DIY Newbie Questions

[g00bd0g]

Howdy All,

While I'm not a newbie to CAD/CAM and CNC in general, I am new to building my own CNC machine. I have searched these forums up and down but to be honest I'm a bit overwhelmed. I'm hoping for some points in the right direction.

What I'd like to build:

8'x4'x2' XYZ Work Area
Gantry or Router style

I'm thinking about building it using the following compnents:

80/20 Construction
G-Rex G100 Controller
G340 Drivers
850 oz/in Peak Torque 72VDC Servo Motors
I need suggestions for linear bearings/bushings and ballscrews and such.

What I'd like to use it for:

Lightweight Styrofoam to High-density Urethane Foam
I build plugs and molds for a variety of clients including bicycle, boat and aircraft manufacturers.

Just for kicks, attached are some pics of my current aircraft cowl project.

Thanks in advance!

[svenakela]

Welcome to the zone!
You should read the FAQ's in the Linear Motion subforum, they will help you a lot for a start. Many buy their guides on eBay and such, but the prices have come down lately thanks to Thomson and Hiwin etc. There are a couple of American shops that sells good stuff, you will find info about them in the Linear M-subforum.

Regards,
Sven

[Switcher]

g00bd0g,

Nice work!

You might want to consider "V-groove wheels/rails"


http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=107

[High Seas]

Tall Z axis can pose a problem. But It can be worked. The approach I found that works for me:
http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showp...00/ppuser/1938
Good luck!
Jim