Router Using 3/4" MDF (first router build)

[eguy208]

Yeah, I probably should add some bracing. I never thought the project would get this big and heavy, lol.

UPDATE:

I got my motors running. I set my Vref voltages wrong on the hobbycnc board, so they were cutting out after a few seconds of use. I reset them and now the motors work much smoother and quieter.

I've decided to swap out the PTFE bearings for self-aligning linear ball bearings. I have too much friction in the axis right now. I'm going to use the new bearings and also make some alignment blocks for the guide rails.

As far as I know, I'm set with the programming part :-). Now I just need to button up the mechanical details with the machine.

My goal is to create a carving from an image by Thanksgiving day (November 22nd).

-Levino

[Mr.Chips]

Hi Levino,

Yep thoes are pains and hassels we all go through, but sounds like you are in the home stretch and a easy finish by Turkey day. Good luck and keep the pictures coming.

Hager

[harryn]

If you continue having Z axis motion challenges, it is possible to sort of neutrailize out the weight with constant force springs ( mcmastercarr.com )

I will be needing them in my build.

[eguy208]

Holy Crap!! I got the linear ball bearings in and WOW. The axis are sooooo much smoother. Also the linear ball bearings are able to self-align up to 1/2 degree, which is helping alot.

Here's the diffference:


The linear ball bearing has a plastic tube inside it's inner bore. This is so the balls don't fall out. You push the guide rail in and let the rail push the tube out.

Here are the new bearings mounted:


I can't believe how smooth the travels are now. I won't need to worry about making alignment blocks anymore :-)

I'm making an arm that will help support the router motor. I want to make sure it's fully cured before applying stress, so it will be mounted tomorrow night.

Here's the arm drying:



I'm using some old bearings I had laying around from an old Battlebot. I'll have pictures later of the mounted arm.

I'm starting to figure out how to hold the bits in the router. The collet that came with the router was crap (and broke). And all the collets I have from my manual mill are too big. So I need to find another collet that fits this motor and can use my bits.

Here's the motor, my bits and my collets:




It's getting there :-)

-Levino

[Khalid]

No ball nose tool????

[eguy208]

Originally Posted by Khalid No ball nose tool????

Nope, never needed one. What you're seeing is from what I've needed in the past.

-Levino

[eguy208]

I'm in the home stretch. I installed the support arm for the Y-axis:




Those are actually little pullies. I had them laying around. With the arm, it can support the big motor just fine. I'm thinking the force of cutting into material won't be big enough to deflect the axis upwards with soft materials like wood. If it does deflect I'll address it later.

I also now have a video on youtube showing the axis moving. The clicking is from the Z-axis stepper motor, it's resonating through the MDF:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyT0-UOT19E

Last thing I need are some bits to begin cutting stuff. The cutting bits and collets have been ordered.....I have no idea when I'll get them :-(

I'm really interested in seeing what kind of resolution I can get from this thing!

-Levino

[eguy208]

Finally made a couple carvings. I need to work on the resolution:




-Levino

[Khalid]

good job done

[harryn]

Originally Posted by Meduza you will propably need to buy a desktop computer, CNC does not work through the USB->Paralell adapters, but there is a quite expensive PCMCIA card that have a paralell port that CNC control works with...

Hi Meduza - do you happen to have a source for that card or brand ?

Thanks