New Machine Build- Another CNC Router success story

[PropNut]

I thought I would share my build with others. This one is based on the BlackToe 4x8, it is not a BuildyourCNC.com kit; only based on his,really good, design.

I will include a detailed parts and cost list at the end, but altogether (including Mach3, and V-Carve Pro+Photocarve) the cost was 2294.00. About 1200.00 for the hardware and 900.00 for the software.

This is really two builds, the first was made from hand cut parts (MK I) and the second (MK II) was cut on MK I.

MARK I:



I decided to use my outfeed table as the CNC table. There is 9+ feet off the sawblade for clearance if I am cutting anything wider than 36", I can still go 12'+ to the wall for cutting Corian countertop material. (perhaps I will use the CNC to cut them for now on, muahahhahah!)



You can see the rails (X-axis) attached to the table sides now.



The gantry (Y axis) assembled and attatched to the X-axis rails.



The Z-axis and spindle motor (Bosch 2.25 HP router head) attached.
Note the chain drives on both the X and Y axis'. This works very well and is increadibly accurate (surprised me as I didnt expect pinpoint accuracy but I got it).






A cheap P4 2.2ghz all in one PC (Omnitech) from Ebay (79.99) completes the system.


MARK II:








You can see I added a 4" vacuum attachment. I saw a YouTube video for a similar setup and thought...are you really trying to sell these to people who build CNC machines? (give the company credit, their product is worth the money but why not make my own?)





I had to have a case to mount the electronics, etc so I thought a cabinet to hold the PC would be nice also. Not really happy with it as the ergonomics is not "just right" but I will work on MKII of the PC cabinet this winter.










I prettified the new parts up a bit with some graphics, considering MKI did the work and MKII is even better you can get a sense of how happy I am with the result.

I cannot put into words how very happy with my MDF monster I am. As the insignia on the side indicates, I have a certain sense of Serenity when working in my shop

Before building my machine I did alot of reading about others who have built from MDF and still more comments by those who have not and swear that no-one ever should. I have also read many comments, both good and bad, about the Blacktoe kit. I believe the blacktoe to be better engineered than mine and so I would have to say that if mine has been running this well for the past few months, many hours a day, than the Kit from BuildyouCNC.com should be even better. I had thought to start with an MDF table and rebuild it someday to be a metal table....other than liquid coolant for machining metal (I have a few brass/aluminium projects in mind that will not need a coolant wash) I see no reason to rebuild using metal parts.

Polite comments welcome.

[gmfoster]

You do great work, very nice..

[kevin swan]

nice build that will also make a very nice outfeed table for your saw

[PropNut]

Originally Posted by kevin swan nice build that will also make a very nice outfeed table for your saw

Thanks Kevin, it was already the outfeed table for the saw

[louieatienza]

You can just slide your cut pieces from the tablesae and clamp it down and start cutting with the CNC... nice work...

[newflavour]

nice build! where did you source your chain and sprockets from?

[PropNut]

Thanks Loui, it does work out well that way.

Newflavour, the chains themselves are from Northerntools.com, the sprokets and spacers are from McMaster.com:

6280K632 3 Each Steel Finished-bore Roller Chain Sprocket, For #40 Chain, 1/2" Pitch, 9 Teeth, 5/8" Bore

9947K13 3 Each Steel Extra-wide One-piece Clamp-on Collar, 1/4" Bore, 5/8" Outside Diameter, 5/8" Width

8255K11 3 Each Nylon Idler Sprocket, W/ball Bearing,40 Chain, 17 Teeth, 5/8" Bore

[Rat]

very cool. i love the idea of using the outfeed table. I have been trying to come up with a space saving way to build my own machine

[avatar2]

Wow that is really nice share! How much time it took you to complete this?

[PropNut]

Avatar2, about a week. The hardware was the easy part, learning the software is killing me

[arizonavideo]

Do you get any backlash from the chain drive system?

[PropNut]

Arizonavideo, none so far. It depends on how tight you keep the chains.