New Machine Build- My ghetto table top MDF build!!

[tskguy]

So I have been lurking on here from a few months now. Unlike most of the guys on this great forum I chose to start my build before actually doing any research in to what I should do! I just dove in head first and started buying stuff at the local Hardware store. After waisting 100 bucks or so on failed linear guide solutions I finally bought some parts that actually work. And now finally I have a fairly accurate machine. It still needs some tweaking, the bearing blocks are still just mdf and I need to enclose my controller board. It at least works for its intended purpose, drilling holes for a diy microphone capsule. It is also busy building better parts for itself! I am attaching a video of it drilling some holes. let me know what you all think. And trust me, I know it could be much better. In fact I'm already looking out for some aluminium to upgrade the z axis. Thanks for looking!!!!
Eric

[brihoo2k]

All in all it doesnt look like a bad build. As long as it does what you want.

[tskguy]

Thanks,

I'm actually pretty happy with it so far. I just see what some of the guys on here are building! Very impressive stuff. I wish I had the space and tools to work with steal and aluminium!

Eric

[johnmac]

Nice first build. I would recommend replacing the Dremel tool with a 1/4" trim router. Even the one Harbor Freight sells. The added power and wider selection of 1/4" shanked bits is well worth it. (That's what I did)

John

[stevespo]

Great work. That's one of the cool things about CNC projects - solving problems and getting the job done on a modest budget. It's a home run. There's always room for improvement, but now you have a base (knowledge and physical) to build on.

Steve

[tskguy]

Thanks for the kind words. Its been a long road but a bunch of fun!! Its very satisfying seeing all of your hard work come to fruition.

[RomanLini]

Good going! Umm, where's the pictures?

[Jesse B]

Originally Posted by RomanLini Good going! Umm, where's the pictures?

I second that

[tskguy]

Is the video working???

I need to take some pictures and get them posted. I will do it tonight.

Eric

[RomanLini]

Originally Posted by tskguy Is the video working??? ...

Not for me.

[webbyguy]

Would you mind posting what components your used, and where you got them? For instance, which controller board is that? Also, where did you get the rails?

Looks good. Thanks,

John

[tskguy]

So looks the video works for some of you but not others. Interesting.
As for components..The fram is 100% 3/4 inch MDF. The motors I orderd from All Electronics. They are cheap!! only 9 bucks a piece. They work great though.
The lead screws are 16tpi and I bought them from a guy on ebay. They are just ok, that is something I would love to eventually upgrade. The board I also bought on ebay from Lightobject model TB6560T3V1. It works very well and was pretty easy to setup. Im using the 1/16 micro stepping and the resolution seems to be very good. For power Im just using a 12v supply that I converted from a PC. I had planned on buying a 24v but 12 seems just fine for what Im doing. I used linear rail on the x table(ebay) not sure on the brand. And 12mm linear rod from Mcmaster carr and 12mm bearings from ebay. The 12mm works very well on the z axis but has a little flex on the y axis. If I had done my homework before buying I would have gone with 20mm rods and bearings on the y axis to reduce flex. Oh well something to upgrade latter! For the most part it works great. Fun learning experience. I do plan on using most of these components on an all aluminum buid someday in the near future. I just need to get a drill press and some taps before I go down that road!
Eric