3X3 Gantry router/mill project

[Bloy2004]

Entry post:
Some photos of parts and materials collection process.

This will be the Yaxis Gantry with modifications for end support



These will be the x axis glide for the gantry.



This, with modifications will serve as the Z axis

[ynneb]

Thats looking to be a nice collection of parts.
Since you are only doing a 4 x4 table I am wondering if you should use belts.
I only suggested belts so as to make it cheap. But you could use lead screws for that size.
I guess all have their pros and cons. With screws you wont need as much down gearing as with belts.

I think belts are only an alternative for long axis where you want to keep the cost down.

[Bloy2004]

I'm wondering about those belts and drive ratios.... the motors I have are strong..those E712s. running with the higher encoders will reduce the speed maybe without being prone to faulting. And if I run them with lower voltage, I am thinking maybe their strength will offset the possible overheating. ....Pretty sure the Z axis will be screw though.... I still need a much clearer understanding of how all those elements play with each other. Otherwise, yes, I want to avoid all the pulley reduction setups if possible....maybe some properly ratioed gear motors will come along at a "can't pass up" price....
In any event, over the months I've got now somethin' to work with that fits together relatively nice.

[biddaddyg]

Staying under 48", belts will work BUT, you may want to look into lead screws (I agree with ynneb). You can pick up NOOK leads with .003/ft. precision fairly cheap and all the potential (again I said potential) problems with the belts will be eliminated. If you have another $50 (or less) to spend you will see so much gain later on. Plus you can save the belts for future projects or sell them! You have made some very good purchases up till now and most likely things will be just fine. Hey, can I hire you to make purchases for me? I have been trying to pick up a set of rails like that (for that price) but never seem to get what I want. I usually buy new for my resale machines and there are plenty of great deals out there if you know where to look.

[kong]

Subscribed! Mate, if thing turns out like your last project, I will be watching every step of the way
Now a few questions!
Just wondering what you mean when you say higher count encoders will slow it down? Is this due to the 45Khz limit in Mach2? If so, then surely this will increase the likelyhood of a fault, since the geckos will only bear (bare?) a 128 pulse error before faulting, then 128 pulses could end up being a fraction of a degree - please excuse me if I am barking up the wrong tree, I have no idea what encoders you have, or even if you are using geckos
Anyhow, I would love to see this machine run off of balscrews too, don't forget that Reid Tool will export from the USA for an extra $25 admin fee. Again, I have no experience with belts, but I think they are better suited to longer beds than 4 foot since ballscrews should still be affordable.
Anyhow, don't let me put you off, it's gonna be great either way

[Bloy2004]

Kong
I've got Gecko 320's in the control station. Adapters are available for multipliers which might quell the ppr issue. The computer and power supply will be castered from the Shoptask to the router and reconnected. Multiple configurations can be saved to enable easy transition. But, I Have considered the Rutex drives....and another power supply.....just not for a while yet....$$.
Noticing that the y axis(gantry) is already belt driven, I intend to experiment with this motion first. A static mount with the full 24 inch Z axis rails(don't want to cut them down yet) will be put together and numerous tests will ensue.
Remembering that this is a hobby, the intent is not to simply build the machine, but to explore the multiple variations available. This will facilitate a better understanding of "the way things work". Hopefully I won't dawdle too much. Being a factotum, there is usually little time 'til winter. Going there has to be as rewarding as being there.
Hmmm.....I reserve the right to alter my philosophical sensibilities at any time

[anoel]

Bloy... You've got one major advantage that a lot of us don't... You've got a kick ass Mill/Lathe to work with...

You can mill your own parts... Bearing blocks, spacers, Turn your leadscrews, make couplings...yada... yada.. yada...

[Bloy2004]

testing

[HomeCNC]

Bloy,

Welcome to the router club We haven't talked in sometime. Call me if you want to talk about your project.

[Bloy2004]

Geeesh it took months to get this far. And it's on top of another project that has to be completed first for my "work".

But this is the basic configuration: raise it up about 2.5 feet (table and all) under a square metal tube frame. I'd like to do sculpting and have a secondary table insert for more stressful operations so the Z axis won't be "reaching " and have less flex while not extended so far.

I feel lucky that I got most of these parts months (year?) ago because now the bidding on Ebay always goes way over MY budget.

[ger21]

It's nice to know I'm not the only one taking forever to finish a router. I was going to ask you about this after seeing that post on Yahoo about it.

[cbass]

I like the raised design you have going. Like you said, Z clearance will be more flexible. One question: Are you going to run dual screws on either side of the X axis? Or do you plan on just one side being powered? If you go with dual screws, how does everything get syncronized?(SP?) Through the software, or wiring or something else?

Carlo