ZenBot 1624 Diary

[xcayba]

Gratz on getting a new Zenbot up and going. I've been a proud owner of a Zenbot mini for a few years now. When I got mine, the mini was the only model offered from Zenbot and it didn't come with a controller. I have a Xylotex controller, backed down to 2A per phase. I've used mine once or twice times a week on the average since it arrived to cut polycarbonate. I too use MeshCAM and Mach3 and have since the beginning.

I really like how MeshCAM integrates well with the CutViewer Mill program so I can see what it is I'm about to do and make any adjustments. Once I like what I see, I save the output in two files: "rough" and "finish", allowing me to change bits between each file run.

I normally run a rough cut with a 1/16th inch bit, then finish up with a 1/32nd inch bit, both round nose for contouring. The finishing stage is really two parts, one is pencil line and the other is an XY pass. It took me a while to figure out that it is really helpful if your roughing and finishing bits are the same overall length. This way, you can zero the machine just one time at the start of the project, run your roughing file, change the bit, then run your finishing file. You don't have to rezero the machine for the finishing pass.

The only thing about this whole setup I have to watch for is keeping chips off the rails as the Zenbot does not do well at all if any chips get up where the roller bearings are traveling on the square tubing. I have a partially flattened 4" dust collector hose running all the time, sitting right under the overhead gantry, but it is still not unusual for some chips to leap out and make the journey to find themselves laying on the square tube in the path of the incoming gantry. If the two meet up, the machine will skip some steps and pretty much ruin that job. It doesn't happen often, but still does happen. I'm always looking at ways to add shields on the dremel tool or shorten the distance of the dust collection method to the work being milled.

Overall though, I have been very pleased with my setup. I have had zero maintenance issues on the Zenbot and it keeps running true and strong.

[rich909]

Hi lcifers --

Thanks for posting this.

It sounds like you are making good progress with your 1624 and I am interested following your diary.

I am in the process of getting familiar with my new 1216, and figuring out what remains to be configured in Mach-3. We all are "reinventing the wheel", since there are no "hints" in the Zenbot set-up instructions for setting up table size, home, soft-limits, offsets and etc. There should be a "best practice" to help a person get off to a quicker start. Maybe your thread will help document your discoveries and perhaps contribute ideas toward a quick start guide/reference. xcayba (and others who have responded here) may also have some valuable suggestions.

Eventually, I'd like to find an official or unofficial Zenbot specific forum, ...perhaps on Yahoo or Google groups if not as a sub-forum here in CNCZone. What are your thoughts about that?

--Rich

[imagefantasy]

I also recieved my 1624 at around the same time. I had a problem with the controller board but Shaun took care of it right away and replaced it promptly. The help and customer service from Zenbot has been second to none....GREAT!!!

Since recieving the machine I have cut several signs and I have built a Guitar that I am finishing and I also carved a cross for the entryway to a Russian Orthodox Church. The cross is signfoam 1.5" thick with 3/4" pocket.

I love the machine and I would buy another from Zenbot.