Anyone living in South Africa

[sa1]

I sincerely apologise if i'm posting in the wrong place, but
I would really like to contact people living in South Africa who is involved in hobby CNC.
I have already built my desktop router ( will post pics soon) and would like to exchange ideas, especially in electronics.

if anyone can P/M me , much appreciated

sa1

[edmond]

Hi Sa1

I live in South Africa and have built a CNC Router as well.
Check my build log at Lionclaw Router Buildup in South Africa
It was a real problem sourcing some of the parts here, I got the electronics, stepper motors and bearings from the USA due to everything been so pricey here in SA.I cut a lot of wood on my machine at the moment.

Cheers

[sa1]

Hi edmond,

Quite an impressive machine you built.
Is it only wood that you cut or perhaps also alum?
I have not worked in wood, just basic home DIY's
My machine is totally built of alum. with 25mm (5mm pitch) ballscrews on all axis. Proper THK linear slides with slide blocks.
The motors were given to me by a friend, I know they are pretty small but I managed to cut alum. with them at rate of approx. 32ipm in full 3 axis cuts.
The only problem i face is the controller card, mine is very basic therefore the motors heat up, and I have to stop for it to cool.
Maybe the better option would be to buy HobbyCNC kit,,,
Hopefully by this w/end I will send you some pics. of my build.

Thanks
sa1

[edmond]

Thanks Sa1

I cut only wood and plastics, the machine is built from MDF so its not rigid enough to cut alum.I cut alum at work on a Multicam so have a bit of experience with it.
My stepper motors also get warm but only when they are idle otherwise they can run for hours without any problems.
btw what are you using for a spindle?
Cant wait to see pics of your machine.
Where are you based, im in Cape Town.

Cheers
Edmond

[sa1]

Hi edmond,

I am using Beyer plunge router for spindle, variable speed.It is a bit bulky for my setup, but I'm busy trying to build myself a proper spindle with highspeed bearings
All cutters are carbide, most of my roughing cuts are done using either 10mm,12mm,15mm rose cutters, finishing cuts using all ballnose cutters down to 1mm diameter.
I am toolmaker and CNC programmer and machinist, therefore I do have machining knowledge.
I also do my own designing in 3D solids and surfaces.
I will definitly try to send you some pics.

cheers
sa1

[sa1]

Hey edmond,
btw I am based in Durban.
I also have a friend here in KZN who has in fact bought a full cnc kit from www.probotix.com
He uses it to mill PCB's.

[edmond]

Hi Sa1

Im also using a plunge type router but a Ryobi one not very happy with it its too noisy and the collets are a problem, im looking to upgrade to maybe a Metabo electric die grinder or a Kress milling spindle I like the kress unit as a large assortment of collets are available.
I also want to start making 3d mould plugs with the machine.
I mainly use single flute upcut carbide cutters with a size of 3, 4 and 6mm diameter.
Im planning on building a Mechmate style cnc all steel construction with a cutting area of 4' x 8'.

Cheers for now

[anilam]

I sincerely apologise if i'm posting in the wrong place, but
I would really like to contact people living in South Africa who is involved in hobby CNC.
I have already built my desktop router ( will post pics soon) and would like to exchange ideas, especially in electronics.

if anyone can P/M me , much appreciated

sa1

Hi sa1

I'm also in CT and run my own small cnc & cadcam designing business. I am planing to build myself a hobby cnc very soon as i have had numerous request for this type of service like cnc small casting molds etc. The big cnc machines at work are not that suited to these small items.

will document my progress once I start.

anilam

[sa1]

Hi anilam,

Thanks for reply.
I'm based in Durban, I work for a tool company for past 19 years and have been designing and programming CNC's for about 10 years now.
I plan to use my machine for little projects like toy kits for the kids, model ships, etc.
Maybe later I will venture into the world of business.

[anilam]

I'm been to long in the cnc business started in '92 . It's good fun. I was always to busy with other peoples things to do my own stuff. Even worked for a miniature turbine engine manufacture here in CT in the hope that I could play with my toys........NO to busy with his toys

so I think it's best i build my own cnc and do my stuff for a change. It's frustrating working with all the high tech equipment and not been able to do yr own stuff

Looking for a good design, any ideas?

looked at the Mechmate a little ambitious to start off with. good design though. will definitely do one of these.

anilam

[edmond]

Hi Anilam

How about building a Joes 4' x 4' Router it has a nice sturdy design with a big working area or a small all aluminium machine.
Im planning on starting a small cnc business next year mainly cutting wood and 3d moulds and maybe cutting a bit of plastic too.
Im starting to collect parts to build a 4th axis rotary table so that opens up a whole new world of machining.
Good luck with your build

cheers
edmond

[anilam]

heard about this 1 where can I get the plans for joes4' x 4' Router?

I prefer an all ally machine at least it is stronger, but i probaly do a mdf first just to get the feel of it. I have friend who volenteered to router me some mdf parts so an offer i can't refuse

anyone living in CT?

anilam