4 x 6 machine build

[dcinteriors]

Well I have been reading these forums for 2 weeks now and decided to take the plunge. I started out looking for a line boring machine to drill shelf holes in cabinets and some how stumbled onto this site. It was going to cost be a couple of grand for the boring machine so I decided to try building the cnc to cut and drill. I do cabinets and furniture part time and really think this is going to help me. I am hoping to cut prefiniseh ply and melamine and drill the holes for shelves and hardware. I contacted Nate at fine line to get a price on a 3 x 4 machine. The price was OK but the shipping was going to cost me $750(Canada) so I decided not to go this route. I did a quick design after looking at some machines here and on nates site and had my local welding shop build me some frames for the table. My plan was to have the frames welded and I would drill and bolt together my self as I was a little un sure the welding company would get it square. This was my first mistake, I should have had them build the entire table as the frames they built for me were perfect. I ended up returning the bolts and buying a small welder and welding it together myself. I am going to use 8020 3x3 for the rails and gantry which I ordered locally. I ordered everything from Ahren at cnc router parts on Monday for a rack and pinion set up with nema 23 motors. I was considering going to nema 34 but it was going to cost me $1500 extra. I have some questions and maybe some one can help.

The 8020 will sit on the 3"x6" plates that you can see in the picture. The span is 66" with no center support. Do you think it is necessary or is the 8020 strong enough for this span?

A little unsure about setting up the Mach 3. I have read bits and pieces on the forums but if anyone knows a good thread or website please let me know.

I Plan on using the pc 7518 router. I was considering the Chinese spindle route but could not find good reviews. Allot were bad and some were good. I have not purchased the router yet so if any one has any recommendations on spindles please let me know.

[beamsjr]

That's going to be very nice! I just finished my table, and I would recommend using some type of support in the center of the y axis. Try out the deflection calculator from 8020 to see how much flex you will get.

[dcinteriors]

thanks beamsjr. down loaded the calculator today. probably won't hurt to put in the center support.

Also, one more question to anyone that can answer. My base is made of 2 x 2 steel and is a little off. I have some variations of around 1/8" when i lay a strait edge across. Is this ok? I assume when i machine my spoilboard it will take out the high and low spots? Any one have any idea where or what to purchase for maching spoil board. The biggest cutter I can find is 1" and seems like it would take along time with this?

[ger21]

Watch the tutorial videos at ArtSoft USA - Home of Mach3 and LazyCam Easiest way to learn about Mach3.

As for the spoilboard cutters, how much do you want to spend? Her Saf make a 2"+ bit for around $150.
Her-Saf Online Store - Tooling » Quick Change Insert Tooling » Insert Cutters With Dual Positive Stops

Amana makes one that's a bit more.
Amana RC-2257 Spoilboard 2-1/2"D 1/2" Shank

This 1-1/2" Amana is very nice.
http://www.amazon.com/Amana-RC-2250-Spoilboard-Surfacing-Shank/dp/B0035GWKCW]Amazon.com: Amana RC-2250 Spoilboard Surfacing 1/2"Shank: Home Improvement

[dcinteriors]

Thanks for the links, very helpfull

[CNC Lurker]

Watch the tutorial videos at ArtSoft USA - Home of Mach3 and LazyCam Easiest way to learn about Mach3.

As for the spoilboard cutters, how much do you want to spend? Her Saf make a 2"+ bit for around $150.
Her-Saf Online Store - Tooling » Quick Change Insert Tooling » Insert Cutters With Dual Positive Stops

That's alot of money for 1 bit, why not use a Dish Cutter bit instead? I got a ⌀1 1/4" by 1/2" shank router bit from MLCS that I plan to use for the spoilboard. I don't see why it wouldn't work.

It's $20 and free shipping:

#7815 Dish Cutter Router Bit LINK

[johnmac]

How about a 1-1/2" bottom cleaning bit from Grizzly for $17.95. C1261 Bottom Cleaning Bit, 1/2" Shank, 1-1/2" Dia.
Mach 3 has a Wizard for surfacing. Rather than cut directly into the surfaced table, mount the work piece to a scrap piece of MDF, then mount that to the table. That way you can keep the table looking nice.

John

[ahren]

Dave, your frame looks great! I would second the notion that some added supports for the extrusion in the center is a good idea, but otherwise you've got a solid start. Your parts are all on the way to you, and hopefully should arrive soon.

We'll be doing some experimenting with a new vendor of Chinese spindles soon matched with Hitachi VFD's -- I'll let you know how it goes, and will be happy to sell you one if it works out well.

Best regards,

Ahren
CNCRouterParts

[dcinteriors]

Thanks Ahren, I am interested in the spindle and VFD. Any idea when you think you will have them available? I have a millwaukee 5625 now in my router table that I can use for the interm.

[ahren]

Dave,

5 of them are supposed to ship to us for evaluation at the end of next week, so I'd guess a couple of weeks after that if our testing goes well.

Best regards,

Ahren
CNCRouterParts

[dcinteriors]

Its has been a few weeks since I have posted. I will get some pics up later this afternoon. I am nearly complete and I am having some difficulty tuning. Can any one tell me what setting they are using for r&p drive? I am using Ahren's nema 23 system for x and y.

[Woodbutcher-59]

Hi,

These settings are from Ahrens Nema 23 R&P page.....

MACH Settings for R&P:
The R&P system is based on a pinion with a 1" pitch circle. The total linear distance traveled per revolution of the pinion is thus 3.14159". With the 3:1 reduction, this means that the distance traveled per motor revolution is 3.14159 / 3, or 1.0472". If you have a stepper with 200 steps per revolution, this means you have 200 / 1.0472" = 190.9861 steps per inch, or 0.005236" per step. With 10x microstepping (like in the G540), you would have 1909.861 steps per inch, or 0.0005236" per step.

Looking good so far, lookinf forward to more pics...

HTH

Jeff