am hoping the next one will be even better. Its a good time for sharing ideas etc.

I am in the process of converting my Hafco drill mill to CNC.

I received my stepper motors today, have a xylotex controller, and ball screws will be here in a week or so, lots to keep me busy on the weekends!

Rob.

Newcastle here. I started "gathering" bits and pieces for a router/engraver about 8 months ago, Xylotex, Vexta mtrs, Acme screws, Pwr supply, etc., but everything is on hold due to "real life" issues and I don't expect much progress for a few months yet.

:cool:

Northern Burbs of Melbourne here :).

I'm retrofitting a Mill in this thread Knee Mill Retrofit (http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4327) and am almost finished

Just signed in for first time I have 2 small CNC's in Heidelberg Melb

Welcome Tibor, I am glad to see you put your first post In the Aussie section :)

Tell us all what you are using your machines for.
Did you make them your self, or part with the big bucks and buy ready mades?

Hello Guys.

Just joined the group. I am in Canberra.

I am looking to build a CNC Router to cut boat kits and the machine needs to handle a 2440*1220 plywood sheet. Cutting thickness will vary between 3mm to 20mm, mostly 12mm and less.

I have looked at the following:

1. Machine Tool Camp
2. CNC Router Plans
3. Data-Cut.

The Data-Cut looks the best engineered but the plans are for a smaller unit. It states you can upsize but you have to do the upscaling yourself and determine the best method of moving the X & Y axis. This of course implies you have knowledge of parts available, extrusion sizes etc. I know sweet F@#* All about this.

maybe it is not as difficult as I imagine?...

The CNC Router plans looks great however the base and sides looks 'unfinished'. Maybe there are methods to make it more professionaly finished.

Most importantly the machine firstly has to perform the functions required, be accurate and easy to use. Secondly the parts can be readily obtained without too much outside machining required.

I hope I have given enough information for my requirements and I appreciate any help in pointing me in the right direction.

Cheers

PS. If anyone wants to email me: frans@cfbs.com.au

Hi Blokes,
I'm here in Broken Hill, NSW and have made a 4m long lathe for verandah posts and a small gantry router all with stepper drives. I'm currently in the process of building a 5' x 5' servo drive router using the Rutex drives and will probably add a 4th axis at a later date. Good to see some other people into this area of home CNC'ing. Been researching this stuff for about 2 years and my girlfriend has become an internet widow becuse of it. I will try to post a pic of the new router half built and to give a comparison of size, I am 6'5" tall 118 kgs.
Bought a lot of crap on ebay before I found www.mcmaster.com for most of my screws, slides etc. Possibly the best site I have come across as they have about 400,000 items in inventory and shipping is not a prob to Aus. Mini Bearings in Brisbane also do Techno-isel stuff and are also pretty good for prices but you have to contact them by email for prices.
warm regards.
Richard.

Thanks for giving us your height and weight MonoNeuron. I will now know not to rub you up the wrong way. :)
I have wondered about long axis wood lathes. I guess you cant spin them too quick, otherwise you will get a lot of wobble. I have also wondered if it was feasible to use a router as the cutting tip. That way you could remove a lot of material and not have to spin the piece as quick. Do you know if this is a done method?

Hey Moondog, have you seen these plans for a router? http://www.inshorepowerboats.com/cnc%20stuff/CNCROUTER.htm Maybe I am old fashion but steel seems a good choice for a router the size you want.

Hi guys this is Bill Norris Im a mechanic and live in Westlake , Brisbane I have a small bridge port mill and a good size lathe. Id say my machining skills would be average . I have been interested in budget cnc for a couple of years now. but am still gathering imformation and ideas, Id love to convert or build something cnc I think its great share imfo and ideas and Im glade to be able to kick off as the Brisbane contact .

HI..

My name is Stuart Mitchell and I live in Ballarat, Victoria.
I have just started ordering all the stuff I need to make my frist CNC Table. The size will be about 2' x 6', most of it will be made from 25mm MDF. I will be using a 500HP GMC router for the cutter. Control system will be from HobbyCNC using 3 80oz stepper Motors. Software will be TurboCNC.
I will post some images as I go.

Thanks it for now.
Stuart (AKA) Auzze

Woof! Lonely in Sydney apparently. I have a lot going on with rapid prototyping via CNC milling. Fourth axis is my specialty, including techniques to rotary scan, capturing areas normally excluded by undercuts/shadows/cavities of carvings etc. Then after editing/scaling I detail mill including the difficult areas. I'm into inexpensive high speed spindles, light-duty CNCs with 2000x1400x700 motion for RP in soft materials. Down the bottom end I rout onesy-twosey PCBs on a CNC engraver when I don't feel like etching. Don't get me started ... Regards, Terrence

Lousy day in Chatswood anyway!

Even worse since I stuffed my Xylotex driver board!!!

Another is on the way, then I can finally try out my mill retro.

Rob.

Hi guys
Thrum from Sydney ,I found cnc zone through an instrument makers forum.
Im really interested in making my own cnc router to shape my guitar necks .

Ive ordered a set of plans through crank organ just to get an idea of how the
concept works.
Im looking forward to asking a few questions.

cc cnc boy(terence)
I flicked past your post without reading that your in sydney.
Could you recommend a machinist who is capable of carving the back of my guitar necks.
Thanks Dan

Dan, nobody in my contacts is looking for that style of work, but I'll keep an eye peeled for any prospect I could pass on to you. So, that makes TWO of us in Sydney ... getting crowded! Regards, Terrence

Hi all,
I am in Croydon Victoria.

This is my first post here, and I am starting research for building my own CNC machine.

Jbo, I might be coming to visit you sometime to get some parts cut or something. Maybe even just to look at one of these machines in action.

Ne way, back to some surfing..

:)

-Hurgh-

Hi to all Bill Norris from Brisbane, just had a big clean up of the old work shop, and yes it is great to be able to find things, most things are now in there place .still no contact from anyone in Bris or QLD ,would be good to share interest with some one local so if your out there drop us a line I may be able to get to Melbourn for the show ,it would be good to talk to dave and see all there new gear .

well till next time

I'm a CAD teacher at Box Hill TAFE in Victoria, building a small machine slowly.

Arnold Rowntree

Welcome aboard Arnie. What progrmas do you teach?
Splint

Thanks splint, its AutoCAD and Solid Edge. I have done a little bit of work with Unigraphics CAM too. Today I started a new Forum on Solid Edge. As I make my machine I'll post pics of the Solid Edge model as it develops. Hopefully there will be some discussion although I'm not sure there will be a lot of people on CNC zone with SE because they don't make the academic version freely available.
Ynneb introduced me to the Zone.

Hi all,

I'm in Sydney and in the process of building a CNC PCB mill for my pet projects etc etc.

I've been getting a lot of help from Paul Jones at :-

http://www.cnconabudget.com/

He's been more than helpful with all my questions, plus he's supplied me with some awesome parts.

Anyway, I've designed a few motor controllers for my contraption. You can get their full details on my website at :

http://www.fromorbit.com/projects/

There is a L297/L298 based controller and an up and coming PIC and LMD18245 based micro-stepping controller that will do all modes up to 1/16 stepping.

I'm starting to CAD up my design for the mill and collecting parts together. I've got all the electronics sussed out, now I just have to put hacksaw to aluminium to get started!

Cheers,
Alan.

Hi Garfield2

All the best for your PCB mill. The machine I'm making is going to have a dremel tool for a motor and fine cutters. I suspect that is the kind of thing for cutting PCB's?

I was awed at your website. Next year I'll start learning about electronics and if you don't mind I might get back to you when I'm trying to get my head around the difference between volts and amps. Is that what you say?

Ben Frawley was the one nearby who introduced me to making machines and this forum.

Hopefully you will be able to sell me a controller some time.

I am Melbourne based (Beaumaris) and have a 1000mm x 400mm x 250mm cnc router underway.

2nd attempt of building a cnc machine, first made from wood. cheese and all thread. not a machine capable of producing anything like the Gcode supplied.

Anyway attempt two, is a bit more serious, Alloy frame, 16mm ball thread, ball nuts, linear bearings and not much left in the bank to buy food.

what the


Smitty (Andy)

Hi Smitty [Andy] Good to here from you, a bit more imfo about your project would be great, what are you making the frame out of this time ,steel or alloy ,stepers or servos and what sort of softwear ,allso size height etc,do you have a particular use for your cnc machine when its finished ,keep up the good work Andy. sorry I just reread yuor post and see you have allready told us some off these things never mind the more imfo the better, good to see your going with quality components this time.


B Norris Brisbane.

I thought i'd replied to this thread, but apparently not!

