My Solsylva CNC Router Step-By-Step

[thkoutsidthebox]

I measured my rod and its 21tpi. I think that should be ok since the plans specify 18tpi. Wont give me much speed I think but then the torque of my motors aint great.

Question: I think it should be fine, looks like enough space in the plans but can I use my 3/4 inch EMT for my Z carriage slides? (As opposed to 1/2inch specified in the plans)

[Hyrum R]

I'd suggest using the 1/2 on the z carriage. I used some stuff that I thought was normal 1/2" EMT, but it turns out that it's quite a bit thicker than standard EMT. I'm guessing it's actually galvanized gas pipe. Anyway, I had to grind the metal down about 1/16" on each side of my Z stepper motor so the slides would umm, slide past.

[RMS]

Originally Posted by thkoutsidthebox I read somewhere on cnczone that there is a setting in Mach3 for two motors on one axis. Or maybe the setting links two axis to drive the same, giving the same result, this is how it would have to be done with the HCNC controller. You should ask on the Mach forum how the setting works.

Thanks, I think I will do that!!

[Madclicker]

You can slave one axis to another, but each motor needs its own drive.

[RMS]

Originally Posted by Madclicker You can slave one axis to another, but each motor needs its own drive.

Ok I see, and that is to decode the software into step directions I am thinking...

[thkoutsidthebox]

Originally Posted by Hyrum R I'd suggest using the 1/2 on the z carriage. I used some stuff that I thought was normal 1/2" EMT, but it turns out that it's quite a bit thicker than standard EMT. I'm guessing it's actually galvanized gas pipe. Anyway, I had to grind the metal down about 1/16" on each side of my Z stepper motor so the slides would umm, slide past.

Not the answer I wanted to hear! Oh well, I'll sort something out. I can probably get regular 1/2" bar stock instead and devise some way to attach it....I was thinking with the 3/4" EMT that I could just re-position my Z axis slides outwards 1/4" on either side so that they would be in the same position on the inner most edge....we shall see, I'll probably try this first.

[1974]

Hi, Has anyone tried using 80/20 with their linear "Bearings" in the Z direction? I would think this would simplify the Z carriage.

[thkoutsidthebox]

Hi all,
Haven't had time yet to do more work but I bought a keyless drill chuck with SDS adaptor for my new drill today so that I can use it on this . I also bought a suitable hole saw for the holes in the beams, and some TiTN coated drill bits for drilling my aluminium. So Im definately ready to get something started. Hopefuly at the weekend.

For anyone who would like to know in future:

MSC's website cannot accept International Orders. But they do take them if you contact them directly at their Texas office @ Phone: 713-862-8665
Fax: 713-864-5646
E-mail: branchhou@mscdirect.com

Regol G Special Steel Services http://www.regolg.com/ in Wheeling IL can ship to Europe. They quoted me $60 for 4 pieces 5/16 threaded rod @ 6' each. Plus $25 Export Doc Fee.

Reliance Precision Mechatronics in the UK will ship to Ireland without a problem. http://www.rpmechatronics.co.uk/ Im going to get some flexible couplings and stuff from them.

Ebay Seller Precision Machine Shop http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Precision-CNC-Router could provide me my threaded rods with Delrin nuts, and end bearing mounting blocks, but it came to $140 and another $40 shipping. He knocked $30 off the price for me which was very generous, and I might get something from him in the future.

Summary: It is sooooo much cheaper to buy threaded rod locally. I now know that threaded rod is not expensive, and although I didn't find my 6' lengths yet, Im glad I didn't order from abroad before checking B&Q!

However, some of those sites have items which I definately cant get locally and its good to know them. I'll be ordering from them eventually.

L8rs.

[thkoutsidthebox]

Hi again,

Ok I know I said I didn't have time, and I don't!!...But I just had to cut something...ANYTHING!!

So I started on the Z carriage bearing trucks, because I can't cut any wood until the weekend (Neighbours/Noise....you know the story! ). I bought some 20x20mm aluminium angle today, which was as close as I can get to 19mm (Which is approx the 3/4inch in the plans).

Anyway , I haven't received my bearings yet so couldn't stick it all together, but its a start.

