My machine is 6 months old now

[Netjams]

I wanted to post a build log but I didn't have a camera to share pictures and all the plans were just in my head. After using it for the last 6 months or so I have learned a lot about the weak design but have been able to use it knowing what I can and can't do.
To begin I didn't have any tools other then a set of Ridgid cordless power tools (a drill, sawsall, and skillsaw) oh and a $20 trim router from Harbor freight last an old $10 skill saw from the flemarket. I knew to pull this off I would need a table saw, drill press and router table so I made all those things by building jigs that use the Ridgid tools. For example an old dresser made a great table saw with the old $10 skillsaw mounted underneath and using the dresser top as the table and screwing a fence in the position I needed. On both X rails (the length rails) and the Y rail (side to side) are just 3/4" mdf cut in 6" strips with a 1/4"X1/4" slot cut in the side ends for the 1/2" precision ground steel rods to lay in.

The table size is 48"X24" with about 5" of Z travel (depending on how I place the router and what bit I use). I'm using 3 Geko 201's powered by a 50 volt transformer I got out of an old high power audio amp (about 10 amps?) driving 1 nema 34 604oz for the x and 2 nema 34 ???Oz for the x and y, the 5 volt is still on a breadboard. I'm using 1/2" rolled ball screws on all x, y and z but the end connected to the couplers is ground on a grinder freehand and not so straight.

The machine performs very well, it will run 170 ipm but cutting around 80 or so is as fast as you would want on most any wood. It has good repeatability and a resolution of 1/10,000" but the design really won't allow that close of work with any accuracy.

Now I need to figure out the image part. I got a camera today and have taken some pics of the machine and some of the work I have done on it.
I will post pics shortly

[Netjams]

Ok I think this will work.

[Netjams]

Here is a short vidio of it running.

CNC vidio

[Netjams]

Some pictures of some of the stuff I made with this machine.

[InventorJohn]

I like it! Very cool router! Gives me ideas on how to proceed with my gantry. Its amazing what you can build with just wood. I also seen your mention of harbor frieght, Its a great place. My inlaw keeps all the sale ads in a 3 ring notebook, and they honor all their old ads.

[Netjams]

I'm glad you like it and hope it inspires others to go forard with making their own.

[bigz1]

I like the dual rails on the x axis. Have you got a closeup of the bearings?

Could you also tell me how much your router bit moves by racking the gantry?

Liam

[Netjams]

Could you also tell me how much your router bit moves by racking the gantry?

I'm not sure what your asking about racking?

I will post some close ups of the bearing setups I used.

[Netjams]

This is a close up of the bearings in the top rail of X

[planekrazie]

Nice.. The bearings are almost like Train Wheels. Where did you find them?
Steve

[Netjams]

The bearings were surplus from my local electronics store, I think they were use for guides in old radios. The have very little runout and worked great for this application. I think I still have a hundred of them (need to look), at the time they had them for sale 5 cents each so I purchase 200 of them.

[bigz1]

Thanks for the closeup netjams. Nice simple idea. I take it their is some small position adjustment available?

By racking I meant how much will the router bit move from it intended posistion by pushing forcibly on one side of the gantry(router being as close to this side as possible).