My name is Adam (who woulda guessed?) and i'm a uni student in brisbane, studying aerospace avionics. I also work as a cad/cam engineer for a company called Mouldcam, we have a large (12m * 4m * 3m) 5 axis router that we use to make large fiberglass moulds, mainly for boats. Use surfcam and rhino at work, but do lots of solidworks at home.

I have a design for an aluminium and possibly steel capable machine in the works, but it needs a bit more time put in before i post it here for all to see. Hopefully these holidays i can put some more time into it...

Adam

Hi
I'm a total newb to CNC, just bought a lathe, no mill yet but it will come.
Brissy based just starting to get my shed functioning, building a GT40 clone.
I guess I will be on a learning curve like dreamworld's tower of terror.
CNC seems to be becoming popular, from what I can see, and not out of reach of us mere mortals.
Regards Des

Hi waughd

welcome from another newb! I'm in Melbourne and have made a slow start on a small engraving machine. Last week I visited the Automate show and was looking at all the expensive gear I could put on my machine if I had oodles. I bumped into Benny and Kookaburra and on one stand, Maytec, the salesman told me he'd had lots of enquiries from back yard hobby CNC builders.

Hi all,

WOW !!! - I can't believe I've stumbled across this forum.
I'm a newby who's been wanting to build a gantry-style cnc router for cutting shapes out of MDF for some time. It's only now that a change in career direction has finally afforded me the time to actually make a start on it.

I live in the Frankston area in Melbourne.
I'm a product manager & computer technician for a German company which sells manual and automatic door hardware equipment. (Sliding rail systems, servo drive systems, hydraulic closers etc)

I have a passion for electronics, and have done much playing around with micro-controllers, stepper motors, and computer interfacing/programming.

Anyway, Now I've introduced myself, I look forward to getting to know all you guys as I continue this new found journey!!

Thanks,
CCG.

Welcome to the forum and the world of CNC CCgooser.....

Here you will find no shortage of willing helpers and advice to assist you in your quest.

Is your career change with the current employer or are you planning a career change to a CNC related enterprise. Personally I am changing careers next year to persue CNC related opportunities. There are so many opportunities out there, the hardest thing is not starting, but deciding which path to follow.

You said you want to build a router to cut MDF. What size are you looking at... Cut full size sheets... Kitchen doors ?....what will be your main cutting needs.. profiling/ sizing.....

You are one step ahead of most people with your Electronics background... I thin we may be asking you for advice....

Cheers.....

I got to wondering where I might spend this winter (not looking forward to another Canadian one!) and wondered if there was anyone down under that was in need of a CNC retrofit, for free labour, Just a roof ( I pay the board and getting there).
I recently did a genealogy search and discovered a distant relative in Melbourne, his grandfather emigrated to Australia around the turn of the century, and we share the same great-grand parents, so I probabally unknowingly have quite a few relatives down under.
I guess benny went 'walkabout' as I would have looked forward to one of his barbeques, if I make it down there.
Anyhow I am about to go and get my daily Aussie fix with 'White Collar Blue' and 'MDA'.
:banana: :cheers:
Al

Gudday Fellas

I've been gunna do my machine for ages now. I have most of the bits ready to go.

I have the electronics, software and steppers ready to go.

Bearings ready for the X axis on some pipe, nice drawer slides with minimal slop for the Y and Z.

A Dremel, working again after I tried to destroy it cutting ceramic tiles.

3/8 threaded rod and lots of MDF.

What I need though is some Delrin or similar and end bearings etc.

Anyway with a change in jobs, and a drive from Werribee to Hastings and back every day, I should have time to start building. Will post pics and questions. :cheers:

Hey Al_The_Man

I am not retrofitting but I am nearing completion of my router. But I certainly still have a lot of learning to do. You are more than welcome to come spend some time here in Canberra (Nations Capital) and if you do come to OZ I am sure we can billet you out around the country.

We would love to show you our 'Down Under' hospitality, can't promise a CNC BBQ though... we do have a BBQ and a Pool... hope that will suffice.

Let us know what you decide to do.

cheers

Hi Hurgh

Have been a bit slack in checking the forum lately, we have moved our Factory to Kilsyth over Xmas.
Give us a yell if I can be of help

JBO

Andy here from Montrose Melbourne. I recently caught up with YNNEB and had a great time. Have changed my plans radically as a result and am about to start constructing.


Am heading down the stepper path.

Andy

Hello to you all, This is my first post so I hope it is in the right forum.I am an Aussie member of the CNC zone,I live in Adelaide and have just finished putting an Unimat 3 lathe and milling machine together from parts sourced from here,the Uk and the USA.I know it is only a small machine but being in a wheelchair it is all I can handle however it is extremely accurate so for experience i want to convert it to CNC.Hope I can call on you guys for assistance.Regards to you all.Regards Wayne

Check out my plasma table in the plasma table forum! I will put up the photo's of the work that I have done this weekend.

Thank's Apples I will Look forward to your postings.Regards Wayne

Hi,
Here in Maryborough QLD.

Steve

Hi to all
i have just joined up and are looking to gain some information to help me build a small toolroom mill and lathe for home. Both c.n.c. controlled.I am currently working in Bayswater Melbourne as a Cad Cam programmer and have over 18 years in the trade. Good to see so many forum members from around this area.

Looking forward to learning a lot from you guys.

:cheers: Darren

Probably has a lot to do with the weather.
Much better to stay indoors than go to the beach etc when it's wet. :)
Des

:wave:
Hey all, i live in sydney's lower north shore and work near the airport, have been reading the forum for a while and are keen to build a router but dont know where to start, so many differnt skills needed.

The router would be ever realy small (1mt x 1mt) for a trail or go all out and build one that can do a 3600x1800 sheet.

My Dad's company has a range of timber woodworking machines but i can see the expasion into CNC work as a value for our business but some how i dont think the "dad can you sign the lease forms for 150 k CNC" go down to well and a home made set is the way to ok.

Gaza,

Welcome to the group. There is lots of help here on the zone. Good luck with your machine building experience. I am in Wollongong and work with guy's like you all the time. If I can help you along the way or point you to any local suppliers for your mechanical or electronic components feel free to call me. 0242574111.

Cheers :cheers:

hi all,
i live on the central coast n.s.w.
projects-
cnc laser cutter-home built tube runs great(motion system on hold)
cnc router-full steam ahead with this project-almost complete.
i have pumped sum cash in to the router so theres no stoping now,i predict 3 weeks until its operational.
i also work with cnc's inc program/repair/setup and and teach others to operate.
i am currently working with okuma cnc mill and lathes,fanuc mill,hitachi seki lathes,rofin 3 kw slab laser cutter with siemes 840d control 3 axis,2.2kw prc laser 4 axis,amada cnc press brake 4 axis and other various cnc's.
i also manage the injection molding side of the company(5 moulders from 50T to 220T and also tool making on okuma mb56va machining center.
cheers

hi guys, just another aussie. im from Mandalong NSW (halfway between gosford and newcastle, thats about 1.5 hours north of sydney for all you internationals). Im a cnc programmer/machinist by trade, working at Wyong in a production machine shop and im also currently building a mini 4 axis mill. travel will be aprox 400 x 450 x 200mm. its good to see a heap of aussies on here.

Hey Guys,

Finally got my machine going "some what" tonight.
I have quite a few bugs to get over, but will keep you posted on progress.

We should have troubleshooting night out at my place, kill two crows with one stone.

/Michael

How generous to invite us over to your house. You dont want something do you? :)

Benny,

I thought my post was plainly obvious - "TROUBLESHOOTING"

With my limited brain capacity i figured many heads are better than one.
I also thought, if we drink beer before we start, we could kill off all the bad brain cells, thus making us smarter and quicker in getting around all my CNC problems.

/Mikie

I'm good at troubleshooting.... found out life was a lot easier when I worked out what a twist top is. :cheers:

Glad to hear about your progress Mike and to have a look at your machine.

Looking forward to it

Andy

Black Hills near New Norfolk in Tasmania, I have a manual Mill Drill I have converted to use steppers and am now installing servo drives.

regards

Lee McLaren

Hi all

I Live in Albury NSW On The Border
I Am looking at Building a CNC Router Table

:cheers: :cheers:Colin

A lot of beer gets 'drunk' on this thread.

:cheers:

Has anyone found a cheap way of finding steppers (> 400 oz), power supplies, controllers without going offshore?

Andy

Hi all,

My name is Barry, live in Moss Vale (Southern Highlands NSW 2577)

I'm a newbe to CNCzone have just built a small mill for PCB 280x200x120 (no plans) made out of shop front aluminum i picked up from our local revolve centre (tip) and MDF, SS Draw slides, 1/4" threaded rod, the stepper motors are out of an old A3 flatbed plotter (pre 1981) still waiting for the driver electronics ordered from oatleyelectronics.com.au, have driven the motors from the plotter electronics moves each axis qutie nicley. I do have one question, the motors are 6 wire unibipolar 4volt 7.5ohm phase (no current rating), I want to drive these motors from a AT PSU (12v) can anyone tell me what size current limiting resistors i would use??
(have built this unit on a very tight budget <$60 using only basic tools ie: hacksaw, woodsaw, battery drill and files)
good to see alot of auzzies on this site.

