Seeking help building a machine

[43220]

I really need help with this.

First off, I do not understand computers at all, let alone software and programming so need help with this. I read the posts on this forum about things like G codes and the like, and don't have the faintest idea what you all are talking about!

Also don't understand stepper motors, etc.

Hoping someone here will give me 100% support in developing a machine and the hardware and software for it. I will pay them for their time.

I needed this machine a year ago! It is vital for my business (FYI I am located in Michigan).

Anyone?

[NinerSevenTango]

Where in Michigan, maybe I can help you out.

--97T--

[43220]

About middle of the lower peninsula (Osceola Cty).

[robpiaz]

The way you can run these types of cutters you need to have knowledge of a Cadd system because most cutting softwares need a .dxf file to import them to. And some types of software take a .dxf and convert to g-code. It's not as simple as plugging in thing into a PC. I've built a few of these and think if you stick to proven designs you should be ok.

[cnccutter]

Hows goes the battle? I am just finishing a 60" x 60" X 25" high 4 axis machine. I live in SE mich let me know if I can Help.
Mark

[43220]

Still no progress to date, but I've ordered some cheap ($5 each) stepper motors and a cheap ($25) controller kit to fool around with and maybe start to figure something out. Guess I'm on my own to flounder through the process. Amazing how much help you can get on line (yeah, right).

I'm sitting on what is probably a huge business opportunity, but can I get help with it? And we all wonder why there's so much un (or under) employment around?

How about I visit one of you nearby guys places to get some ideas (on WTH I'm doing!)? As I posted earlier, maybe someone has some surplus stuff laying around I could use?

[cnccutter]

What size parts do you need to cut? With what accuracy? How much do you want to spend?

[43220]

Mark - see page one this thread (esp. post #5) for size and general machine specs.

Accuracy? Hard to specify with foam, but for what I need to do, shouldn't be difficult (+/- .010"?).

I am PM-ing you for contact info.

[harryn]

FWIW, if you read the thread about the "snake" in this section, he has a machine that was built up for him. Does nice work AFAIK.

Maybe contact the supplier of that system ? If you have a lot of potential foam cutting business, then you are just wasting time building it yourself. You can always build machine number 2 when your business grows and you have some more experience under your belt.

Another option of course, would be for you to find a shop / cnc hobbiest that has a foam cutter, and work with them in a sales / commission role. Shops almost always need more work.

[43220]

just got in some surplus motors, three:

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...R_(USED)_.html

these came with a mounting bracket attached which will help - hoping to use two (one on each end of wire frame) to control position of wire. Maybe third can be used to move/position foam.

What else do I need to drive/control these with a computer?

and one each:

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...IN_4118S_.html

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...LLER_KIT_.html

[robpiaz]

I looked at the links you posted this would work for a small hobby machine. I built a machine that could cut 60" x 60" and could mount the towers at any distance way from each other. I used 276in. oz. steppers with a kit stepper controller from kitsrus.com. Specifically K158. It works well the only draw back to is that a stepper motor can't be driven very fast. I used acme screws to push the X and Y. If I were to do it again I would use timing belt or some other cable type of movement. That would help the cut speed issue and oscillation of the acme screw at higher speeds. Also depending on budget if it allows you to buy a better motor driver I would do it. With the K158 I had to put resistors inline of motor leads. Some of the pricer drivers dont need these to be install which give you better stepper performance. Hope this helps.

[radcliffe]

43220
I suggest that you look at Hobbycnc driver board for your controller. It is a kit but has auto heat control for the wire and also it a chopper that is it doesn't need ballast resistors for motors. Also if you can afford it look at their foam cutting package.
http://www.hobbycnc.com
I have no connection with this company but have read good reports from customers in this forum.
Harold