My first CNC mill on the way : )))))

[kayakman]

Hi all.
)I have just sent my dwg file to the watterjetcuting firm to to cutted. It is a clone of the Zoltar but much larger and with real high quality linear bearings from INA. I have settled for bearings with carriage wheels as they is supposed to be very resistant for dust and particles.

I will upload a pic of the parts to be cut but I cant upload the picture on the site. Any suggestions? I have attached it thou.

I have three steppermotors at home which I think could be used and they are of the bipolar type. Anyone have any suggestions for which controller I should use. I wan´t one with endswitches and homeswitches and preferably an emergancy cutof switch.

I was thinking of using Master5 NC program. I thiunk it works with step dir method.

Best regards / Anders Molin

[kayakman]

Here is a pic on the linear bearings I will use

[pack rat]

More information on the motor is needed. In my book there are only two controllers for small steppers Xylotex, and large motors with Gecko drives.

[Mr.Chips]

Anders,
What's the manuf of the linear bearings?

Nice going, keep the photos comming.
Hager

[kayakman]

The manufacturer of the linear bearings is INA-Schaeffler KG.

http://www.ina.de/

This type of linear bearings are suposed to be more resistant to dust and particles than ordianry linear bearings.

BTW they are not "to" expensive.


Best regards / Anders Molin

Ps! I will keep the photos coming!

[mwalach]

I am using master 5 with my machine. I like it so far. Very easy to use.

Here is my site with pics and plans for my machine.

http://members.cox.net/walachcnc

Mike

[High Seas]

kayakman -- Anders, an Oversize Zoltar - sounds neat - what will be the working space?

mwalach - Mike, Nice web page - and how very kind of you to hang all that good info on it too! Plans and details that others charge for - Thanks Heaps!
Is your scheme to write some software and "small charge" for that? The simple and clean interface you have on the site looks interesting!
Jim

[mwalach]

Everything on my site is free. I am a teacher, and started studing stepper motors and programming on my own a few years back. I always thought it would be cool to have a computer control for a dremel tool. I knew a little about CNC, but not much. The school I teach at bought a CNC router system for the wood shop. It does very cool things and I was instantly impressed. However...It cost $15,000!! But I was convinced I could build one...cheaper. I started to study programming the parallel port and surfed theb for info on cnc and discovered this "underground world" of CNC hobbiest. Lots of people had pics of there machines but no one was "giving away" anything. So I built my own machine, with much frustration and fumbling around in the dark. Once I finally figured things out and got it to work (Just as well as our $15,000 machine at the school) I figured I would share my lessons. After all it is what I am trained to do. Learn something and pass on the knowledge to others. I have a lot of teacher friends who like me, work in schools with very little money. So why not give away as much info as possible to help them out? As for the software, my initial thought was to sell it for a small price. (Justify all the time I spend ignoring my Fianse' (SP) to work on my machine) But I have realised just how difficult it is to drive steppers in the windows enviroment. I am still working to develop the software, and will initially release it as a free, fully working version to iron out the bugs. Maybe once it is tightened up I will sell it...maybe not. Anyway, thats my story and I'm sticking to it. Thanks for looking. Feel free to ask any questions. Have you built/bought/are building/ a machine?


Mike

[High Seas]

mwalach - Mike, I've built a machine - its in the photo gallery (System2) under High Seas. Currently using MACH2 and its a very nice program with some neat features. But I'm always looking for improvements and refinements in the software/integration - liked your interface - simple and clean. Very nice for quick fast use.
As a former instructor/teacher/trainer I appreciate your perspective - give something back - so cool. Also like the idea/model of release and beta test and small pricing too! Keeps the big guys on their toes and improves the whole system. I think a lot of the DIYers here are into the less than 10K system too! Any value added is certainly scarfed up! Best of luck and,
Jim

[kayakman]

Hi

@High Seas

The working space will be about 120 x 90 cm. One of the mayne purposes for the mill will be to mill out depron parts for model airplanes. But I will also mill MDF, balsa, plywood and aluminum.

I will keep the photos coming along the assembly. I will pick up the watercutted parts next week.

[kayakman]

I have been looking at the Xylotec controller which looks good. What size stepper do I need to use? Would it work with 034 size. Single, double och trippel stack and BTW what is the difference???? : )

Does anyone have any other suggestions on controller, NC program and steppers?

How mutch would it cost to go servo style?

Best regards / Anders Molin

[pack rat]

034 I think you refer to Nema 34 size. Xylotex uses max of 35V DC and 2.5A. I have size 34 frame motors and one set of the motors would not work with the board. Another set of motors will work with it if the amps are below 2.5. As for servo controller Gecko's or Rutex. For servo motors you could use these http://www.automec-direct.netfirms.c..._dc_motor.html You must add the encoder. Jeff from homeCNC reserched and added encoders to them. He use to sell them complete with encoders really cheap. If he is using them then they are good.