Cheers
Baz.

Welcome Barry,

Sometimes the best machines are made from whatever and however, be it, made from rubber hose and exhaust pipe, or in your case a shop front. We will no doubt enjoy your posts and we encourage you to post some pics of your machine and keep us informed on your progress. From a personal point of view, I would like to catch up with you at some stage as our facility is down in Oak Flats, south of Wollongong, only a stone throw from Mossy.

Take Care

Dave :cheers:

In reply to barry,
Someone please correct me if Im wrong!!! but if (I=v/r) then amps = 4/7.5 which equals 0.533 I calculated the resistance needed to be 7.5 Dont take this as gospel because i have been wrong before. I cant remember where i got it from but i have a "stepper resistor calculator" program on my pc. If you want a copy, email me at stuart76hartley@hotmail.com and ill reply it on to you (455kb). I hope this helped.

Hi All,

Good to see a few Aussies on here, especially Queenslanders!

I am from Brisbane and am lurking, trying to pick up some info. At some stage I would like to build a 2 axis table to run a oxy/acet cutter.

Cheers,

Damo.

Damo,

Welcome to the Zone. I look forward to your posts. :cheers:

Damo,

Welcome to the Zone. I look forward to your posts. :cheers:

Thanks Dave. Just trying to find my feet with this stuff at the moment. Once I get to the planning stage i'll be picking your brains no doubt :-)

Damo.

Complete noob from Cranbourne Victoria here.
:wave:
Wow, I was surprised at how many Aussies are here. Fantastic. :cheers:

Hey guys - Jim here, currently in Cairns and slowly working (sailing) south. Will keep checkin' in to see whos where - and maybe we can toss back a few brews. So far Brisbane seems the closest member - Will drop in as I have time. Cheers, Jim

Hi Guys,

Lots of Aussies here....

Noob from Mitcham Vic here. Details of current project at http://www.gimbal.com.au/content.aspx?cnc-mill

Cheers,

Pat

Hello everybody,

Brad from sydney (inner west) here. Been lurking about in here for a while.

I am mainly interested in some sort of 2 1/2 axis router, say 800 by 200mm, able to cut up to 3-4mm aluminium to under 0.5mm. Oh and it should be real cheap, but super high quality as well.

anyway, I'll be lurking about in here on and off. And for those of you who have built something, more pictures (please? pretty please?)

Cheers,
Brad

Brad,

What systems are you looking at to drive the machine,

Ie: rails, operating system (mach 3,etc).

You know cheap and accurate just don't work in the same sentance, although, my machine is made out of wood and cuts 14mm at 350mm/min to a 0.02mm accuracy (1/2 though), which is really quite good for what i paid to make it.

Tell us some thoughts on how you want to go, gantry,etc above and we will throw you some pointers

/Mikie

mikie,

Don't really have any preferance for what sort of machine it is, so long as it works.

Probably would go with easy to build (for a beginner), wood sounds good to start with. I have a general liking for open source (software tendancies showing through...). I found this place following a link from the aussie guy who is putting together drive control systems.

And since you mentioned 0.02mm, well that would be a lot better than I would need in a first machine :D

Did you design your own machine? Have you posted some pistures I could have a look at?

Cheers,
Brad

Hey Brad,

Pictures are under mikie in the pictures section.
I am still making up my personal web site, it's taking a while as i am trying new stuff and have a lot of other sections that I wish to include, ie model aircraft.

I designed it myself, faults and all. It is really a test bed for the bigger unit, which allows me to see what works well and gives me the basics for using such a machine, ie learnign gcode, drawing stuff and making a working file from it, etc

This link should take you to the pics
http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/member.php/uid/1464

/Michael

Hi everyone,

I've been looking at this site getting information for some time and I've only just seen this Aussie thread. Doh!

I'm on the Gold Coast, I've already built my XYZ table, driven by 3 x 138oz Step-Syn motors and the Discrete drivers from www.pminmo.com (Open Source boards on this site).

I have only been doing 2D stuff. I use Coreldraw for the design, RamsGold for toolpaths and Turbocnc to run the cnc.

I want to learn how to do 3D stuff but don't really know where to get the info to make the design jump from 2D to 3D. For example if I wanted to make a Lithograph of an image, how do I generate the 3D gcode (I know there are programs out there that do just that, but I'm only using the Lithograph as a 3D example)

My knowledge is limited as this is not my field of speciality, I'm actually a Naturopath and this is my hobby.

Thanks everyone.

David

Hi from Brunswick Vic,

Ive been watching, reading and following links. I think Jgro's design will be a good starting point for me.
I make furniture and want to build an efficiency tool.
bit worried that I'll spend forever making a snail.

Ive had it in my head to try and make a cnc thing for a while, thinking in the back of my mind it would be crazy to try. but well with this site I'm nearly ready to start to try.

thanks guys
Matt

Matt

Welcome from Montrose.....

Enjoy the discovery process and the challenges that go with it.

Just a word of warning : Only start if you need another obsession :)

There are quite a few active Melbourne guys on the zone.

Cheers

Andy

I have tried to contact everyone on this thread. My apologies if I missed you.

For anyone who reads this and lives in Aus or NZ, please feel free to email me at Andy.Talbot@C4C.com.au with your location and I will attempt to co-ordinate.

Cheers

Andy

@ mikie,

I'm looking at doing a Jgro for a first machine. Of to post for a mentor in the other thread.

Don't suppose anyone here could help me cut out the panels for the Jgro on their router could they?

cheers,
Brad

Brad

If you want you can send me an email to Andy.Talbot@c4c.com.au with your location and I will ask on your behalf.

(Refer thread above yours)

Andy

i wouldn't see why not Brad.
My machine is small and not quite yet there for tolerance, but will be in the next week or so.

But i'm sure we could try and help you out as much as possible.

what type of material are you looking to make it from?

/M

mikie, I'm just planning to do the body of the machine out of MDF like the plans say. maybe do the epoxy thing like some people are saying on the forums to seal it up and stop moisture soaking in.

For a start, I figure I should just follow the plans and see how I go.

I can "inovate" on the second machine. :D

Hi
I am in Alexander Heights, Perth Western Australia and would be interested in sharing CNC - you share I listen :)
Obviously I am new to this and I have started my Gantry CNC but there just seems to be so many questions at the moment.

Hi all.
I'm in Kew. Vic. I Did not know there were other control freaks so close. ;-)

I have some thk actuators (linear) with attached servvo motors (inc encoders) a couplre of old drivers and have knocked up a rough router frame.

Paul

Paul

From one new member to another welcome aboard.

Your router sounds interesting so can you post some photos?

I have just finished my first axis on my gantry router tonight and have posted photos in my log.

I'm in Geelong Vic (Well Close enough too it)

Hi Prboz, I am from Geelong. Do you have a machine yet?

Splint

Gudday Guys!
I'm still heading south - won't get to "mexico" - sorry ynneb!
Now i nBundy - the rum is great! Will be in Brisie (is that spelled right?) for New years and hanging out in the general Morton Bay area - plans so far. Ok if I drop a PM to a few of you in the area? Post holidays and have a pint or two.
:cheers:
Cheers and happy holidays all! Jim (aboard s/y Laughing Buddha)

May your tinny be full and your barby sizzling

Merry Xmas Australia

Andy

I and a couple of mates are in Perth, two of us have done NC conversions on small to mid sized lathes and mills. 3 of us are building variations on the Zoltar routers.
PK

Hi,
My name is Shane, I'm from Brisbane and am an apprentice CNC Machinist. I've been working different CNC machines now for about three years or so. My experience is with Industrial machines only (lasers, Wire profilers, Wood Router, Lathes, Machine Centre and Macturn machine). I have a great interest in CNC's - but don't own my own at this stage. I am also into car restration.
For anyone in Brisbane (or anywhere else), I am keen to hear from you (always looking for new friends), I probably can't help you with electrical issues, but can definately help with the mechanical and programming/software side of things.
Cheers!

Hi all,

Some of you have allready helped me, thanks for that.

I am building Jgro and it nearly finnished.
- The monster is all together and running on its rails.
- I have just mounted the steppers to it and i am just using fuel line tubing to connect the 5/16th all thread rod to the motors.
- I am using the Posix Linisteppers to drive it.
-- they are 99% complete. (now that i have the wiring, for the HPLJIII stepers)

TO DO
------
Finish mounting the 'T' nuts for the X,Y axis. they have to be glued in
get the Linisteppers to work.

