Building my second cnc router

[balsaman]

Hey guys,

I am currently working on my second cnc machine. This one will have a 24"x36"x5" cutting volume.

Here are the plans. They make use of 80/20 extruded aluminum channel and THK linear rail and bearings.

Base is purple, gantry is black/white, rail is red, bearings are blue.

Eric

[balsaman]

closeup of gantry

[balsaman]

Sides of gantry will be 1/2" aluminum plate. I started cutting the aluminum channel for the hardware on my other cnc. (pockets)

[balsaman]

Here are the first few parts. The four standoffs between the bases. I had my machine cut the pockets then cut the part off the longer lenght.

I have hardware that fits into the pockets to fix two 80/20 parts together at right angles.

[paulried]

Man that looks sweet! I sure wish I was 2% as good at cad as you guys are. I am currently fighting the uphill learning battle.

I love that you are using generation #1 to build #2.

[balsaman]

Paul,

I took two courses at a local college. Best thing I ever did. Trying to self learn is frustrating. I am trying to teach myself 3d...very frustrating....

Eric

[chuckknigh]

Where can I find extrusion like this? I don't have the slightest idea where, even, to look!

Although, knowing this crowd, it's probably available at McMaster/Carr.

-- Chuck Knight

[balsaman]

www.8020.net

www.tslot.com

[Max]

80/20 sent me a cd along with their catalog that has useful files and drawings.
Only problem is that the Auto Quoter program relies on AutoCAD R12 to work.
I wish it would work with any generic cad program that I could afford.
If anything, just having their catalog is a useful reference.

[Zephrant]

Very cool- What kind of drive are you going to use? Single ball/screw for the X?

Zeph

[HomeCNC]

Have you purchased the THK rails and bearings yet? That should set you back some. Or are you the guy that gets these rails and things for free from your company???

[balsaman]

I don't have the rails/bearings yet. I keep a look out at work for some being tossed or as machines become obsolete/replaced. There is a posibility I can get some from an obsolete die in the next week or two.

I am planning to use 3/4"-6 of 7/8"-5 acme rod and delrin nuts driven by Geckos and dc servo motors. I have the three brushed motors so far.... They are 1.1 amp 110 VDC motors. I know I can only run the Geckos at 80 volts.

Eric