Complete Kit -all inclusive

[tootalew]

I followed the first link posted, and they have zero pictures of the machines they are selling.

[ahren]

I guess it depends on your definition of "complete". Most DIYers are interested in specifying their own controls, since there are a lot of good options available. These machines aren't like cars, where only a few select components will fit. The NEMA standards for steppers make it possible to go with workable components from many different vendors -- "compatibility" is not that big of a deal, at least for the Fine Line machine.

Also, Fine Line just started offering electronics about a month ago, so the lack of electronics included with the kit is not some sinister plot to "sucker you in" -- I'm sure it's just forgetfulness on Nate's part in updating his website. I'll mention to him that there's some confusion around what's included in the kit. Maybe "complete mechanical kit" is more appropriate for what's currently up there. I'm sure he won't hesitate to add a kit that includes mechanicals and electronics, with the up-front pricing people expect.

Best regards,

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com

[ahren]

For those looking for pictures of machines built based on the Fine Line kits, see the build log section of my site (my components, kits put together by fine line). I'll also mention to Nate that he should update the pictures on his site!

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com

[Hdale85]

Yeah I was going to say I found lots of pictures of the Fineline stuff.

[Kelinginc]

Originally Posted by ahren Matt, I'd suggest you go with a G540 based setup for your motors and drives -- you won't be disappointed. Fine Line is now selling my electronics with their kits, and they work exceptionally well. Keling also offers a solid product. Contact me or Nate at Fine Line for pricing on an electronics kit to go with the machine, including a G540, cables, plug and play motors, and a 48V 7.3A power supply. There's not much more you need -- an estop and limit switches are nice to have, but these can easily be wired in later to the screw terminals on the G540. Ahren www.cncrouterparts.com

Here is the G540 Package:
http://www.kelinginc.net/CNCNEMA23G540Package.html

[johnmac]

I just want to mention that I have nothing against Fine line. I just used them as an example, since matt had them on his list.

It seems to be a common practice for these kits to be called "complete". For a person new to CNC, the lower price of a kit like this can be very tempting, not understanding that they will need to spend another chunk of cash to complete the kit.

Then, for the newbee, the question is: will the motor kit from company"X" be what I need for my router kit from company"Y"?

John

[ahren]

Fair enough. If the machines are stepper motor based (which most of the machines at this price point are), then your concerns for compatibility are:

1) Does the machine call for NEMA 23 or NEMA 34 steppers? These are different frame sizes. However, within a size, the mounting holes and flange are standardized, so as along as you buy a NEMA 23 motor for a NEMA 23 machine, you should be in good shape.

2) What is the shaft size of the motor? Most NEMA 23's are 1/4" (sometimes 5/16" or 3/8"), and most NEMA 34's are 1/2" (but also sometimes 3/8"). Even if this is wrong, typically this just requires replacing a coupler with the proper one.

3) Will your motors have enough torque? For the most part, sticking with bipolar motors above around 270 oz-in at stall will work out well for these sorts of machines. More torque will get you better performance, but your machine will definitely move with these motors.

There are certainly other considerations to be made when selecting electronics, don't get me wrong. However, understanding the above will make sure your motors will connect to (and move!) your machine.

Part of the reason stepper motors are used so frequently for DIY machines is that they can easily be taken from other applications (dot matrix printers, packaging equipment, etc.) and re-purposed for CNC.

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com