Figure out what i am going to use as a cutting bed.
- the store front 'T' slot MDF pannel is looking good, if i can find some cheap.
- If not i will just screw part down to a disposable bed for the moment.

FIRE IT UP !!!!!


Hope you are all having fun with you routers, please let me know if you are going to catchup or a beer or something.

CHris


PS I live in Rowville (at the moment)I have started a log but ran out of space here so it died. when i get some cash i will donate and get more space or i might build my own website or blog.

I,m in Adelaide, Have an old hulk called LaserKomb ex Germany, used to make cardboard boxes in it's day, with linear guides to X&Y, rack & pinion cross shaft to keep the gantry square, 2 Baldor stepper motors with cogbelt drives, & 1/2 nbg Heidenhain scales at X&Y, mdf vacuum suction table about 6ft by 4ft , defunct CNC control, no Z... at all, it had a few little air tools & blade cutters, that came down by air cyls ... all removed. Couldn't resist buying it at auction! Even though I have 2 "real" big buck cncs, I would love to try making this one go again, maybe even fit new lamps into the 2 scales for feedback, so far just cleaned & dreamed!

hi guys

good to see a lot of Australians on this site CNCZONE.COM

I'm from Melbourne , VIC and interesting in building a CNC plasma table , new to cnc and electronics and cad drawing.

Priced a commercially built unit which is way out of my budget for the amount of work that i need it for.

Start surfing the net and come across this site DIY site

The amount of information on this site it's fantastic so prompted me to investigate further and start building my own unit from scratch.

great work there APPLE and well done on your CNC Plasma Table.

Maybe catch up with the guys from Melbourne and other states on the next meeting.

Will share what ever information I have and my knowledge I do have to offer

cheers guys

JBO,
Not all Australian users are in OZ! I read the threads from the Aust/NZ section out of interest, have even attempted to contact your listed suppliers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Austartisan, France.

Hi guys! adelaide says hello! Hey Vaughan Sage, would your machine be able to cut vinyl on a flat surface with any precision? Would you sell it? ^_^

Hi, Everyone I'm from victoria here and I've made Computer Controlled stuff in the past but I have come to need a CNC Router and I have decided to build it to handle Mild Steel Up to 10mm or so and if it has enough guts to do that I can use it for any material such as Wood, Aluminum, Etc.

Any advice for lead screw size and tread type/pitch and the stepper motor strength would be appreciated also some australian supplies and priceing for lead screws at least 1200mm in length and nuts eg. BALL, Roller, etc the aim is to make the machine fast but cutting accurately is prefered so I can also do PCB's and writing text's.

I would be willing to help in the electronic department and in creating parts for others in limited numbers once my machine is up and running.

Hope you can all help me out, And I'll do what I can do for others.

so what kind of beer do you have down under

so what kind of beer do you have down under

LOL Australia has some of the worlds best beers


and not to mention the women are sexy too

but what the beers name

but what the beers name


LOL so u reckon just what are the beers fgg the women hahahahha

just kidding have a look at this site all about Australian beer

http://www.australianbeers.com/

http://chancellorscellars.com.au/category253_1.htm

http://www.brew.com.au/

this should quench ur thirst


cheers

PS ; ur shout LOL

Any site that has a guy in a tub of beer is worth a good look to bad its not one of your Aussie babe and not hairy man

Tera_bit

Where are you?

Country Victoria, Melbourne, Geelong......?

I'm from Montrose.

Andy

I'm about 1 hour south of Boston,Ma. about 1/2 hour from cape cod usa

Tera_bit

Where are you?

Country Victoria, Melbourne, Geelong......?

I'm from Montrose.

Andy

hi andy

what sort of work do u do andy ??

cheers

Currently back in Aust for one week but returning through Singapore to check out the supplier of secondhand parts.Will make a brief list of items and prices.Anyone interested can contact me after 7apr and I will post the info on the forum.
austartisan.France

Nothing to do with CNC ... I'm a desk jockey :)

I'm building my machine purely as a hobby.

Someone asked me recently if I am building a machine because I need it or bacause I want to build it.... Good question!

I am really pleased with progress so far and it is entirely scratch built ... not the fastest way of doing things but great for learning.

That's why I was wondering about where Tera_bit lives. I am happy to share and face to face is always much easier.

Yourself ?

Andy

I have been considering a CNC project for a while, no real reason to build one other than interest alone. For all that, I have only just stumbled on this site.

Now - I think I will go the Jgro design for the first CNC, and hopefully use that to make some better parts for the next etc... MDF seems to be the go for the first one.

Anybody in Sydney here ?

Jason.

I have been considering a CNC project for a while, no real reason to build one other than interest alone. For all that, I have only just stumbled on this site.

Now - I think I will go the Jgro design for the first CNC, and hopefully use that to make some better parts for the next etc... MDF seems to be the go for the first one.

Anybody in Sydney here ?

Jason.

welcome AUSSIE OI OI OI

look up a guy nicnamed stevie he has some awsome cnc projects on the go

some of the best i have seen

cheer and welcome

Im in Canberra, but currently in UK building custom automation, lots of fun but miss the Aussie road trips...

benergy

I have a fair bit of work to do before I can start on this thing.

1. Build work bench.
2. Attach my circular saw to work bench.. ala bench saw.
3. Purchase drill press.

Although it may be cheaper to get somebody to cut the wood components for me instead of making a bench saw - I shall have to see.

I have found one supplier in Melbourne for the stepper motors, couplings and ball screws but will look around to see where I can save. A sydney based supplier would be better - the motors are fairly heavy.

I plan on building this gradually over several months, partly to spread the cost but mainly to ensure I take the time to make each component as well as I can.

This looks to be a lot of fun ;)

My plan is to use the CNC to launch a number of other hobbies - if it works ;)

Jason.

Hey guys/gals,

Im Eric 22 from Sydney,

4th year apprentice in the fitter/turner trade, Trying to gain a lot of insight/knowledge into the programming of cnc machines. Our factory has 2 Hardinge machines running fanuc controls, 3 emco, 3 nomura and 1 cincom citizen cnc lathes, and 2 dynamyte 4400 running mitsubish meldas controls and 2 dynamyte 2400 milling machines...

Glad to have found this site lots of it relates to my trade/apprenticeship.


Regards,
Eric.

Trigger here from Brisbane, 44 year old CNC machinist with experience of fanucs,G code programming and mastercam software,my company has just bought a haas lathe and mill,thats how I came about this site.

Excellent forum and looking forward to finding out more about haas quick code and onecnc software

Nice to see there is an Aussie forum for us all to chat with each other....especially as I'm a pom.


Stands back and waits for abuse!!! (chair)

Welcome Zedzero, you will only get abuse if you are a "wingeing" one. :) ( Only people from Oz would understand that)

Hi. my name is Rhino, i live in Brisbane, am 24 years old and have been out of my time for 2 years. im mad keen on cnc's and want to build my own(miill and lathe - but probably mill first). i have drawn up some sketches. i want to cut steel and only steel can someone tell me what kind of steppers or servo's would be appropriate for my appliication?

Hi all,

Just found out there is a downunder group on here.
Bayside Brisbane, have 7x14 lathe and CNCed micromill.

Off to read the rest of the messages, expecting to learn something:)

Gavin

Hi guys,
I'm from Hamilton, Western Victoria. Cabinet Maker. Looking at putting together a cheap CNC router to do precision drilling of repetitive components. Peg holes, hinge holes, drawer slide mounting holes in kitchen cupboard panels.
Jgro is what I am looking at for the moment. No probs with putting together the frame, slides etc. of the machine. Totally lost with what steppers I should use, what controller etc. I'm doing this on a shoe-string budget and want to try and purchase most components on ebay etc.

:cheers:

Hi there.

the steppers you can use are out of the HP LASER JET 3 printers.

these are 100oz steppers, middle of the road stuff.
You can buy the working or not working printers at just about any second hand computer store or even at the markets.

I was using the Linisteppers as the driver boards for my Jgro mill. But, no fault of the design, they wouldnt work. I would suggest the Hobby cnc board. I just brought one from the states, 5 days and it was here.
I have stuff all skill at soldering and the board worked first time. Instructions are great and for $75us, i think they are cheap.

PM me if you need any more info.

CH

Thanks for that. Just wondering if any other printers use a similar sizer stepper? Or maybe even a photo-copier? I have seen a few of these lying around?

TD

Fine-fit,

Not that i know of. the HP LJ 4 uses a *really* small motor.
I dont know of anything about photocopiers, but they are bond to have some big ger mototrs in them. As to if they will work in this type of thing. Sorry dont know.

CH

Guess I could just destroy some and look! (chair) All these stepper motors will have some form of id on them. Do you know how you can tell whether they are 100 oz, 200 oz, 5 oz. What voltage would I need etc?
I had heard years ago people were making micro CNC machines using the guts out of printers. It's good to know that maybe some components would be big enough for a basic machine.

