One Big, One Smaller ... My 1st builds - TrickyCNC

[louieatienza]

It's not that simple. It took me a long time to come up with my version, and after I built it, I've decided it wouldn't be good enough, so I'm redesigning it and will rebuild it. In the several years that the Servobelt thread's been going, only one person has shown a running DIY version. And it's performance (at least what was shown) was probably much less than 10% of the real thing.

In all fairness [to HomerSimpson] he built a "StepperBelt" drive, using surplus helical gear-reduction, as opposed to the "real deal" made with direct-driven servos...

[CarveOne]

- snip -

I need to get some software together to start drawing things in CAD. I'll be using Linux and looking for anything that's free !

There are a number of free Linux CAD programs out there. Download and try out HeeksCAD. You can still use a Windows CAD program (I use TurboCAD) and Vcarve Pro to make gcode that will run in EMC2. CamBam can make the gcode also. CamBam and VcarvePro are UK companies.

CarveOne

[ger21]

In all fairness [to HomerSimpson] he built a "StepperBelt" drive, using surplus helical gear-reduction, as opposed to the "real deal" made with direct-driven servos...

I did say that "from what I saw" it was slow. For all I know it could be lighting fast. But my point was mainly that it's the only functioning DIY implementation that I've seen. If it was easy, there'd be more.

And, I fully expect my "Stepperbelt" to perform similarly to the real thing. But we'll have to wait and see.

[louieatienza]

I did say that "from what I saw" it was slow. For all I know it could be lighting fast. But my point was mainly that it's the only functioning DIY implementation that I've seen. If it was easy, there'd be more.

And, I fully expect my "Stepperbelt" to perform similarly to the real thing. But we'll have to wait and see.

True, though I don't know if his design goals were top rapids speed. My thinking is that there'd be more if it were more practical to implement, for the average DIYer using non-CNC tools.

I was hoping to see your y axis going at 1g, until you abandoned your first design....

[TrickyCNC]

to me, I am not looking to build the fastest machine on my 1st attempt. Just that it works faster than I would without it, and it is as accurate as I would be by hand. The fact that I can press 'GO' and then get on with something else would much improve my workshop output.

I expect to learn heaps from the 1st build and start a new/revamp design from my learning experience

[TrickyCNC]

So ... what are the things I will forget to order ? such as wiring ? how much ?, connectors ? which ones ?, etc. etc.

Anyone ?

Is there a list of parts needed anywhere ? ... emergency stop, limit/home switches, Zeroing ? manual positioning ??? I've never used one so I am sure to miss something out !

Rich

[Joe S.]

The fact that I can press 'GO' and then get on with something else would much improve my workshop output.

That might be a while in coming, it takes a while to get over standing and watching it run and thinking . . . . cool!

Is there a list of parts needed anywhere ? ... emergency stop, limit/home switches, Zeroing ? manual positioning ??? I've never used one so I am sure to miss something out !

Dust collection ? What manner of limit switches I. E. magnetic, mechanical, optical ?

[TrickyCNC]

Dust collection can come after I get it working. I have a box of microwsitches and probably some reed switches too, so that's OK.

As an added bonus...

I took my kids to see my Dad today, before the summer holidays are all used up. He used to have a metal fabrication shop, so I thought I'd ask him what kind of metal I should be buying for the rails n stuff.
Off we went on a tangent, that he had a few bits he'd took out of a factory they were closing down ... linear rails and bearings, maybe some motors too ! So we went out to his workshop and started rummaging around.

some rail, 4 sets of rail and bearings, some Ally extrusion, 2 ballswres with bearings and steppers - 5 TPI 430 Oz 29" long. and a larger stepper without a rating plate.

So, that's my other machine sorted, if I can get it all to work.

[TrickyCNC]

woohoo

a box of tricks has just arrived with UPS

[BBchevy396_]

woohoo

a box of tricks has just arrived with UPS

[Joe S.]

I took my kids to see my Dad today, . . . He used to have a metal fabrication shop, so I thought I'd ask him what kind of metal I should be buying for the rails n stuff.
Off we went on a tangent, that he had a few bits he'd took out of a factory they were closing down ... linear rails and bearings, maybe some motors too ! So we went out to his workshop and started rummaging around.

some rail, 4 sets of rail and bearings, some Ally extrusion, 2 ballscrews with bearings and steppers - 5 TPI 430 Oz 29" long. and a larger stepper without a rating plate.

So, that's my other machine sorted, if I can get it all to work.

Looks to me as if You are NOT the first family member to get this idea . . .
If it were me I would do my best to involve him in the build . . . . long after he's gone you will be glad you did. I would do anything to get some hours with my Dad. IMO

[TrickyCNC]

Luckily, I can put in hours with my Dad. It's his grand kids that dont get to see him so much, as they live with their mum.