Got my first CNC today. Older HobbyCNC *Pics 8-31

[hcsceo]

I got my first CNC today. It was a build someone else did and sold to me. I'm pretty sure it is a HobbyCNC and as far as I can tell it is stock. It might be based on a previous version as it doesn't have the vacuum top. Came with Xylotec 3 axis controller, power supply, 3 bipolar steppers and all cabling ready to go for about $110. It has been in storage for a while so the linear bars are a little bit rusted and the thing was a mess as he used it a lot when it was running. I took it apart tonight and cleaned everything. I'm going to get some steel wool tomorrow and clean up all the metal stuffs.

My question is this. Since I have it apart should I upgrade anything or just clean it up and run it and modify later? The linear bearings look like brass bushings and the screws are all 1/4-20 standard stuff you would find at a home store. I haven't run it yet as I wanted to clean up the surface rust on the linear rails and clean up the machine generally. I probably could have it running like it is in a couple of days.

[CarveOne]

I would recommend getting it running first and seeing where the problems show up. Then figure out what you want to do to correct it.

Post a couple of photos of it assembled so we can see what you are working with.

CarveOne

[hcsceo]

Cool that's what I was thinking to. I'm loading a spare computer now with EMC and I'll get the CNC completed in the next day or two and post pics.

[CarveOne]

Cool that's what I was thinking to. I'm loading a spare computer now with EMC and I'll get the CNC completed in the next day or two and post pics.

Cool, that's what I'm running also.

CarveOne

[electric2u]

i'm going to start build my first cnc router this weekend think the size is going to be around 20 x 32 or so what size thearded rod do you think i should get and how accurate is it like with in 1/16 or so

[hcsceo]

OK I got it cleaned up and back together tonight. Honestly, I'm surprised with how simple the machine is. I got it hooked up to the computer and setup with EMC2 which was super easy since the xylotex controller had settings preconfigured. I'm still working on the velocity and speed but that should come quickly.

After doing a couple of tests it is clear I have a problem with the top. It isn't flat and appears the previous guy must have stored it with something sitting on top of it. It kind of slopes to the middle and to one side. What is the best way at this point to get it flat? I could easily replace the wood top with another, but is there a better solution? Is milling the top with the router on the machine an option? Any ideas would be welcome.

[hcsceo]

What about a 3/4 plexi top?

[jalessi]

Milling the work surface will work fine, the only issue is it will have a ridge where the X and Y travel ends.

If your work does not overhang the surfaced area you will be golden.

A 3/4 inch thick piece of plastic the size of the work surface may be a solution however will cost a small fortune.

Jeff...

[hcsceo]

Thanks Jeff I think I'll give that a go then. That would ensure the top is square to the router. I could go down the sides with a flush trim bit on a hand held router and probably get the ridge off enough to make it work for small overhangs. 3/4" Plexi in 12x36 is about $75 shipped. Milling the top $0

Steve

[jalessi]

Steve,

Maybe you can find a Zone member in your area with a larger router that would machine your entire old surface for you. Taking the top off should be a fairly simple task.

What ever you decide make sure you seal the top after you machine it, humidity will damage it in short order.

Jeff...

[ger21]

I think if you machine the top it will just sag again. I'd make a new top with plastic laminate on both sides, which will make it much stiffer.

[jalessi]

I agree with Gerry about the sag recurring, why not go a step further and make the top out of .500 aluminum plate.