Thanks

TD

Hi,

the HPLJ3 steppers are quite good.

this guy uses them for his monster Mills.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15139&goto=newpost
(allthough i think he went upto 200oz steppers for this one in the end)

and others use them, for the cost ( I think a paid $100 for 4 whole printers cos i dint want to do the looking)

that and a hobby CNC board will cost you, max $250.00. Cheaper if you can be bothered to look around. But a lot of ppl use them

As for how to tell, post pic here of the motor or its deatils. you should get something.

CH

Hi everyone / just retired and looking for a hobby.....

cnc router's are the go I think but in-saying that there's a lot of information out there that one can get lost in.

Firstly looking to, 2D photo's, emblems ect

Secondly looking for a good set of plans / books]

Can anyone help ......./.........Thanks

1234stevew

Hi Steve,

The is a lot of info on the board, and it does take a while to sort out what you want from what you dont.

There is plans availabe, both free and paid for. But you need to ask your self a few questions first. How bigger thing do i want to cut out and how accurate do i want to be. Last but not least, how much do I want to spend.

Have a a look and the JGRO design over in the woodworking section.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=300

If you want to go bigger then there is Joe 2006 model. if you ask him nicley he will email you the plans. The problem is that you really need another router to cut the parts for joe's as it needs to be more acurate than is possable with hand tools. Also it uses 1/2" (12.7mm)MDF instead of 12mm. so you will need to find 1/2" MDF.

What i am doing is building the JGRO design and then using that to cut parts for its self to replace the ones i stuffed, and then once i am happy with he being able to use it and design parts i will build joe's

PM me if you want more info, its all here. take you time and remember that the people that sell stuff on this forum, like the HobbyCNC driver boards, are very good and ship from the USA too! (hint, hint. Thanks dave they are working a treat)

CHris

Y'know, having just completed a little router that started out as a Zoltare http://www.rcmodels.net/cnc/index.html design and ended up as something fairly different http://www.caswa.com/finito3.jpg. I don't reckon I'd do a scratch built design again. There's just a *LOT* of work in it.. Now I appreciate that, if kitchen doors and big signs are your thing, then you don't have a lot of options.
For my money though even something like an RF31 has 100mm of Z, about the same table movement as my router and costs peanuts....
I guess I did learn alot by scratch building. The old adage of "Just go and buy your ballscrews and linear bearings now, you're going to buy them eventually" is perhaps the best advice I can offer.

Hi all,

I dont want to turn this into a argument, there is one guy here whos tag reads, 'Just do anything' or something like that. You get the idea.

And what PK said is very true. A lot of people do progress to full ball screw setups.

All i can suggest is, READ, READ, READ, it all depends on what you want to do with it. Me all i want to do with it was use it to play with my RC cars etc.
Sure i have big plans of making things to sell and stuff but what i have learnt is that you realy have no idea what you are going to use it for when you make it.

The learing curve is so much fun when building one of these.

One last thing. You dont have to spend a fortune to get into this hobby, But in the end i think I am going to. its very addictive.

CH

Thanks for the reply and advis.

Steve

1234stevew and all

If you're Melbournites, check out the recent thread re. BBQ in a couple of weekends.

Come along and looksee if you like.

Andy

Hi andy,

I thought the Insperation nights (BBQ) were 'advertised' here, could you porvide a link to the thread please.

CH

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20012

Hi all,

Just found out there is a downunder group on here.
Bayside Brisbane, have 7x14 lathe and CNCed micromill.

Off to read the rest of the messages, expecting to learn something:)

Gavin

Hi.
im from bayside brizzy too. where did you hunt down the lathe and mill? i am after something to go in the shed out the back.

Rhino

Sorry Andy

I'm a Sun Shine State person a....... Townsvillian

Thanks for the invite anyway.

Hey Guys..

Whyalla South OZ here........

Building router and awaiting delivery of electronics....

God its hard to get CNC gear down this way!!!!! :(

GPZ_Rider

I bet you're building out of mild steel though!

Transformer toroids going cheap at Altronics at the moment. Mail order shouldn't be too exxy.

Good luck

Andy

SoanarPlus have 300W torroids for $45 GST ex. www.soanarplus.com they ship ex Sydney.

Hey ... andy_ck87028

No mate, no steel,

well cept for the sub frame / rails / x axis / y axis / z axis / table / legs ..... hmm guess all steel.. :)..... Be great if I had an up and running system to plasma cut the parts..... Chicken or the egg syndrom...... But where theres a will theres a way..

Mark

Hi all, my name is Russell, have been reading as much as I can and building the obligitory 3 axis router for a starting project. My main motivation in going CNC WAS purely to make nice, accurate (Timber) lures to troll offshore, and while I'm sure that will be nice, the range of possibillities a CNC machine "can" do is pretty inspiring.
I say "can" as I haven't built the thing yet, it may just as well end up being an anchor instead of making lures...
I live in Babinda, Nth Queensland, small sugar town about 45 min south of Cairns, where I generally work.(Sparky). I agree with Mark, it would be nice to have a machine to build the machine, well I guess we all start somewhere.
Look forward to sharing ideas in the future.

Russell.

Have y'all not considered asking for help?
Quite a few of us have a few CNC machines going. I have a small router and lathe, a buddy has a bigger lathe and an NC oxy/plasma table. I know there's a contingent in melb with a fair collection of hardware. My personal interest is in drives, I've got a few stepper drives (up to 4A per phase) and am working on a servo drive. The key to making progress is collaboration.....

PK

Welcomne Russell, will be great to have you around. :cheers:

Hi
Just found this site yesterday looks good .I am working in rowville Melb.We have just Brought a cnc mill so I am getting back to using cnc's after about 15 years.

hey, I'm still an apprentice so dont hang me just yet! *lol* 22 years old, and just about to go 4th year...came on here looking for info about the trade with me looking into moving to america (spent time there and loved it), not specifically for work but i'd like a bit of background from the american members. I work in brisbane and have ran CNC's since first day of my apprenticeship, from okuma to hankook, and mazak. But lately done alot of manuel stuff too in a general engineering shop.

so hey guys, hope to find the info i'm after here :)

Hi all Stuart fron Devonport hear if eany of you get to tassy let me no and and we can meet and chat and you can look at my table. I hope to have it up and running within a month.
Regards Stuart Tasrobotics

Hi stuart, got any photos of your machine?
PK

Have a look at
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18927
Within the first dozen or so posts.
Regards Stuart

Just thought I would add to the thread. I'm located in Brisbane and will turn my mill into cnc with servos soon.

Cheers

hi

You guys make me jealous with ur CNC machines

Ok there are a few guys already here in Australia with kits for CNC hobbyists at affordable prices

cheers

hi

You guys make me jealous with ur CNC machines ;) LOL

welcome to the forum , there is heaps of information on here.

you will get lost on this forum with the vast amount of information

One software worth having a look at is Mach3 by artsoft very affordable and on there site in the link section there is some awsome information on people that have made some good electronics for doing CNC conversions and making some CNC projects.

Also found a few guys in Melbourne Australia that have some nice cnc kits

Ok there are a few guys already here in Australia with kits for CNC hobbyists at affordable prices

cheers

Hi, I am an old guy in Caniambo, N.E. Victoria. I work in Shepparton running 2 8x4 CNC routers. The CNC stuff grows on you! I enjoy doing 3D work.:cool:

Hi Jon

Welcome.

Are you planning to build?

Andy

:cheers: Hi Andy, thank you for your welcome. I run 2 CNC routers for the company I work for. I have a 4' x 4' Multicam designer router of my own and I also have a 4' x 4' homebrew CNC router with big steppers on it which originally was a vague copy of my multicam.

Cheers,
John Milligan.

This is my first post, probably should have posted before.

I'm from Shepparton, Victoria, Ausralia.
Computer Tech / System Builder.

First off, I had no idea about cnc workings and still have little.

I found this site a while ago while I was looking for some cnc parts for my bike's (GSXR1000, WR250f).

Anyway got inspired by this site, bought a Mill, a controller, and Mach3, and started learning.

Got it all togeather today so I'm doing a dance.:wee:

Need some ballsrcews for it, they will come soon.

Anyway thats my story so far.

Hutchy: Pictures! Pictures!

:cool:

Hi Hutchy, we are just about neighbours, I work in Shep, and live in Caniambo/Nalinga):wave:

Hi Jonmilligan, good to know I'm not the only one out here in country Vic.
I'm out at Kialla when I'm home.

