Better late then never!!

[Hack]

Below are a couple of items that I have cut on the machine. Just shallow .1" cuts to test the machine and also the g-code. Took me a while to figure out the code issues. I was drawing these items and only getting about half of the results I was expecting. Found out that I just needed to explode the drawings a couple of times and it wourked great.

Cuts are made at 10 ipm again just to test the machine and learn what it can do. Rapids are 15 ipm. That may be about the best I will do with 1/4 - 20 allthread.

Overall, i am very pleased with the x and y axis setup. The Z leaves something to be deisired. I am just getting some flex with this setup. Will reconsider working it later. It is not much flex.

Total cost so far for this machine are estimated as follows

Materials (mdf, aluminum angle, bearings, drawer slides etc) $150.00
Electronics (steppers, xylotex, PS, wiring) $325.00
Laminate trimmer (already had this) $120.00 if you were to go buy
Computer - already had this

With all the misc odds and ends, I'd say someone could build this for less that $700.00 complete using all new part and scrounging a computer. Software is TurboCNC and ACE

Keep in mind, this is a 30 x 48 cut area (approx).

Will be adding home and limit swithches and a spindle control later on so this will add to the cost a little.

Only other things I will be doing differently is probably putting some aluminum ange to reinforce the table as the 60 or so inches it spans is to much for the little support it has. May upgrade to a different lead screw to get better performance and as I mentioned, may rework the z axis.

For a first machine, I am very impressed with myself and for others, this can truly be a budget machine in my opinion. I spent about 25 bucks a week on stuff. It is easily enough to keep you busy. Great hobby.

[Hack]

Probably the biggest problem that I have with this machine is that it is slow!!! I have a lot of whip with the 1/4 -20 all thread on the x and y axis so I am considering upgrading to 1/2 - 13. I already have this laying around.

Unfortunately I have not been able to find a coupler to attach the 1/2" allthread to a 1/4" stepper shaft. Does anyone make this? I am trying to avoid the expense of having the rod turned down as I do not have a lathe.

Am I correct by assuming I should get about 35% faster rapids?

Thanks

[2muchstuff]

You are corect in your assumption of 35% faster speeds. As for the coupler, find a coupler with 1/2" ends on both sides. To couple it to motor, find something to sleeve it with, 1/2" on the outside and 1/4" on the inside. Drill a hole the size of the set screw clear thru one side of the sleeve. Assemble and tighten the set screw against the motor shaft. The tighter the fit of the sleeve the better.