New Machine Build- Brett's Desktop 3-Axis

[twistedfuse]

Brett,

I know the feeling not having the machining gear at home to help. It would be a good idea to build it from mdf anyway to help with the ideas and switch it out later. My next machine is in the same place as yours. Stuck trying to build. Might be an idea to post your info here to see if anyone would do the work for you.

Daniel

[brettneale]

Some progress today, I bought a 2U 19" rack mount enclosure for the electronics. I measured the base of the CNC and the rack box is basically the same footprint, so it will be perfect to sit underneath it. It's black anodized ally too so should look pretty nice! $65 from Aztronics (an Altronics dealer). I think all this hardware, fasteners and wiring might start adding up!

Originally Posted by twistedfuse Might be an idea to post your info here to see if anyone would do the work for you.

Yeah that's an idea. I have some connections at the Adelaide Uni MechEng workshop so I might see what they can do, or if they can quote the parts for me. I'll still need some machining done to the leadscrews and for the stepper standoffs, but I'm thinking they will be pretty cheap and easy anyways.

[brettneale]

Well I've decided I've come this far, I might as well go with Aluminium! I ordered all the flat bar and the large plates for the gantry sideplates. The material should be ready to pick up tomorrow (hopefully). To keep costs down I might get all the flatbars milled to length and get any cutouts and bearing holes machined while they're at it, then I'll drill and tap the holes myself (have access to a pedestal drill press...), so that should bring down the labour costs quite a bit. I'm also considering waterjet or laser cutting the gantry sideplates too...

In other news, the control box is coming along well. The wiring has started and I'm just waiting on my ally order which contains the 1.6mm false floor for everything to sit on in the box. The rear panel has been finalised so I'll send that off to be lasercut and I'll drill the front panel myself. CAD pics to come after work tonight!

[crocky]

Hi Brett,

Sounds like it is well in hand keep up the good work

[twistedfuse]

How the machine coming along? Hope its doing better than mine. More contemplation rather than building.

Daniel

[brettneale]

Heh yeah I haven't got around to much of it lately. I've got all the aluminium sitting in the spare room ready to be machined, but it's just a case of getting drawings out and figuring out what I can do and what I'll need machined (e.g. I can drill and tap all the holes). The only problem is that I spend all day at work making drawings and operating a CAD station that I don't really want to keep doing more of it when I get home...

I might have a chat to the MechEng workshop at Uni and see what I can get done there.

[twistedfuse]

Sounds like your on your way. I know what you mean about drafting all day and then coming home and doing it. Looking forward to seeing the photos of the machined plates very soon, and the progress tho, just need to drill that first hole and you'll be hooked and past that first hurdle. Keep up the good work

Daniel