Pic1 & Pic2 & Pic3: I bought a metal cutting jigsaw blade and I cut my aluminium angle to give me two lengths 8.5inches each. The blades are freud pro 1.2 - 2.6 progressive toothing. Swiss made, anything Swiss always seems well made and these gave a relatively clean cut. It probably would have been quicker to just use the basic hacksaw but I always wanted to see what kind of finish I'd get with my jigsaw on metal.

Pic4 & Pic5: I marked my hole positions with pencil. I then marked over the pencil with marker.

Pic6 & Pic7: I filed down the area of the two edge holes so that I could drill them. Then I re-measured them and marked them for drilling.

Pic8 & Pic9: I drilled out my 8mm (5/16) and my 6mm (7/32) holes. My 36V drill was a bit heavy and awkward for this but I haven't bought an 18V yet. Twas also nice to give it a try on something light.

Pic10: 1st Chips! A new cnc router is born....or would that be conceived? Either way.

Pic11: My two Z-Carraige bearing trucks waiting for some bearings.


Ok, I know its not much, but Im so happy to finally get something started. You can buy parts until the cows come home, but its not the same as actually starting cutting. Im not under any pressure with this as I cant afford the software until February anyway, so its ok if it takes a few weeks to build.

I also found some 12mm iron tubing today, so Im using that as my 1/2" EMT.

If you see any errors or want to comment, it goes without saying, please feel free.

L8rs.

[ger21]

Pictures are a bit blurry. Lets get that taken care of before the real action starts.

[thkoutsidthebox]

Sorry about the lack of pics and the mix up, I just had some sort of computer crash ! But its ok now. I've re-posted in the next post.

[thkoutsidthebox]

Originally Posted by ger21 Pictures are a bit blurry. Lets get that taken care of before the real action starts.

Sorry, my camera is only 1Mp.

So on with the news. I managed to find more time to work on this today. (Isn't it amazing how we find time when we're well motivated!)

Pics are below. I decided to reduce my table length by 12 inches to accomodate my shorter screws. This brings it down to 34 1/2 inches as opposed to 46 1/2 inches in the plans, and will let my screws be the 39" they came at instead of the 51" in the plans. Im not sure how much of a cut area I'll be left with, Im thinking it'll be a straight reduction from 37 1/2 " length to 25 1/2". Thats pretty bad but I just really want to get it built, I can lengthen it fairly easily later. The Y axis seems easy to mess around with!

I cut pieces out of my 3/4" MDF as shown in Pic1. (Notice its getting dark already, and its only 3pm....oh well.)

Pic2 & Pic3: To save me buying a sheet of Hardboard I decided to plane down my MDF for the sides of my Z carriage. This worked out pretty well, and I love using the planer, its my favourite tool! I know this may make the MDF more succeptible to moisture but Im painting it anyway so it should be ok.

Pic4 & Pic5: I was feeling lucky because the rain was holding off, so I decided while I was at it that I'd plane down my length of 2x4 so I could get to marking and cutting it too. Also, planing is soooo much fun. I like watching a dirty rough piece of timber turning into something smooth and ready for working. Hint: If your buying a power planer buy the DeWalt, although I never used another make! Its very comfortable to use, quite rugged, and is the reason I decided my other tools should also be DeWalt.....anyway, its a good piece of kit. Nuff said!
___________________________________________________________________________________________

I then drilled some of the pieces I had cut out. Not all of them, because I was running out of time for the night. But I did the ones below. Also, not shown is that I drilled some of the holes in my Gantry Beam, and I marked and cut the Gantry Beam to length. I also marked and cut my Rail Supports for the Y axis but haven't drilled them yet.

Pic6: Bottom plate cut and drilled.

Pic7: Top plate cut and drilled. You may notice that one hole is missing (See note below)

Pic8: Sides of the Z carriage cut and drilled.

Note: I didn't drill everything because I have to get a few drill bits tomorrow of specific sizes. I dont have an 8mm wood bit....I dont know why, its very strange...but I dont...anyway....!

I am also going to pick up some paint, bolts, and screws tomorrow so that I can start painting and assembly soon. As you can see from the pics, I also have to do some sanding and cleanup on my drill holes and cuts.

I feel like Im flying along now, and I love it!