Another Aussie homebuilt router

[Greolt]

I have enjoyed reading the build logs on the forum so I thought I had better make my contribution.

My aim is to have a router for Vee carving wood and cutting other materials maybe up to aluminium.

This build is based around two channels as the main structure of the base. Envelope 900 x 700 x 180

I had to machine the top and bottom surfaces to create a true reference on which attach the X rails and angle iron for the bed.

In the first pic I am using the tapping facility on my X3 to tap the forty holes for the rails. Worked great.

Second pic the paint job.

And last setting up the rails with the gantry. Lots of time spent here with straight edge, and feeler guage.
Got it pretty well spot on. Gantry runs down the rails really nice.

Gantry is based around a piece of "ITEM" (another brand like 80-20)

X is to be spring loaded gear rack drive on each side. 4 to 1 belt reduction.

I will do that next as I need to prove to myself that gear racks will be as good as people say they are.

If that turns out really well the Y will be rack as well.

[epineh]

That is one sweet looking machine so far, can't wait to see the finished product. How much time have you spent on it so far?

Russell.

[Greolt]

Hey Russell, I have followed your build with interest. Great to see those first cuts happening.
You were one of the ones that inspired me to log my build.

I will be pleased to see it done too but it will probably take a while. So far I have not spent long
but lots of time before that thinking about and deciding on a design.

I envy those people who have the cad skills to do the fancy drawings and nut out designs that way.
For me it all takes place in my head, mostly lying in bed in the wee hours.

[epineh]

Glad to be of help, I know what you mean about the people with CAD skills, I made mine up as I went along, probably shows, but I am happy with the results. Gotta learn CAD now the thing is running.

As far as the rack and pinion goes, I am thinking of using them in my next build, the ones I have seen use a spring to hold the pinion against the rack to eliminate backlash (fairly heavy spring) and they work fine.

Keep up the good work.

Russell.

[Jason Marsha]

Great looking Greolt.

Having the mill do the tapping must have been a great relief.


Jason

[Greolt]

Just to show I have been making some progress in between the work rush before christmas and
all the other things a family man must do

Here is a pic of the machining of a motor mount bracket for my X axis. Great thing this CNC'd X3

[Netjams]

First class!

Keep the pics coming

[Calculus]

Great Job there. Where did you get those linear rails from?

[higgrobot]

Greolt, i'm liking what ive seen so far, it's definately encouraged me to continue to gather parts for my own project(s). I can only hope to match the level of craftmanship that im seeing from you and others on cnczone, keep up the good stuff.

Calculus, you can get linear bearings, rails and ball screws from http://www.linearbearings.com.au/

[Greolt]

Calculus, I got them from "Linear Bearings" in Melbourne.

They are Abbatech brand from Taiwan. One quarter the price of THK. Four rows of balls in each block.

I know some people manage to get bargains from ebay but I didn't have any luck.
When you add the cost to freight them here from the USA or Siingapore they are suddenly
no cheaper than buying brand new. And they have been replaced because they are worn.
Plus I got exactly the length and size I wanted.

Can you tell I am justifying it all to myself.

PS: Don't tell "Her Indoors"

[Calculus]

How much were they(If you don't mind me asking)? I'm in Vic and got a quote for some ballscrews from linearbearings..could not afford them!

[Greolt]

Calculus, the blocks were about $65 each and the rail $125 per metre.

They are no good for the type of rolled ballscrew that is popular. Too exy.
Better to go to "Homeshop CNC"

The X axis motor brackets are coming together. Trouble is Her Indoors wants to go away for a few days so it will have to wait now