And here's a couple of pics for the ball. There will be more I have been taking pics all the way just gota sort them and put togeather my build log

To all those who didnt see the thread, the next event will be drinks with Dave.
See here for details http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=202876

G'Day to all,
I have been watching the threads for a little while, and thought it time to say hello from SE Qld. I found this site by accident while searching for someone to cnc/ laser cut balsa and ply for model aircraft, and now have an yearning to discover how it all works. Thanks for all the info, and I look forward to learning more. Keep up the great work!
Cheers,
Jim

Hi all...fellow aussie here.
How good is this forum...there's heaps of stuff on it :)
Anyways im new to all this...the company i work for is putting me on as an apprentice next year, fitter machinist, and i'll be learning how to programme and run their cnc machine in the workshop. Just checking all this stuff out...

Hello Fellow Aussies,

I am about to build a CNC Router and need a little help to manufacture the parts for a Joe's 2006 build. I am just waiting for an answer to come back :)

Got some parts already, 3 axis xylotec complete kit, skate bearings for the build and heaps of new software to try to learn so I am making progress. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30273 is the build log.

Just trying to input as much data as possible :) from all of the Joe's builds happening at present......

Seeya around :rolleyes:
Bob

Hutchy
I'm from Brissy, looks like we have the same mill.
I have my Servos so far and am very interested in following your progress.
Are you CNCing the quill as well or just the knee?
Regards Des

Hi guys

My name is peter my cousin CHRIS and i just started our first cnc router we have basically got the x and y together so far we are enjoying every minute of it.I was wondering if there is anybody close to bayswater or warrandyte melbourne out of curiosity anyway talk to you all soon .

Has anyone in OZ heard of a new cooling fluid? "CoolTool". I have heard it is available in S.A. but can not find anything on it, It is water based and allowes cutting speed increasses by 33%. I saw a sample it is "bright navy blue" and worked in the show demo, but they are not here in the USA and I can not track them down. cheers, John

Hey all. New to the forum. Bayswater, VIC.
Carbide grinder during the day and an undertaker by night. (Apprentice wages don't pay the bills, unfortunately.)

Has anyone in OZ heard of a new cooling fluid? "CoolTool". I have heard it is available in S.A. but can not find anything on it, It is water based and allowes cutting speed increasses by 33%. I saw a sample it is "bright navy blue" and worked in the show demo, but they are not here in the USA and I can not track them down. cheers, John

Google showed up http://www.monroefluid.com/
May be the same stuff
Des

G'day people, I'm in Bayswater Vic. Shopfitting scene, spend my time on a Morbidelli Author 436s. First time login, so still looking around.

hi im in naracoorte south australia just joined cnc hope to start building mini steam engines soon.ash

Hi all,
I have been around the forum for many months and thought I should add some (seniority or is that maturity)to this aussie bunch.
I am retired after working for 60 years in Engineering fields.Much of this in American AeroSpace.
I was Born in Aus went to school in england during WW2 and claim to be the only Ausralian born 10 Pound pom to migrate to Australia.

I have just built my first all ali gantry router. the best toy I ever had.
I use Mach3 software and HobbyCNC controller.
I did not use ball screws but 16 mm High tensile threaded rod with 2mm pitch.
I found the rods were straight. (Less that $100 for three lead screws)
I cast bronze flange nuts and after adjusting up the back lash I measured only
.003 mm in 300 mm of travel.
All this was achieved from information gleaned from this forum,inginuity,stupidity,and intelligent work arounds on many mistakes.

The only problem I have is that my other half is very house proud and wants to CLEAN my workshop.
Cheers to all
WJF

Hi


wjfiles , welcome to the fascinating world of CNC-machinery , and welcome from downunder Australia.

Big jump from the ward range of lathes ??

cheers

Welcome aboard Wjfiles,
any chance of posting a photo of your machine for us to look at?

Cheers
Splint

I'll second that. Welcome and How about some pics? :)

Where are you from? FPV_GTp, Splint and I are all from near Melbourne.

Greg

Hi to all. my name is Michael and I am located at Nowra on the South coast of NSW. I'm new to all this and am looking to build a small CNC machine to do some woodworking type things. Looking forward to talking to you all and listening to your advice on problems that I may encounter on my journey.

I'll second that. Welcome and How about some pics? :)

Where are you from? FPV_GTp, Splint and I are all from near Melbourne.

Greg

Hi Guys,
I am from Brisbane, The Smart State:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

G'day,
I'm in a state of confusion in the state of confusion, Tassie.

G'day!

My name's Mark and I live in Mount Annan, NSW, which is in southwest Sydney near Campbelltown and Camden.

I'm in the process of building a Rockcliff machine with the new slider plate. I've cut the wood and have been scouting around for bearings. The next trick will be to locate stepper motors.

Hope to post more soon.

Old Man Emu

Well my Linear Rails arrived today and I have finally started my build.
I'm planning on a 900mm. x 900mm. router, which should give me about a 650mm. X 750mm. work area approximately.
I'm not working from a plan, just what comes out of my head. I have though been studying the forum and taking note of what others have done.
I'll be using steel RHS for the base, and aluminium for the gantry.
For the start I will be using metric acme leadscrews with Delrin AB nuts.
Finally, I have a Xylotex 4 Axis controller and 425 oz. steppers on order. I plan to eventually adapt the 4th. axis to the 6" rotary table that I have, so theoretically I will be able to machine and engrave cylindrical objects.
I will post some pics when I get something of worth to show.

Regards,
Deane.

G'day all,

I've just joined after lurking for a little while. I live in St Kilda, Melbourne. I'm an aero engineer working at Boeing Hawker de Havilland. I've played with CNC milling a little bit on my old uni's machines to make moulds for carbon fibre parts which went into building this solar car. (http://www.sunswift.com/Gallery_SS3.php)

I have long wanted to have my own workshop, and my wife understands that when we buy a house that it must have room for that workshop. In the mean time we recently bought an apartment and she has agreed to allow a small lathe in, so I'll see if I can push it a little and get a benchtop mill as well (something around the size of an X3). But once I have my workshop I'll want a larger knee mill, so I started looking at CNC conversions for the future use of the small mill. As you can see, one thing has led to another and now I'm thinking, "why wait to do the conversion?" before we've even moved into the new apartment.

Cheers,

Tim

Hi Tim!

I don't work for Boeing, but my neighbour across the road went to Seattle at Christmas for a two year secondment and I fly radio control with other fellows from Boeing Bankstown. The closest I come to Boeing is working on a Kaydet to get it on the Aussie Register.

Good luck with your build. Don't forget that the first thing you should make with the completed machine is something for your beloved.

Old Man Emu

Hi Guys,

I'm about 13km North of Brisbane CBD in Zillmere.

I found this site 1 week ago when searching for a local company to do some CNC routing. I didn't even think you could build a DIY CNC router, and I've caught the bug already.

I've been reading a lot of the posts here trying to gather as much info as possible and have got a long way to go.

I've got some basic woodworking tools (table saw, router table, drill press, mitre saw, etc) so am in a better position to build an MDF based table. I've also got some basic electronics tools and skills so could put assemble a controller kit if required. And I've been in IT for over 20 years so that should come in handy.

I'm obviously impressed with the Joes CNC design, but gather it is difficult to build this locally because it is based on imperial MDF and HDPE thicknesses and that you really need a CNC router and a fair amount of skill to cut it. And that having a kit shipped over here might be too expensive. Or am I wrong?

Has anyone built one of these or ordered a kit from Joe? I've just PM'd Joe to try and get some details as well.

I'm also in the USA in about 1 month and want to see if it's worth my while to try and bring back some parts even though I might not have decided on the final design of the machine I will likely build. I assume I could get a stepper / controller kit and use this on most designs around a similar size. If I can decide on the design before I leave that would make it easier.

Would like to catch up with some locals at some stage and have a beer or two.

Claudio

Welcome ClaudioG


yes this is a great site

there are many Austraian members here and some are very helpful

there are kits out there to make a cnc router table. Have a look at Geolt's threads probably one of the best Hobby machine designs you will find here in australia.

here are a few direct links

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23517

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28979


The electronics brakeout board and stepper and or servo motor drivers are around also just depending on which you decide to use

power supplies are plentful

ball screws or linear bearing slides or rack&pinion are readaly available

so most of the necessary components can be sourced thro this webiste

some members here are actaul suppliers.

Just ask questions and people will help

all round this website the guys are friendly

cheers

PS private message sent for further material if it is of any help

Thanks for that FPV.

I've just gotten through reading 115 pages of the Joes CNC thread and am very keen on building one of these, but have to work out if it's going to be worth while to do locally.

I'll post some specific questions in the main Aussie forum rather than this thread.

Cheers

Claudio

Got my first router nearing completion. Steel and alloy construction.
Most of the mechanicals are done, needs detailing, paint, etc to make it look right.
Electronics and wiring next !!

Got my first router nearing completion. Steel and alloy construction.
Most of the mechanicals are done, needs detailing, paint, etc to make it look right.
Electronics and wiring next !!

