My first router - Finally!

[Vanger]

Seen it, Love it, Wanna see final results

Vanger

[anoel]

Those linear shafts look "really" small.

[raiven]

I've been having problems uploading video's. Is there a maximum size? the file I have is about 4MB and shows the machine drawing the coca cola logo. I tried to upload but it doesn't work.

anoel: indeed, the shafts are small. They are only 10mm diameter. They were the only ones the store had in stock at that time. They are not as strong as I had hoped so I think I wont be able to do much more than milling PCB's on it and maybe some light engraving. I am going to start on the Z-axis now. See how far I can get this week. I would like to have the machine up and running by the end of the month.

[campaX]

Hey, i'm intrested in your acrylic machine, please post new picture! i know it's been a while... and the final results?

[raiven]

thanks for the compliment!

Unfortunatly I have halted the contruction of the router. The acrylic is just too "bendable" which results in poor accuracy. I originally wanted to route PCB's on it which requires a decent level of accuracy. In stead of pouring more money and time into something that won't work anyway, I've decided to stop working on this machine and am contemplating a new design (probably MDF and drawer slides).I've got time until the weather gets a bit warmer as my shop does not have heating and it can get pretty cold here in Belgium!

Thanks for all the support for everybody here on the forum but this is just one of those times where you have to cut your losses and move on.
But don't worry, I'll be back in the spring!

Dimitri

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by raiven thanks for the compliment! Unfortunatly I have halted the contruction of the router. The acrylic is just too "bendable" which results in poor accuracy. I originally wanted to route PCB's on it which requires a decent level of accuracy. In stead of pouring more money and time into something that won't work anyway, I've decided to stop working on this machine and am contemplating a new design (probably MDF and drawer slides).I've got time until the weather gets a bit warmer as my shop does not have heating and it can get pretty cold here in Belgium! Thanks for all the support for everybody here on the forum but this is just one of those times where you have to cut your losses and move on. But don't worry, I'll be back in the spring! Dimitri

you should be able to strengthen it up by using 1/2" acrylic strips perpendicular to the gantry sides and where else needed you can use what is called acrylic weld a liquid applied with a dropper which welds the pieces together I have used it and you would break the acrylic befor the weld would break thats how strong it is.

Joe

[raiven]

The machine is not going to be scrapped! After some pondering I may have found a use for it. The Z axis was too heavy for this machine but if I replaced it with a pen I have a plotter! not wat I originally has in mind but it will work.
The only thing I need to figure out now is how to make a pen that I can lift off the paper electronically. I read somewhere on the web to use the coil from a relay. Any of you guys have a suggestion on how to build something like this?

Thnx,

Dimitri

[campaX]

Use a solenoid.

Look here

[mwalach]

just thought I would wiegh in here, as this is my design..sort of.

Plans call for 3/4" HDPE not plexi. The hdpe is WAAAYYYY stronger and doesn't flex like the plexi. Not a bad looking machine, but you need stronger material. HDPE is also very easy to cut and drill.

www.bigbearcnc.com