New Machine Build- 4x8 R&P Up & Running

[tsquint1138]

Thought I'd finally post something.

Attached are some pics of my 4x8 that is almost complete. Had to rush it into a job, so I have not painted it, managed the cables, or mounted the computer peripherals.

A couple of the photos show the first job. It is part of a stage set, that contains 2 50" plasma monitors.

[MPG-Matt]

wow, nice job on both the machine and that first project. My cnc router is a lot smaller - one of the CarveWright units, but I can certainly appreciate the work and effort you put into your unit.

Congrats and many happy years of cnc routing.
_Matt

[big tex]

Would you be kind to post some more details on your machine especially design of your x axis. Looks like you used rack and pinion, servos etc. Share vendors etc
Any problems tuning servo system?
Reason: I am planing to build one same size.....
I see plenty of small 4x2 and 4x4 designs but not to many bigger machines, I would like incorporate some designs I like in 2x4, 4x4 and yours as well.

Help me out brother......

[tsquint1138]

Most all of the designs were grabbed from various machines built here. I didn't draw anything up, just built one component at a time.

The main frame (X-Axis) Is 4x4 & 4x3 0.25 wall tubing. Y-Axis is 1.5 & 2 sq. Tubing. On most of the frame members I welded plates for attachment, and machined the plates square after welding.

Rails came from MSC. They are 0.75 Thomson. I machined all the supports. Racks & Pinions are from Mcmaster Carr, 16 pitch 14 1/2 Pressure Angle. Timing Pulleys / Belts - SDP-SI. (3 to one)

Servos are Keling KL34-180-90. Gekos for Drivers. CNC4PC C11G Breakout Board. (Bought it from Keling)

Power Supply uses a Transformer I found in Dayton OH at Mendelsons. It is a 240v to 120v step down at 3KVA (it is huge) Way bigger than needed, but it was cheap. With 120v input to the primary, this outputs aprox 60VAC. It feeds two 25 amp full wave bridge rectifiers into 4, 10,000 mfd 125v capacitors. (again they were cheap, $5 each) This outputs a measured "no load" of 83VDC for the drives.

All the limit switch & encoder connectors are switchcraft EN3, and the servo power connectors are Neutrik Powercon connectors from Allied Electronics.

Z Axis is is ACME Leadscrew (Nook from MSC)

If you have any questions about any of the particulars let me know. I'll take some more pictures.

Components seem to be working out, and tuning the servos was no big deal, although I'm not sure I have them set optimally. They show good rigidity, (and they are strong as can be.) I'll never use steppers again.

I've run it with rapid moves over 2000ipm. but I've slowed it down to a maximum of 1000ipm. Just dont think I need that much speed, and it is a bit scary that fast.

[jalessi]

Did you weld the gear racks to the square tubing or is it bolted?

Very nice work.

Jeff...

[tsquint1138]

Main Frame rails were tapped, and the racks were drilled & counterbored. Racks bolted with 10-32 Socket Cap screws.

I welded as little as possible, and machined the attaching surfaces after welding.

[edmond]

Nice Machine,I plan on building something similar also with r & p drive but with Nema 34 steppers and 4:1 belt drive reduction.

[eloid]

nice machine congrats....

would like to see a video...of it pushed to the max with those motors to see
how fast they can go....what are the torque of them... looking for motors my self ,,, can you tell use how much you got them for?

also would be nice to see a close up of you r&p gearing what ratio did u use
and how u loaded the tension on the r&p are your motors slaved on y axis?

[LazyMan]

Great job man! What is the pitch diameter of your pinion gear?