New CNC Router - DataCut Design

[Hack]

I am about to begin my 3rd router. This one is gonna be based on the plans I purchased from DataCut. Seems as though this router design has gotten a lot of interest from members, but I haven't seen anyone build one yet. Will probably just provide some general overview and pics as I go along as I don't want to ruin the plans for the original designer. This may be more of a review as I go along than anything, but I still believe there is some interest by members. I also thought that I might keep a running total as far as the money spent o the project so others can see how much it truly costs.

This really looks like a great machine and I have hopes of this being the last router I'll need to build to fit my needs. I'm sure I will be making a couple of changes as I go, but for the most part will be sticking to the plans.

I am gonna begin building the stand tomarrow and hope to have some pics up by the end of the weekend of at least that much. This is gonna be a winter project for me so please be patient as I build. This may take few months as I only have 1 or 2 days / evenings free per week. Hope to have it done by spring by the latest.

Dan

[Jason Marsha]

Good luck!
We await your first installment of pics.

Jason

[ViperTX]

Yep, I sold my plans and designed my own....the plans look very solid....I guess I'm not just a builder, but more of a designer....so, I'm designing my own and building as I go.....working on the x and y ballscrews then I'll need to do the z-axis.

[dmgdesigns]

I just finished using the Data Cut plans. I took a few pictures but I will have to look for them. I don't want to take over the thread so I will give a brief over view of my experience. I am a little reluctant to post my experiences I seem to recall you have built a couple of machines already.

The plans were easy to modify with AutoCad. The only draw back I found was all the machining required. If you have or have access to a mill or cheap machine shop this will not be a problem. The plans call for precise machining for all the bearings. I eliminated this cost by getting bearing blocks I found here http://www.misumiamerica.com/SearchR...aring%20blocks . I made a template out of MDF to drill and counter sink all the holes in the table top with a plunge router. I will have to find pics for a better explanation if you want. Other than that the machine is a good solid machine.

Looking forward to following your build!

[Hack]

I was able to get out to the shop this morning and begin work on the frame / base of the router only to realize that I did not have enough fasteners to put it all together. So right now all I have is a bunch of extrusions laying in a pile. I will order more hardware on monday and will make progress after that.

I had actually thought about and drawn a design for myself, but with the high cost of the items to be used, I didn't want to take chances. I would love to see some finished pics if you would like to post them. Fortunately I do have a mill/drill in the shop and also have access to ALOT of machining equipment at work, so the machining should not be an issue. There definitely appears to be alot of it.

Dan

[dmgdesigns]

Dan
It sounds like this will be a breeze for you. I purchased the digital plans. It made customizing the plans simple. I don't have any photos of the finished machine but here are some I took before wiring.

[ViperTX]

Is anyone keeping track of their costs?

[Hack]

Thanks for postiong the pics Mark. It will be an inspiration to know that this has been successfully built by someone other than the seller of the plans.

Viper,

I am gonna keep a total of my cost as I build this and post them here for all to see.

Dan

[dmgdesigns]

Thanks Dan

Viper- I made a LOT of mistakes making the machine so my cost would not be valid. I did not listen to everyone's advice- "Make a small machine first!" My machine has 61/2 X 33 X 53 travel and took me off and on 1yr. to build. The up side is I have a machine to fit my needs. It is just the right size to work with 1/3 of a sheet of MDF with no waste.

[WarrenW]

Does anyone know if the DataCut plans are using a supported X axis linear shaft or is it not supported? I could not tell by the pics above. And if its supported, is it using open pillow block bearings, closed or another method? Just looking into it before I consider ordering these plans.

Thanks!

[Hack]

The datacut router does use continuously supported rails on all 3 axis. It also uses open pillowblocks for all 3 axis.

Dan

[WarrenW]

Who has the best sources for the open pillowblock bearings? I looked on use-enco.com and they run around $70 each. And to support the Gantry on the X axis it seems you would need 2 on each side. I'm not sure what the plans call for but from others I have looked at and to support the weight... just my thoughts.