New Machine Build- Automated Woodworks 8' x 4' UK Build

[psiron]

Hi,

Firstly I would like to say Hi from the gloomy and wet UK

Im totally new to the CNC game but need something to help process the plastic sheets I sell through my VERY small business. I would never attempt anything like this usually but saw the build by Steve Marsh at www.automatedwoodworks.com and thought this is the build for me.

I have a steelwork background and use CAD regular in my job which is definately a bonus, having this in my arsenal I thought lets give this a go.

Originally I contacted Steve to ask if I could increase the length of the machine. This is becuase I need to process longer sheets around 2400mm. Steves machine is around 1500mm x 1500mm (sorry Im UK mm not inches )

I did have concerns about the length of the timing belt on the X-Axis but after speaking to some UK timing companies I am confident that this will be ok by using a central tensioner. This in turn will probably require an additional bearing block in the centre of the drive shafts for the X-Axis to stop any flex in the shaft when applying tension. I have also increased the size of the drive shafts to 20mm.

I have also had to make some changes to the rails used by Steve, this is solely a cost issue as I dont have the cash to buy linear rails. I am saving to buy the linear rails however for the Y and Z axis (around $600). I decided to get the bearings from Ahren from cncrouterparts as Steve suggested these as a cost effective alterantive. I received the bearings yesterday and have to say they are brilliant, they roll freely on the 6.35mm (1/4" old money) suggested by Ahren with ZERO play in any direction.

To help start the build I have decided to make 2 tables, each the same size as the original design by Steve. This enables me to bolt the tables together once I build the gantry and extend the bed size. This is because building a 3000mm long machine would require space I dont have where I'm actually building the machine.

On a hugely important note, Steve has been very helpful and is constantly available to answer questions, all credit goes to him for this build , Im merely the cutter and driller at this stage

Here goes anyway:

1. Here's a photo of Steve's machine if anyone hasn't seen it:



2. The rest of the progress is as below (further updates as things progress):

[psiron]

Quick update, Steve is arranging to make the belt clamps and Z screw, once the man has worked his magic Ill upload some pics of the items. I have also ordered the belts and pulleys from the UK which should be here next week.

[planekrazie]

Looking good. I havent been on the zone in a while and noticed my inbox was loaded. I need to keep checking often.
I have the clamps about finnished. I am gonna place them in the box with the other parts. Should be able to get it out tomorrow afternoon.
Again your machine makes mine look like a toy. Doing an fantastic job.
Later Steve

Originally Posted by psiron Quick update, Steve is arranging to make the belt clamps and Z screw, once the man has worked his magic Ill upload some pics of the items. I have also ordered the belts and pulleys from the UK which should be here next week.

[psiron]

Originally Posted by planekrazie Looking good. I havent been on the zone in a while and noticed my inbox was loaded. I need to keep checking often.

I can imagine!

Thanks again mate.

[psiron]

Build Update:

Note the gantry has been updated to include an additional aluminium hollow section profile to strengthen the 1500mm span. This eliminates any possible twist when performing rapid cuts (not that I will be doing that of course):

[planekrazie]

I am speachless. looks great. I like the extra span on the gantry.
Steve

[psiron]

Cheers Steve,

The rail has arrived, im just waiting for the M4 tap to be delivered as I cant find mine for some strange reason, ill be attaching the rails then and doing a little more painting.

Once your screw and nut arrives ill get some pics of the Z up too.

Steppers came today, wow the X Nema 34 is MASSIVE!! I may try it without the reduction pulley to see how it goes. Im waiting for the pulleys and belts which hopefully will be with me next week.

[hemsworthlad]

Looking good, that frame work looks very much like my machine but i dont use belts.

I would fill the hollow gantry with something to stop resonace or noise, my gantry is hollow and it's noticable esp towards the centre how much noise it makes.
It doesn't seem to affect the cutting, even in aluminium which the machine cuts most of it's life but still i would prefer it to be gone and if i could do it again i would fill it with something like sand or concrete.

Keep up the good work.

[psiron]

Hey all,

I managed to test an wire the electrics ok (surprisingly!) and everything seems good. The motors sound awesome I have to say. I have run them upto around 650RPM with no problems so im pleased there wired ok. I run a few programs with mach3 and checked the motors, drivers and power supply for heat, all were minimum however i guess pulling the X,Y,Z could change this!

I have put them in a pc case at the moment which im really not that happy with, I have a control panel from work which I have stripped out and will try to fit them all into that.

I managed to build the Y&Z today, again surprisingly im within 0.2mm and everything slides nice.

I have to re-fabricate some of the gantry side supports as originally they were made to mount 23's and not 34's so thats next on the list.

Once I have the leadscrew and nut from Steve ill finish the Z and get some more images up.

[planekrazie]

Looking good. Now thats some beefy looking motors. Should be great. I am gonna take your photos from here and add them to my site. ( if thats ok with you) I hope you get the screw today or at least tomorrow. Id like to see it finnished and running. Keep an eye out for the belt clamps. They have been shipped.
Later Steve





www.automatedwoodworks.com

[psiron]

Hey buddy,

Feel free to use them mate, if you want any specific ones just let me know and Ill be happy to send them. Ill get the Z finished when the parts arrive, Ill also let you know when they turn up. Post is slow from the US to the UK so I wont hold my breath!!!

Thanks again mate

[Dingin]

hey! how didt it go with the cnc? any new pictures and tips?