Looking pretty darn good :) and it looks like you have been fairly busy :)

I am still waiting for my gantry sides to be machined....

Bob

:wave: Hi all
I am Arvind, living in Sydney. Have been a lurker for a while on this thread as well as the mini-router thread by widgitmaster. I am retired and machining is one of the many hobbies (too many says me wife). My background is more electronics than machining, but wish to reverse that.
My big problem is workshop space, so have to stick to benchtop machines. I have a Sherline 2000 mill and the 17" lathe but have used these very little because I am loathe to ruin them. So I thought of a small router to experiment with while gaining some cnc experience. I hope to start producing some actual work soon and post results/ask questions /seek help from many of you who have lots moe experience and skill.

Hope to hear from the sydneysiders, Arvind

Hello All
I'm new to CNC but have work around wood and metal for most of my life. I'm a designer/maker based in Canberra, and do the regular border run to work in a factory in Queanbeyan. So been I've been steadily getting into using computers to do my designing and if your going to do all that trouble to work on your RSI then you best to use its full capabilities. Had a few chats with mates that work with CNC's and mates playing with small robotics and figured what stops them building is the machining, well what would slow me down is the electrics! So got busy with the bandwidth and think i have got a fare idea of what i need and have started emptying my bank! but not to bad and it will all be a tax thing (Hopefully!). Going to be aiming for around 1.4 x 1.4 x .3 cutting area with a raised gantry rail and using ball screw drive on all axis. Hope to be able to cut wood, aluminium, and mod for a oxy-set or plasma at some point. At my work we build tooling for pressing metal and forming, mentioned the newest big toy plan over beers on a Friday and the boss was so you can use the shop but you got to build two! So since then been reading and reading and found this site and did more reading! just want to get on the tools now!!! but got to get it right the build is starting to add up (When doesn't it!) but building on the cheep is an Aussie specialty!
Cheers and of to the workshop on a Saturday (where else would you be!)
Boothie

hi

Welcome to a great forum arvindk and boothie , boothie ;) didn't your boss tell you , you have to build three ;) cnc machines

guys also have a look at the gecko@yahoo group also very active and have a look at jioning the artsoft site .

if you need links just send me a private other wise there easy to find through here or yahoo/google them.

Have fun guys and boothie not kidding about the third machine LOL ;)

cheers

Hi all,
John here from Brisbane. I've been the occasional lurker here for a while, 'bout time I said hello eh? ;)

My background is electronic repair & design. I made a crude attempt to automate the X&Y on my mill (MiniTECH MVS0940) with some success, although it looked a bit 'agricultural' :/ I didn't have a lathe at that stage but do now (used MiniTECH CQ6123B). Definitely NOT a machinist, more skilled at 'worrying' metal into shapes needed. Getting there slowly though.

I'd like to get proficient enough to build a gantry mill for milling boxes on small production runs. One of the other competing/complimentary hobbies is Amateur (HAM) Radio and I'd like to be able to mill my own aluminium & brass enclosures for some electronic projects (high frequency microwave).

To quote someone I can't remember "too many projects, too little time"

Cheers, John

hi fellow aussies , i reside in newcastle and have just purchased a trak dpm with mx3 control. so thought i would be come a member to get any tricks ect on the art of making the trak sing. look foward to hearing from you.
regards

Hi all
There is not much activity on this thread compared to others. I sincerely hope I can get some help from some of you in Sydney who have a lot more CNC experience.
Not wanting use my Sherline 2000 for learning purposes, I have recently acquired a fantastic small "router" from widgitmaster in the US.
I am going to use a rather crude MaxNC controller with it. Said controller has just TIP120 trannies as drivers, has no current limits, no protection of any sort - just ballast resistors. I have tried the 3 axis motors with the DOS based MaxNC software and it all seems to work OK.
Here are some pics of my proposed setup. The toothed belt to drive the Y-axis is not shown in the pics, nor the X-axis motor at the back end.
Is there anyone in Sydney who would like to exchange notes/possible practical help ?
Thanks, Arvind

Looking pretty darn good :) and it looks like you have been fairly busy :)

I am still waiting for my gantry sides to be machined....

Bob

Hi Bob, this is my first post in here and like most of others i am in the process
of building a router come plasma table.
As you have mentioned Dingo's machine is looking pretty good but looking at your setup, it looks like it will turn out as neat as a pin, top effort.
I am located in Deer Park Melbourne and it would be great to meet some of the forum members like yourself, just to chat about same interest and maybe
exchange idea's or even cans for that mater.

Cheers Lou.

Hi Bob, this is my first post in here and like most of others i am in the process
of building a router come plasma table.
As you have mentioned Dingo's machine is looking pretty good but looking at your setup, it looks like it will turn out as neat as a pin, top effort.
I am located in Deer Park Melbourne and it would be great to meet some of the forum members like yourself, just to chat about same interest and maybe
exchange idea's or even cans for that mater.

Cheers Lou.

wooooooooooooo PUMP , Deer park Melbourne , thats 2 minutes from me .


Welcome PUMP and BOB , I'm sure you will get a chance to show'n'tell your machines at the next Aussie BBq , last one was at Mike's place , and quite a few people showed up

Welcome guys , i'm sure you will have some fun with you cnc machines

cheers

G'day Arvind,
I almost bought one of Widgetmaster's machines myself. Beautifully made but was just too small for my needs, hence I built my own.
There are plenty of of fellow Aussies both on CNCZone and "around".
If you need help, you only have to ask and some one will offer advice.

Deane.

Looking pretty darn good :) and it looks like you have been fairly busy :)

I am still waiting for my gantry sides to be machined....

Bob

G'day Bob, this is my first post on this forum and what a great informative
one it is.
All to true with your comment about Dingo's table looking good, but however
looking at your machine i am very impressed "neat as a pin".
I have just started to build a hobby router come plasma cutter and painfully
trying to aquire all my bits asgetting the right parts at the right price is not
an easy thin to do.
I have also noticed tha there are quite a few members in this forum located around Melbourne and it would be great to catch up with some personaly to
nut out certain problems, exchange ideas or even cans for that mater.
I am located in Deer Park so it's a basic stones throw from Hoppers.
Perhaps we could exchane numbers via PM and occasional have a good chin
wag.(nuts)

Cheers Lou.

Hello everyone from Aus.

I am located in Newcastle NSW. I am and Electronics Engineer and would like to get into CNC machines (both building and buying).

I built a 3 axis robot arm for my 4th year engineering project at uni.

I have 1001 ideas to build much needed machines for a particular industry that I am in. Would like to hear from anyone in the Newcastle area that may be interested in collaborating on building CNC machines.

Feel free to drop me a line.



~Todd

gday todd
its good to hear from another local. i have a interest in the same and also have a small machine shop capable of manufacturing components for specialised machines. i have had some enquires for a few comercial products that there is a short coming on and have a few ideas. would like to see what exactly your ideas are . hope to hear from you soon
cheers

Hi,
Peter here from Brisbane, just started building my first mill.
I am trying to do some PCB and other flat work
eg: picture milling, signs, ect was wondering if anyone could
recomend some good JPEG to GCode software?:idea:

Vcarve Pro 4 is one of the easiest to use that will take it from Jpeg to Gcode.

Alternativly for free there is Inkscape to get it to Vector then maybe CamBam to produce Gcode as an option. There are others.

Greg

gday todd
its good to hear from another local. i have a interest in the same and also have a small machine shop capable of manufacturing components for specialised machines. i have had some enquires for a few comercial products that there is a short coming on and have a few ideas. would like to see what exactly your ideas are . hope to hear from you soon
cheers


Nuttall, Check your PM.

Hi All,
What a Great Forum idea!
My names Steve and I live in Mount Evelyn Victoria in Melbournes east.
Interested in CNC controls and controllers, all things from mechanical items to analog & digital electronics and computer programming.
Recovering IT consultant. (Spent 8 years in commercial I.T. -- fed up!!) Life changes mean I will be doing what interests me from now on. Working on DSP servo controller, PC based CAD interface generic to machines and other tidbits. Projects include Plasma cutter and small 3 axis milling machine. Interested in steppers & brushless 3 phase controls & motors, designing high precision systems etc. Like to speak with similar characters, buying second hand equipment , tips & tricks, where to buy materials & components.
Basic Skills:P.C. program in Delphi, C++, VB6.0, Coding Databases -SQL server 2000 PC Networks. Extensive use of 8051 & Z80 derivatives in C and assembler, Use Motorla DSP56002.
Qualifications:Advanced Diploma Electronic Engineering. (in pre-history --1983)
25 years in IT & electronics industry.

hi

Welcome StevesBocian and other new Australian members

this forum is the best around , I'm sure people will help with anything you throw at them Steve

cheers

Hi,
Peter here from Brisbane, just started building my first mill.
I am trying to do some PCB and other flat work
eg: picture milling, signs, ect was wondering if anyone could
recomend some good JPEG to GCode software?:idea:

Hi Peter
Dave from Bahrs Scrub here. I recently bought Vcarve Pro & Cut3D from Vectric (http://www.vectric.com/). They also produce a program called PhotoVCarve which sounds like what you're after.
I haven't tried PhotoVCarve myself but I can confirm their other products are very good and their support is excellent.

