Looking to buy some electronics

[Biff]

I'm a newb and still not sure exactly of the finer details of my machine (still lots of reading to do) but I've got some cash handy and thought I'd buy an electronics kit for my build before it burns a hole in my pocket and gets spent on something else. At least that way I'm committed to build the machine, and it will give me a chance to play with it and get it working while I do the build.

I'm not exactly sure what I need, mostly just basing my opinion on what others are using and what's popular. My needs/wants are:

- 2'x4' capacity so I can accept a 1/4 sheet 'handy panel'
- wood will include MDF, BB ply, and some hardwoods
- Acrylic and polycarbonate up to 1/2" thick
- I'd like to do a little aluminum work if the machine ends up stiff enough, which will probably include making faceplates for various projects and modifying heatsinks
- This is a big maybe but I'd also like to do a little copper. This would be for water blocks for computers. Required tolerances here are actually pretty loose. The flat side will be finished by hand any way and top side will have a rubber seal. And if I get rough cuts on the innards it may actually help .
- PCB's
- speed isn't much of a concern since this is a hobby not production

Other than that the only other decisions I've penciled in are I'll probably use rack and pinion for the x and y and 1/2" acme for the z. I have a Bosch Colt that is not getting much use otherwise so that is planned to go in this machine. This is what I'm considering at the moment and if I buy it there I can also get the R&P parts too saving on shipping... always a concern since I live in Canada.

I'd like to hear opinions on that CNCRP kit, or if I should be looking at something else - and why. If I've left out any important info let me know and I'll try to answer as best I can, but take it easy on the new guy!

Thanks for any help!
Ryan

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by Biff I'm considering at the moment and if I buy it there I can also get the R&P parts too saving on shipping... always a concern since I live in Canada.

They appear to be a US company so I assume you would still have to get it across the border?
For large items like R&P, contact the local bearing companies and see if any can supply either Boston Gear or Martin R&P. If so you just pick it up locally.
I may work out cheaper?
Al.

[Biff]

Thanks, I'm no stranger to shipping from the States. Usually the charges aren't that bad, but when you start getting things from various places the shipping adds up quickly... though there are some companies that have their heads in the clouds. Hopefully I'll be able to source the rack somwhere near Toronto.

[Jesse B]

Judging on where you live, there are places in the US that allow you to ship things there for the US rate, and they charge like $10 or whatever, and then you can go pick it up. For my that works out as I live quite close to the border. If you're lucky they won't even charge duty fees. I got $800USD worth of Audio equipment shipped and across the border for free

[Biff]

Originally Posted by Jesse B Judging on where you live, there are places in the US that allow you to ship things there for the US rate, and they charge like $10 or whatever, and then you can go pick it up. For my that works out as I live quite close to the border. If you're lucky they won't even charge duty fees. I got $800USD worth of Audio equipment shipped and across the border for free

I've heard of places like that but don't even know what they're called so it's hard to find them. Buffalo is only a couple hours away so a place like that would be REALLY helpful. Got any clues for me?

So logistics aside, what about the kit?

[Jesse B]

Should work fine for a router that size.

I'll ask my sister what the place is called and let you know when I hear back from her.

[Biff]

Originally Posted by Jesse B Should work fine for a router that size. I'll ask my sister what the place is called and let you know when I hear back from her.

Actually I just looked into it and the UPS store does that service for $10. Probably a few bucks more than an independent but then there's probably a better infrastructure should a problem arise.

[Jesse B]

Originally Posted by Biff Actually I just looked into it and the UPS store does that service for $10. Probably a few bucks more than an independent but then there's probably a better infrastructure should a problem arise.

That's pretty cool. I'll be sure to remember that

[brtech]

I think that set is a good choice, especially since I have it

The Gecko 540 is probably exactly what you want, the motors seem good, and the wires are very nice as is the power supply. Beware that you will need some more parts to complete the electronics, depending on how automated you want to be: home/limit switches, relay for the router power, E-stop switch, etc. is not in the kit, and you probably want all of the above.

Still, it's an excellent start.

Don't forget Mach and a computer

[Jesse B]

Originally Posted by brtech I think that set is a good choice, especially since I have it The Gecko 540 is probably exactly what you want, the motors seem good, and the wires are very nice as is the power supply. Beware that you will need some more parts to complete the electronics, depending on how automated you want to be: home/limit switches, relay for the router power, E-stop switch, etc. is not in the kit, and you probably want all of the above. Still, it's an excellent start. Don't forget Mach and a computer

I agree. You'll only need a few additional parts as mentioned. You'll need limit switches, e-stop, and I'd get some fuses. Can never be too safe

Mach 3 is nice, but costs $175. EMC2 is free, but runs on Linux. It's your choice. There's a demo for Mach 3 on their website, so I'd try out both and see which you like.

[eaglezsoar]

CNCRouterParts is where I got my electronics and I think you would be wise to get yours there also. Ahren will work with you and answer any questions. He will not let you down after the sale.

[eaglezsoar]

Check out finelineautomation.com for a complete kit.
Aluminum based and as strong as all get out.