Aussie gantry router build number 4

[Rodm1954]

I seem to be addicted to building these things. I'll let the photos show the progress.
First set is the steel work for the base

[Rodm1954]

Next set a bit further along

[Rodm1954]

The Xylotex driver board in the making.

[Rodm1954]

And getting a bit closer to being finished

[Rodm1954]

Now for some detail.
It has a cutting envelope of 485mm by 485mm by 110mm and uses actuators on all three axes. A neat and quick way to build a machine.
The cranked gantry is used to bring the weight back over the X axis linear bearings and also to shorten the table.
The table has a push pull fastening system that uses grub screws to adjust the height of the table and socket head screws to hold it down. A quick adjustment with a dial gauge on Z axis got it within 2 thou and I hope to improve on that in a week or so after it all settles down.
The table has a gap of 50mm between the sides to allow for side clamping.
The gantry sides and panels for the driver board were cut on one of my earlier machines.
I use die grinders on all my machines as I have found them to be more robust than a router. This one is a Milwaukee 1/4 inch variable speed.
I am using 269 oz steppers and expect 3metres/min based on previous builds using this combination.
I'll post back when it is finished.

[epineh]

I think you have forgotten something ?

As per your own convention this latest beastie should have a name

Very nice work btw, judging by the time you posted seems like you have been burning the midnight oil to get it going. Oh well you have shamed me back into action, I have done more talk on my machine than actual work lately, I think it is time to start doin stuff again.

Cheers.

Russell.

[Rodm1954]

Hi Russell
Good to see you are still into the CNC. I have to burn the midnight oil at the moment as I have parts for another two machines waiting to be built. It's all good fun.

I didn't forget the name and if you go to post 2 you can see Rodot engraved in the gantry sides. I'm running out of names.

Yeah lets see some action from you guys on the other side.

[dertsap]

love the gantry design
youve obviously took some time to come to a good plan and youve gathered some really nice gear to dress that baby with
good show man

[Rodm1954]

Thanks for the comments Dertsap.
I run with a few ideas in my head and just try to build them better than the last one.

[epineh]

Originally Posted by Rodm1954 Yeah lets see some action from you guys on the other side.

Heh, working on it, I gotta fix the first to make parts for the second, I'm sure you understand, lol

Russell.

[Rodm1954]

Russell,
Sure do. We push it uphill in Oz with prices and availablity of parts. Only the very keen and patient finish a build.
I start collecting parts three months ahead or else it sits partly completed for weeks while parts ship from disant shores.

[epineh]

We push it uphill and around the corner, as I mentioned in my router thread, encoders are holding me up now, I even looked at making my own, seems that I can't even get the optical pickups without buying a million of them
I guess it makes us try a little harder, I am now planning to make my own servo drives, boards, components the whole thing, so the only thing I will have to import is the encoders and possibly future servos, though I am working on both of those.

Russell.