Cheers
Dave

Hello again,

I have been poking around the forums for a few weeks now and thought it about high time I introduce myself a little better and also start to make a contribution to the forum.

I am located in Newcastle in NSW just above Sydney. I would like to hear from anyone in the area that can contribute to some projects or who needs assistance with any of the things that I list below that I am familiar with.

Basically, I am an electronic engineer with considerable electrical/electronic and mechanical design experiance that has always had a keen interest in not only using CNC machines but also attempting to build them. I joined this forum after finding it by accident looking for information regarding the machine that I would like to build for my business.

My problem. I need to be able to cut out cardboard that is used in packaging. It comes in sheets and needs to be cut into several different sizes with various openings etc. They generally use a rotarty die knife but they are expensive and only produce one type of package in one particular size.

My Solution. Build a small CNC turret punch that is capable of cutting cardboard about 2mm thick in sheet form (600x450)mm. It will be slower than a die knife but should work well and I can change it whenever I like. I am unable to find anything like it on the net and would like to give it a go. I guess with better rigidity, it could also be used for sheet metal and other soft materials.

If anyone in the Newcastle area would like to help with a little machining, I can offer some help with the following areas...

Electrical Design/Electronics Design
PCB design and fabrication in Protel DXP
Experienced with embedded C on 16 and 32 bit embedded processors
3D cad work in SolidWorks
Competent on a stick and MIG welder
Competent in Metal Fabrication

I also had a business importing solid carbide tooling for several years and still have the contacts overseas available if anyone wants them. If you use a lot of carbide, my information could save you a lot of time and money finding a decent international supplier. I spent a considerable amount of time to get the right guy.

If anyone would like to work with me, just drop me a line and we can take it from there. PM me or hellman81@gmail.com

Welcome hellman81

I'm sure all those skills of yours will come in very hand for those of us building machines, and I'm sure we can all help you in return in one way or another.

With regards to the cardboard cutting, I gather a router cannot cut it cleanly enough? I once cut a whole bunch of thicker carboard (about 4mm) with my triton workbench and it gave a nice clean cut, but that's different to a router cutting it I guess.

You've now given me something else to try when I get my router built.

Claudio

Hi,
I have been away from the site for a while now since moving house. Just wondering what breakout boards and stepper driver boards everyone's using ie off the shelf stuff or make your own? If you are making your own, what design and price? My project has stalled until i can work out the PC to Stepper side of things. Cheers, Jim.

Hi Jim,
I am from Brisbane . I built a gantry type router 6 mths ago and I used HobbyCNCPro board. I can recommend this board, I have bought another for a second machine. The minus for some is that you have to assemble the board yourself. There are very good instructions and if you can use a soldering iron then a couple of hours and you are up and running.
If you need bigger than 305 oz motors then this may not be for you.
RGDS
WJF

Hello,

My name is Daniel and im located in Nowra NSW (located about 2 and a half hours south of sydney). I am currently in the process of building a cnc machine that will be solid enough to stand up to whatever i decided i want to mill. Its a gantry style router and i know alot of you have alreay seen/followed my posts so fra. Cant wait to see it in action sometime within the next 2 weeks. Like 'wjfiles' i too have a 4 axis hobbycnc pro board and am thouroughly liking it, very easy assembly and easy to manipulate to what you need. Might be looking to upgrade to gekkos and some larger motors for speed and cutting force but thats to come later.

Will be looking to get a vetric package (Pro and Cut but not photo) unless i decided on mastercam or similar.
Reguards,
Daniel

Will be looking to get a vetric package (Pro and Cut but not photo) unless i decided on mastercam or similar.
Reguards,
Daniel

V carve is definately what I am saving my pennies for, hopefully its purchase will coincide with the finish of my next router...might be a while, haven't started it yet :D and I am still doing some "improvements" on my first (chair)

Russell.

I'm Sean and am verry new to cnczone and have already found it to be an extreemly helpfull site!:) . Im in bayswater (melbourne) and i do have a question for all those out there....
I've had some trouble with my bridgeport vmc 760/20 machining center after we had a full power blackout the other day! the z axis was affected and tool change height was messed up and the tool changer ran into the side of the head and broke one of the tool holders!
I have found a new holder but there asking $880 for it!!!! if anyone may have one or know of a secondhand place that deals with bridgeport machines i'd be verry appreciative!
Thanks
Sean

Hello Everyone
Just stumbled across this forum and found it very intersting. Been working on cnc's for way to long. Over the years with Okuma, Mazak, Kasuga, Mori Seki, OKK, Fadal, Takisawa, Femco, Victor, Nakimura, Chiron, Hitachi, Daewoo, Dah Lee in CNC and ABB, Kawasaki and Kuka in robots. Again a great forum keep up the good work.
Cheers
Daza

I'm in the Riverina. Been working with CNC's for 17 years now. Mainly Fanuc, Okuma and a little bit of Mazak. Great site. It's already helped me out a bit with ideas as it's a bit lonely where I am (not many places in the country with CNC's)

Hello again, been away from the PC for a while as i have been busy with work
and trying to put my table together in the very small amout of time left in a day.
To date i have sourced 3 ball screw,1 6''rotary table, 4 425 oz nema23 steppers, 4 50v 4.2 amp micro stepping drivers, a 35v 12 amp power supply,
Mach5 software and a few other bits and pieces.
My table has not turned out like i planned but i can't realy complain as this is my first effort, i have been limited with budget and tools.
Anyhow not to far from completion, just a little green when it comes to the
electronic and software side of things.
Should have all the frame boxed up in a couple of day, the i can post some pics to see if i can get some feedback.


Cheers Lou

HI All

Steve from Koondoola, Perth WA here
I know Nothing, have got small sherline lathe, made some stuff for my model R/C prime mover. I would like a cnc mill to make some more custom trailers.
I leaning very hard to Widgetmaster's mill - that thing is just so cool.
But i would need it to be able to do 950mm in length, have asked for extended bed, see what reply I get.
I see most of the aussie's on the other side ,lol
Rod's around the corner from me in Alexander Heights and another Rod is in Mt Nasura about 30 k's away have meet 2nd Rod at one of our R/C truck meetings.

Here's some of our trucks - Enjoy :)
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o72/AussieTrucker/PerthfFleet1.jpg

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o72/AussieTrucker/Ringfeeder1.jpg
Follow links to view others and video :wave:

Catch You Around
Steve

Is any body reading these threads all in lowercase, or 'IS IT JUST ME'?
Quoted part was uppercase.

I think I know what the cause is, it's a setting to prevent SHOUTING.

Hi All... Tony from Parkdale, Victoria (SE Suburb).

Soon to have a widgit Midi Router. Electronics engineer and looking to use it for milling aluminum, acrylic/plastics and also PCBs... among many other tasks it will be used for.

How to I subscribe to the Melbourne BBQ :)

Gday all,
Vance here in Forth Tasmania. Im just building myself a 4' x 4' MDF gantry router and hope to have it running by the new year. any info would be appreciated, how long does it normally take to get a stepper motor package from US I'm looking at the keling 4 axis package. I will post pics soon of the build where should I post them? I look forward to hearing from others on here

Eclipze & 4nak8or

Welcome aboard.

Can't tell about Kelling delivery times but have heard service is good.

Another builder in Tassie. I know of one other in Bagdad.

Tony. an EE hey. You might be a handy bloke to know. :)

Greg (in Geelong)

Eclipze & 4nak8or
Tony. an EE hey. You might be a handy bloke to know. :)

Hahaa... I only drink premium beer :cheers:

The electrics are the easy bit for me... the mechanical side is where the learning curve is the steepest :confused:

Hello everyone. Just wanted to say Hi. I'm all new to this, and hope to learn something.

Ron2008

I am from Box Hill Melbourne and have a Cert II in CNC machining from Swinburne I attend Holmesglen Tafe currently.

I am annoyed by the attitude of employers in Australia - they need experienced people but won't take anybody on with qualifications but lacking experience.

Anybody know what the hourly rate for a cnc operator / programmer is in
Melbourne ? There seems to be some confusion on this issue.

Saw an ad this morning offering $19 / hour - don't labourers get this ?


Regards

Karlis

Gday again,
I just started a build log at http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48123 and would appreciated any feedback from others who have built similar machines before, hopefully your previous experiences will help me make less expensive mistakes, Thankyou in advance for your help.

i am looking for a cnc controller and