H1rg0n's Build Log

[H1rg0n]

Started getting parts in so i thought i would start a topic showing the build progress of my Joe's 4X4 Hybrid CNC table. Keeping it in the Canadian Club House as what we (as Canadians) go through (for parts) is completely different than the rest of the world....for some strange reason....LOL

Anyway.....on with the show!!!!!!!!!

Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Here are the table legs to be used as the base. I will be making the 5ft X 6ft table top out of 2 pieces of 1 inch MDF laminated together which will make the top a total of 2 inches thick. Between the metal legs and the MDF top i am guessing that the table itself will weigh in at around 100-125lbs. Bought these at BusyBee Tools for $180.00 each (but needed 2 of them)



Here is the computer that will be used to run the machine. 3 Ghz, 2 Gb RAM, 40 Gb HD, running windows XP Pro. This will be a stand alone machine dedicated to run the CNC, the only program installed on it is Mach 3. All tool paths and file creation will be done on a seperate system. Picked this up at Micro Trends for $250.00 (minus monitor, i had a spare sitting around)



The electronic motors (385 oz-in X 4), power supply (48v, 7.3 Amp), motor drive board (Gecko G540) and cables (2 X 6ft, 1 X 12ft, 1 X 20ft).



The router mount from K2 (porter-cable model), v-groove bearings X 16 and 1/2 inch ID, 4 hole flange bearings X 7 (only 1 is pictured).



Waiting for my 8020/aluminum angle iron and acme lead screw order to get here before i order all the other nuts/bolts/fasteners. As i have deviated from Joe's original plans i will need to figure out how many nuts/bolts/washers/attatchments i will need.

More to follow as i get it.
Cheers
James
AKA H1rg0n

[H1rg0n]

Porter Cable 892 router arrived today.....very sweet and suprisingly very quiet!

[etjoe]

Getting the parts is the most fun. If you need to get aluminum sqare profile, go to Metalsupermarket, much quicker than trying to get 80/20.

[H1rg0n]

Did a test setup with the computer, the G540, power supply and the motors. Connection was very simple and easy, the instructions from Gecko are laid out very well.

Mach 3 was almost as simple, just making sure all the pins and ports were good. Had an issue at the beginning when i slaved the 4th motor to the X axis, it was spinning in the wrong direction.....did a quick internet search and found the solution is in the Config>Homing/Limits menu.....i had to set up the slave motor as Reversed. All good to go now.

Made a small design change. I will be doing what is known as the "Angle Iron Mod" on my table and in doing this mod i can drop my table thickness from 2 inches (2 X 1 inch pieces) to 1 1/2 (2 X 3/4 inch pieces). The angle iron runs the complete 6 foot length of the table on both sides. This will add rigidity (and wieght) to the table. For those that don't know what the Angle Iron Mod is i will detail it in depth as i do it.

Thats about all for now. Still waiting for 80/20 and leadscrew orders to get here.

[Drools]

One note, if you can get a external video card in that HP I would go for it. I used one similar and switching screens was a pain with the onboard video.

[H1rg0n]

Originally Posted by Drools One note, if you can get a external video card in that HP I would go for it. I used one similar and switching screens was a pain with the onboard video.

I have a buddy of mine tracking one down for me....

[Grovian]

So you making sawdust yet?

[H1rg0n]

Originally Posted by Grovian So you making sawdust yet?

Not yet. I am waiting for the nut and bolt order to come in from Fastenal (should be in tomorrow or friday)

I have already put the MDF peices together and have them glued and painted.

Tabletop is built and everything else is ready and waiting....

[Grovian]

ohhhhhhhh exciting times!!!

[H1rg0n]

OK....finally the nut/bolt/washer order came in from Fastenal....

The build officially starts this weekend!!!

Progress pics to follow!

[dustin1706]

Jealous! Fastenal apparently forgot to ship my order out, so I'm still waiting probably another two weeks.

Get to 'er and show those pics!

[H1rg0n]

Originally Posted by dustin1706 Jealous! Fastenal apparently forgot to ship my order out, so I'm still waiting probably another two weeks.

I have learned my lesson with Fastenal. If/when you arder from them you really have to stay on them. Phone them on a regular basis asking for updates to your order.

Also something i found out, all of Fastenals bolts are a minimum grade 5 bolt and anything you get at Home Depot/Rona are a grade 3 bolt....not that i think that would matter but a nice to know.