Construction update!

[chuckknigh]

Well, I've put up a quick web site to show off the mechanical part of my router. It's coming along nicely, and with help from all of you it's coming out pretty well.

The URL is:
http://members.ivwnet.com/~chuck@ivw...er/router.html

You'll notice that I'm further along than on my last post. (Always a good sign) I've increased the clearance between the gantry and the working table, and made a few other modifications suggested, right here. Thank you all for your suggestions -- feel free to make more! ;-)

Next step will be to do the wiring, and make it move!

-- Chuck Knight

[chuckknigh]

This is a picture of it, as it stands, tonight. Time to finish up the wiring, huh?

[CNCadmin]

Very nice great job.

[wjbzone]

Chuck,
Nice job. I didn't know they made MDF slatboard like that. I've been looking for what to use on my tabletop. I'll be going to the lumber co soon.

I like the way your Y-travel extends beyond the gantry supports to allow you to reache the entire table.

Bill.

[tsalaf]

Chuck,

Iingenious use of commonly available components.

To prevent your alignment blocks from striping out, you might want to try threaded inserts in the existing holes. This will give you a metal-to-metal thread bearing surface. These inserts are used in quick-assembly furniture and are most commonly available in 1/4-20 thread size. Available at Home Depot.

[treemagnet]

Hi chuck I really like your design and would like to taylor my router table like yours if you don't mind of course. if you don't mind please let me know

Thanks
tom

[chuckknigh]

Why would I mind? Go for it! Sincerest form of flattery, and all that...

Honestly, my machine is just an amalgam of the "best ideas" I found on the web, all rolled into a single construct. Turned out to be pretty cheap, too...

BTW: The electronics are still giving me fits. Is anyone here good with circuits? I could use some help...if you're in the North Texas area that would be even better... Feel free to PM me or to email me at c.knight(at)juno.com if you think you could help.

Ever have one of those projects that just doesn't seem to go right? Well, this circuit modification is mine...

-- Chuck Knight

[treemagnet]

Hi chuck what kind of problems are you having with your controller. I have built 2 different controllers and plan on a new design for my router.

Tom

[Mr.Chips]

What kind of bearings are you using for your X and Y shafts?
Thanks

[chuckknigh]

Well, I did have a web site set up, which explained everything, with pictures!

Of course, when my ISP went out of business, my web site went "away."

Basically I used the Kleinbauer setup...rollerblade bearings mounted on 8mm bolts, running on black iron gas pipe.

To hold the bearings in alignment, I used "Simpson's Strong Ties" connectors, the 90 degree angles for woodworking. It was the cheapest way to make the bracket.

No, it's not the *most* accurate system in the world...but it's more than adequate, and should give good performance. I can push the entire gantry assembly, with the router installed, with my pinky finger...almost no friction. It's that smooth.

I'm in the process of converting an X-Y cross slide vise into a small but highly accurate machine, right now. Dovetail ways, instead of bearings and shafts. Should be capable of even more precision...necessary for the smaller parts.

-- Chuck Knight

[balsaman]

Chuck,

What kind of drivers did you order for your router in the end? I know you were trying to hack some printer drivers...no success with that?

[chuckknigh]

I found some surplus drivers, and after beating my head against the wall trying to convert them to step/direction input, I sent them off to be modified by someone on the CAD_CAM list. He's been quite helpful...almost as helpful as the guys on this forum!

I don't have them back, yet...I'm getting anxious!

-- Chuck Knight