New Machine Build- The innevitable upgrade

[emtffkev]

Ok everyone...It's been a while, but I got my first machine up and running. I built that one with the frame of mind of it being a learning machine and I have learned alot from it. The time has come and I feel that I want to upgrade my machine and build something with a bit more cutting area.

My current machine has an 8x8x2 cutting area. Works nice for small parts and testing my skills, but it doesn't work well for alot of things I'd like to make.

My first question to you all is this (and I'm afraid I may be using an oxymoron here)...Are there plans to build a machine that would give me a fairly large cutting area (at least 2'x4' and maybe 6-8" z travel) and remain reasonably cheap? I don't have a lot of budget at this time, looking to keep it less than a few hundred if possible. I do have the electronics for it already so that will cut some of the cost.

I am looking to be able to cut woods, plastics, and possibly some small parts from alluminum. Is an MDF machine good enough for this?

[BobF]

Check out Joes 2006.
2' x 4' cut area.
Lots of people have built them and cut wood and plastic all the time. I think a few have tried aluminum.

[emtffkev]

Alright I've decided on a basic design and have started construction.

Here is a link to my website and build journal for this machine.

MyHomeCNC

Let me know what you all think either here or on the website...Or both

[emtffkev]

Ok everyone I posted a big update on my build log today...

Question for everyone...actually I have two.

1. What do you all think the minimum size motor to move a 24x48 MDF moving gantry style router? I am ordering the 305 oz./in motors from hobby cnc, but in the meantime while I am waiting for the arrival and whatnot I have 3 NEMA 23 motors that are somewhere around 100 oz./in (labeling on motors is poor and not exactly sure how much it is).

2. What is a good router to purchase to mount on my mill? I am looking for a good quality, easy to mount, and relatively low priced. Basically the best router I can get for the lowest price. This router is going to be dedicated to the machine as I already have a nice router for projects that just won't suit this machine well.

[emtffkev]

I've been eyeballing the Bosch Colt palm router for my machine. I was wondering if anyone had used this router and what their opinions were on it. I am working on a fairly tight budget and wanted to know if anyone had any other suggestions for routers to use for the machine.

I've got it just about built completely. I just need to mount my steppers and get a router so I can build the mount for it.

Thanks,
Kevin

[BobF]

joes 2006 is a 24 x 48 and I think he used 200 oz in motors on the original. I have the same 305s on mine and they work well.

The Bosch Colt is nice little router. If you want a little more power at a little more cost, the Makita RF 1101 would be my choice.

[emtffkev]

Thanks for the input BobF. Actually since I posted the previous entry, I decided I'd get the 425oz/in motors from Keling. $49 a piece before shipping.

I've also got the option for close the same price as the bosch as a craftsman palm router. Any preference on brands? both are 1hp.

Thanks

[BobF]

The HobbyCNC motors are rated in unipolar since all of their boards are unipolar. They will do about 425 in bipolar, but HCNC does not sell a bipolar driver. Not sure about the Kelings, but they are likely very similar motors.
I think the Craftsman may be made by Bosch. I know they sell some larger ones made by Bosch. If this is the case, I have no preferrence, otherwise Bosch.

[emtffkev]

Would 18,000-28,000 RPM's be a good range for a variable speed router?

[emtffkev]

Would the spindle speeds of 18,000 - 28,000 RPM be good for a router, sorry but I am new to this and I'm afraid that part of it is Roman to me.

[BobF]

Originally Posted by emtffkev Would the spindle speeds of 18,000 - 28,000 RPM be good for a router, sorry but I am new to this and I'm afraid that part of it is Roman to me.

That should do fine for wood. The only time you might want to go slower is if you cut plastics or aluminum. The ones I have used had a range of about 10-12 up to 22 - 24 thousand.

[emtffkev]

I had been reading the other thread near the top of the forum about speed controlling a router and was wondering what effect using an after market speed controller on a router with a speed control built in?

i.e. if I set the router to its minimum of 18k rpm and then use an aftermarket speed controller to lower it down even more...should that work? That way I can have more of a range with the same router?