Newbie - 42" x 70" new build

[cncnewbie68]

Been a long time lurker and have learned so much from everyone, finally registered on the site. I am in the process of building a 42" x 70" cnc router using 8020 aluminum, and cncrouterparts materials. I will post pics this weekend.

To date I have built the table and x axis rails, just trying to find time to complete the gantry. I have all of my materials purchased and just received my 1.5kw air cooled square spindle and VFD from Ugra this week. I have a K2cnc z axis 8" travel.

I will have many questions upcoming as I will be soon at the wiring stage of my machine.

[aarongough]

You're going to have fun once that machine is up and running! Watching a robot do all the hard work for you is an amazing feeling!

[cncnewbie68]

Took some pictures today of where I am at on the build. I need to clean the garage, so excuse the mess.

Looking to complete the Gantry mounts this week, along with setting the gantry. I bought a 3" K2CNC 3" travel off ebay, but called K2CNC and had them send me longer shafts and acme screw. I bought it for almost nothing and still have less than $150.00 in it. Now I have almost 8" travel on the Z.

[FandZ]

Originally Posted by cncnewbie68 Took some pictures today of where I am at on the build. I need to clean the garage, so excuse the mess. Looking to complete the Gantry mounts this week, along with setting the gantry. I bought a 3" K2CNC 3" travel off ebay, but called K2CNC and had them send me longer shafts and acme screw. I bought it for almost nothing and still have less than $150.00 in it. Now I have almost 8" travel on the Z.

Smart thinking on the Z axis. Bravo...

[aarongough]

Looks really good so far!

[cncnewbie68]

Finally got to work on the CNC today. Been so busy at work and havent had much time for anything.

I got the gantry 3060 cut and bolted in place. X&A parallel axis motors installed. I got the Y axis motor and rack installed. I squared and paralleled the XA axis and moved by hand several times.

I purchased the G540 Gecko 4 axis kit from cncrouterparts and started doing the layout for install on the machine. I have figured out my spindle mount to the K2CNC Z axis and will do the CAD templates tonight and will work on them hopefully this week. Finally looking like something.

[vtx1029]

Looking good!

One suggestion. Maybe think about flip flopping your gantry stands and gantry to get more useable travel.

What extrusion are you using for your table top?

[cncnewbie68]

Actually my spindle will hit my side X rails. I will put limit stops on it soon. I think I have spent a month tinkering with the gantry design, had too much 3060 layin around.

For anyone looking I have alot of 1530, 3030, and 44" piece of 3060 left. I also have some 3075 left. I also have the 3" triangle 8635 about 8ft.

I am using 8020 part 3075 for my table.

Thanks for the input.