Build Thread- 8020/MDF Hybrid Desktop

[jwillhite]

this machine http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62271&page=2 looks so good that I'm considering doing the whole thing out of 8020. Sent the model into my local 8020 rep to get an estimate. If its not completely outrageous I might just do that, be nice to only have to worry about drilling holes in the steel plate everything else would just bolt together.

[wizardrule]

here is one to consider, it has proven to be quite stabel but I would defiantley change the Bearings to something other then precribed. The file wont load for some reason, but if you want it pm me and Ill email it to you.

[ahren]

Josh,
Glacial wanderer was one of the first to build a router all with my parts. Sieg's is another build thread you might check out. Since both of these machines were made, I have released a z plate that allows a K2CNC router mount to be attached easily to the system, and provides a small cantilever to allow ~4.5" of z clearance and travel. To save money on extrusion, you might also check with t-slots (www.tslots.com), and definitely check out 8020's ebay surplus store. The stuff is not that hard to cut with a carbide blade in your miter saw. Also, you can save a lot of money on fasteners over what 8020 recommends -- 5/16 carriage bolts fit the T-slots perfectly, and the square shoulder serves as an anti-rotation feature. Instead of paying $0.75 per t-nut, you can use a $0.04 carriage bolt, and it adds up fast.

Best regards,

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com

[jwillhite]

Finally started to make some purchases

Here's the G540 got it in the mail this morning



I didn't realize it but Gecko includes all the serial cable connectors required, very considerate of them.

Also purchased the linear bearings/motor-mounts/bearing blocks/anti-backlash nuts from Ahren at cncrouterparts.com, should have those next week.

So far the total comes to

G540 - 299
Axis motion parts - 382
Total = 681.00

Also I went through and redrew the structure of the machine from the ground up. Got the local 8020 supplier to give me a cost estimate on the machine as it was originally designed.. it would have only been ~175.00 for the extrusions. That price seemed really reasonable so I went a little crazy and completely redesigned everything... sending them a cut list next week so I can find out how much the damage will be. Anyway here's the new and improved structure



The only thing that worries me is that the y-axis screw will be off center, I'm not sure if that will cause problems.

[jwillhite]

This machine will mostly be used on wood. But I'd really like to be able to cut aluminum and mild steel on it as well, does anyone know if that's a reasonable expectation with the regular router motors that people are using? I mean if I really want to be able to cut metal do I need some kind of spindle set up, are there any good resources on the net for learning the basics of machining metal.. feed rates, rpm's, tool usage.. etc?

Thanks, Josh

[FandZ]

I really like your design and it looks like you will be coming in under budget. But then again, the right software could blow it sky high.

The one I'm drawing up is very similar, down to the vertical placement of the side rails. Could you tell me what the dimensions of your table will be?

[ahren]

Josh,
Your parts went out today -- you should see them Monday or Tuesday. Your design looks quite stout. Nice rendering by the way! I wouldn't worry about the screw on the Y being off center, and I think cutting aluminum will be viable. Just use small bits, take light passes, and keep your feedrate high, since your router will be running much faster than normal metal cutting spindles. Looking forward to seeing it come together!

Best regards,

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com

[CarveOne]

Ahren,

jwillhite's latest design sure shows how simple it is to incorporate your bearing trucks into a functional machine. Nice work for both of you.

CarveOne

[jwillhite]

Originally Posted by FandZ I really like your design and it looks like you will be coming in under budget. But then again, the right software could blow it sky high. The one I'm drawing up is very similar, down to the vertical placement of the side rails. Could you tell me what the dimensions of your table will be?

Thanks, at this point though with the revised design and looking at everything that still needs to be purchased theres no way I'm going to come in under 1600.

8020 ~650
Steel Plate ~100
Stepper Motors ~150
Power Supply ~ 60
Thrust bearing assembly/connectors ~ 75
Bearings ~ 35
ACME threaded rod ~120
Router + mount ~130
Misc. ~ 100

Total remaining = 1420
Total Estimated Cost = 2101!!!! ouch wow, might have to modify the design depending on how much they say the extrusion will cost.

Won't be spending anything on the software, I enjoy playing around with linux and computer stuff in general so I was thinking of using something like this http://www.linuxcnc.org.

The overall footprint of the machine will be approx. 48"x48", the usefull cutting dimensions should be pretty close to 36"x30"x5". The reason I didn't go longer on the X-axis is the threaded rod only comes in lengths of 36" and 72", I didn't want to buy the 6' length then waste a bunch of it. Using 1/2" drill rod for coupling from the motor to the threaded rod gets a couple extra inches of travel, per Ahrens design here http://www.cncrouterparts.com/parts.html.

Hey if you have your's drawn up I'd be really interested in seeing it, do you have a build log going?

[jwillhite]

Originally Posted by ahren Josh, Your parts went out today -- you should see them Monday or Tuesday. Your design looks quite stout. Nice rendering by the way! I wouldn't worry about the screw on the Y being off center, and I think cutting aluminum will be viable. Just use small bits, take light passes, and keep your feedrate high, since your router will be running much faster than normal metal cutting spindles. Looking forward to seeing it come together! Best regards, Ahren www.cncrouterparts.com

Awesome, thank's Ahren. Man that was a fast turn around, when I get everything I'll post some pictures.

Any suggestions on a router that will cut well at low rpm's? I guess that means finding one that is variable speed and pretty powerfull.

[jwillhite]

Originally Posted by CarveOne Ahren, jwillhite's latest design sure shows how simple it is to incorporate your bearing trucks into a functional machine. Nice work for both of you. CarveOne

I agree Ahrens linear motion solution is a perfect fit for this type of machine, just put the peices together and you have working axis. I've been playing around with different design ideas for the last year and for the price this is without a doubt the best option out there. Unless you get really lucky on ebay, or you have access to a machine shop. And in both of those cases it will take a lot more design time anyway.

[ahren]

Josh,
I personally have the Hitachi M12VC, which is a popular one here on the zone. It's adjustable down to 8000 RPM, it's very quiet, and has a solid feeling cast housing. I recommend it highly.

Best regards,

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com