New Machine Build- MDF with a working area of 1400x2600 mm

[jeroen87]

After reading all (well, a lot...) of the threads on this forum, I started working on my design today, and I can't wait to start building!

For now, it's on the drawing board.

The idea is to create a CNC router with a working area of approximately 1400x2600 mm (yep, I'm in Europe). Using the "skateboard bearing" guide system.
I'm on a tight budget for a big router, and repeatabiltity is more important than accuracy.
Plan on using acme screws and steppermotors (640 oz/inch), haven't decided on the drivers yet, if anyone has a suggestion....

See the attached files for my first drawings, no where near finished, but I'm already enjoying it. Please feel free to comment, it's appreciated!

Will be adding updates as I go along!

Jeroen

[Radzio26]

Hello!

This is in fact my first post on this board so...helo everyone!
With such a big working area you may have some problems with the screw deflection/vibrations...From what I remember Joe's already said that his 4x4 is the biggest one to produce for home use. If you plan to build 1400x2600 (like a lot of commercial routers) I would consider rack and pinion or very expensive ball screws.

Just my 0.2 cents (or my "3 grosze" here in Poland heheh

Best regards
Radzio

[jeroen87]

Hey Radzio,

thanks for your reply, I've thought about a rack and pinion system, but for now, decided to go with the acme screw (not 100% sure). This is for a big part based on costs... If you know anyone who delivers relatively cheap rack-and-pinion systems to the Netherlands, I'm all ears.

In order to keep the long axis from deflecting, my idea at this point is to use 25 mm screws. Any advice is usefull though.

For now, repeatability is much more important than accuracy, but maybe this will change in the future.... But who knows, a second project with high accuracy and repeatability?

Plan is to start building the table next week, will keep the option for rack and pinion open.

greets,

Jeroen

[jeroen87]

I've ordered and recieved the first materials last week, but haven't been able to work on it.
A big pile of (CNC) pre-cut MDF parts are waiting to be assembled, I'm getting excited.

First, I build a big working table to make working more easy and have a place to store the parts.

Started with the guiding system this weekend, hope to put some more work in it this week.

I've attached some pictures of the first little steps on the guiding system.

Jeroen

[alexccmeister]

Hi Jeroen,

Interesting build. Would love to see how the router will turn out. Please post lots of pictures. Good luck.

Alex

[jeroen87]

Started the work on the table today, I've constructed the main part, will be working on stabilizing and straightening it the following days, but the main construction is nearly finished.
Starting to see the size of it, and it's pretty big!

Also, I made the first test on the home made guiding system, which came out pretty good, maybe some adjustments needed, but not much.

will keep on posting the following days/weeks!

[jeroen87]

Yes, finally I assembled some moving parts, started working on the z-axis today, and I liked the way it turned out. Very stable, so I'm happy!

First I started out with "old fashioned" router work by hand to keep the aluminium angles at the right place.
Used these subassemblies to get the sizes for the other parts, and finally I used glue and screw to hold it together. And before i knew it, my z-axis was completed and moving nicely.

Further I started assembly of the guide for the y-axis, which I hope to finish tomorrow. Then on to the drive systems!

More pictures coming soon!

[jeroen87]

Assembled the Y-axis wagon today and it moves smoothly along the axis.

Decided to go for a metric screw for the Z-axis (M8). For now it looks ok, but maybe I'll have to change it after my first test...
Used skateboard bearings on both ends of the bearing and a "rampa-insert" (www.rampashop.de) a a nut (see pictures). It's feels quite stable and runs ok (tested it with my cordless drill at 400 rpm).

I'm still deciding on the leadscrews on the X (2850 mm) and Y axis (1800 mm). My budget is pretty low, and I have the following options:
- Use big (M20) metric screws
- Go for trapezoidal screws TR 20x4, off course a lot more expensive
- still in doubt on the long X-axis, maybe a rack and pinion system

Since it's my first project I don't want to spent a lot of cash, but I don't want to end up with a useless machine.

For now my my thought are heavily on using a big metric screw, try it with this one, and if it proofs to be to instable, change to one of the other options. Any advice is appreciated.

Can't wait to get on with the project.

[Khalid]

Nice job you are doing..I am contineously watching..Once u finallized ur parts , disassembled and give them a shot of Primer/undercoat.. MDF is very poor when exposed to humid environment..

[tumutbound]

Hi Jeroen,
I'm also starting on my first MDF machine, very similar to yours in design but much smaller, X axis will be 1200mm max.
No pictures yet as I haven't drawn up the dimensions to get the MDF cut.
I'll be watching this thread with interest.

BTW, are those drawings from sketchup?

[jeroen87]

No pictures today, I forgot my camera....

Today I've worked on the table, still got some problems with deflection of the table, but hope to solve this with some "torsion-box" constructions, more on this later.

After completion I'm definitely painting the whole structure with a few layers of paint.

(tumutbound: I've made my drawings in Autodesk Inventor, but changed a lot along the way, so there not up to date anymore. If you're interested, send me a PM and I'll email you the files. I plan to make new ones when I'm finished, so maybe it's better to wait....)

[jeroen87]

Just some pictures of the X-axis in his future location....

have to wait till this weekend to start assembling it, but I was just curious.

more pictures soon...