low cost CNC router design questions

[bigg]

Hi,

I'm living in Belgium (Europe) and I would like to build a 2500mm x 1200mm x 20mm CNC Wood router and would like to keep a decent product at a low cost.

I was thinking about using Aluminium frame parts for the structural part.
Drylin or linear sliding guides? Drylin is cheaper but is it ok to use in my case?
What kind of stepper motors?
What kind of screw? Lead vs ball (lead is much cheaper but is it ok to use it in my case?)
I would need 4 axis eventually but I can start with 3.
What kind of driver should I use. I would like to keep some microstep possibilities but it is not a must.

I will have to rout MDF and ash.

Geoff

[Guldberg]

Maybe you should start smaller, there is no such thing as a large inexpensive router:-) Take a look at the mechmate design, its the only design so large, thats free of charge as far as i know.

What are your budget? This size i doubt ball or acme leadscrew will do, you need to go the rack an pinion way

[Robert M]

As one once said “ inexpensive can only mean you will not spend for the MOST EXPENSIVE ” !
Another one said “ Assume only can mean = Every time you ASS/U/ME you will inevitably make an :
ASS / of / U / & / ME !”
Not wanting to lecture anyone, I do not see Geoff post with a “limitation cost”, just asking for a “DECENT LOW COST”.
What is that value as not only yet to be determine by him, but most importantly what has to be heard here as a lot MORE to do with asking for good, solid advises on lower cost, good quality materials and helping him aligning a good intention of conception with materials that can be considered at a lower cost than average !
In my opinion, with out assuming what lower cost would mean to Geoff, we can safely assume he means not the most expensive, au contraire !!
I too would like to read some advices on “KEEPING a decent low cost” ??
As for MechMate, just be careful and do not expect, the guy behind this as yet to reply “decently” to my few post/request! My advice, look at it, ask somewhere else !!

GOOD LUCK Geoff !!
et meilleur salutation de Montréal !.
Robert M

[Madclicker]

IMO the mechmate is the best (free) large router design. Gerald is not only helpful here, but has a long history on the shopbot forum.

If you want to build a large, commercially viable, router from scratch be wary of some of the stuff posted on the net. Lots of good stuff out there, but u ain't gonna make money with a machine made of scrap metal, skate bearings and bicycle chains!!!!

[chuckknigh]

Though I've not built it, I agree that the MechMate has a lot of potential. Having looked at their plans, they show a lot of detail and include a lot of nice features that should result in a well designed, well built machine.

-- Chuck Knight

[Gerald_D]

Robert,

After harassing me with 5 messages/mails in just 4 days, wanting complete changes to the way in which I presented the project, I think I was very decent (and exercised remarkable restraint) in telling you:

"I think you have now sent me 5 messages in 4 days!

I am doing the MechMate as a hobby.....to relax."



No ill-feelings Robert, but you will have to accept me for the way I am.

Best regards
Gerald_D

[Greolt]

I can't let this pass. I'l just have to jump in.

Gerald has designed with his ShopBot experience and obvious general engineering skill a very sound solid router to use in his business.
It has proved to be a comercially successful machine used for what it was designed for, processing sheet material.

Then giving his own time and resources has made detailed drawings and instructions which people can use for FREE

Put together and maintains a forum dedicated to this machine.

Takes the time to answer a multitude of questions from people wanting to build this machine.

All this just as a hobby to share his design with anyone interested. Very generous I would think.

So I could not let any criticism go by undefended

I say well done Gerald and thanks.

Now having got that off my chest have a good look at the Mechmate Geoff as I think it fits your specs.

http://www.mechmate.com/index.html

[Richard Honey]

I agree Greolt.

Gerald D's design and presentation are spot on. The machine looks fantastic and many are charging for inferior designs.

Keep up the great work Gerald and don't be diheartened.

PS We have alot of your fellow countrymen here in the hills of Perth Western Australia.

Richard Honey