RemainCNC NZ Excitech 1530 router.

[Big S]

I have installed the DSP driver on my computer and also the Ucancam v8 software.

I had a few issue with getting the DSP to be recognized. I ended up installing the software off the CD first, then rebooting the computer before connecting the DSP to the USB cable. I am not entirely sure why the DSP needs to have drivers installed on the computer as it doesn't seem to be able to connect or anything.

The Ucancam software seems to be ok, its sort of a cross between autocad and corel draw but fairly basic 2D CAD and 2.5D CAM. It should be usable and I intend to try it out as soon as the machine is connected up to the power.
The Ucancam software has some neat features like wave board and cam preview.

Shannon.

[Big S]

I removed the HSD spindle off the router tonight and cleaned out the rust inside the ISO30 taper. It was probably the biggest disappointment on the whole machine as it is a very critical surface. The rust looks a lot worse in the pics than it really was, there is a VERY slight pitting in places now but the tool holders sit in nice and neat. I don't think it will be an issue at all.

I cleaned it out by putting a clean piece of rag in the hole. Then starting with a blunt scalpel knife to get the worst of the rust then used some steel wool, then finally the wire wheel on the dremmel. I deliberately avoided sandpaper as it would have removed the good metal from the precision ground surface. There is plenty of good surface left to make a good contact tool holders so all is good.

I have advised Taney and he is going to sort out the issue in future by putting a plug or something over the hole so the moisture cannot get in when the routers are shipped.

In the photos you can see the four bearings the grip on the under surface of the pull stud on the tool holder at the inside of the taper.

The last pic is with the rag stopping junk from getting inside the drawbar.

Shannon.

[Big S]

I had a look at the damaged Zaxis bearing block seal today, I ended up taking three of the blocks off the Zaxis and cleaning them. One had the grease nipple facing the wrong way too, so that is sorted out now. The swarf on some of the blocks is how they came off the machine, there was no swarf inside of the blocks however. I don't think it will be too much of an issue not cleaning it off as dust and all sorts is going to get all over these areas when machining. The seals on the linear rails should stop anything getting into the bearings.

I did notice that there has been no grease of any sort put into the blocks, something people need to be aware of when getting their machine. I was quite surprised that Rockets machine was binding up when not greased for a while, the multicam at work goes ages between lubrications (not good for it really). When it gets done the grease comes out past the seals on the blocks, so there must be a fair bit in there.

Also pics of the ball screw and nut on the Z, and the insides of the back half of the control box.

More to come.

Shannon.

[rocket67]

Hi Shannon - Fantastic photos and commentary!

I would not have the balls to pull apart a new machine. You obviously know your stuff.

It was good to have a look at the inside of those blocks too. When our machine was binding up - as you describe it - i put a few shots of grease into the blocks. It was possible that as the rails had not been wiped or oiled for a while, that a sliver of mdf had become wedged under the block and was pushed out by the grease.

Even though the rails down the side of the machine are protected by the spill tray on the edge of the table, it is incredible to see how quickly the MDF dust builds up on the rails. So it is very important to wipe the rails with a cloth and oil them daily.

Rocket.

[Big S]

That MDF dust is a killer, its bad to breath in and seems to get EVERYWHERE.

Here's a few more pics, we can't have too many can we Oh theres one of our cat.. how did that get in there

I am not sure what the small pressure bottle is for and haven't got around to asking Taney about it, any guesses?

Shannon.

[Big S]

Did a little more today, cleaned out the side covers on the gantry, took the covers off the Y-axis rails and cleaned them down. I also started working out a movable material rack.

Also shifted the machine closer to where it is going to sit in the workshop, although it still needs to be leveled.


Shannon.

[Big S]

I have been sorting out the DSP unit, got the computer software (Signtek) to work with the DSP. It takes a few tries at reconnecting the USB cable to get it to link properly. There seems to be a bug in there (surprise surprise, its Chinese software) that needs a setting changed in the 'MENU, SYSTEM SETUP,Function config, traditional mode' setting to get it to link sometimes when using the computer USB link.

When the DSP is connected to the computer but the Signtek software isn't open the red LED should be solid red, Once the software is open the LED keeps flashing as long as it's open. Its still a bit hit and miss as to when it does link up.

There is also a toolpath preview in the Signtek software as in the screenshot below.

I have uploaded our company logo of sorts onto the DSP startup screen. The resolution is only 128x64 pixels so it doesn't allow for much room. 256 colour SXGA would be good J/K

Shannon.

[ger21]

I removed the HSD spindle .............

When we sent our spindles to HSD-USA to be rebuilt, they returned them with a soft, thick plastic cap that slips onto the entire bottom of the spindle. I would have to think that HSD makes these, and although they are probably for shipping spindles separately, they would probably prevent what happened to yours.

[Big S]

When we sent our spindles to HSD-USA to be rebuilt, they returned them with a soft, thick plastic cap that slips onto the entire bottom of the spindle. I would have to think that HSD makes these, and although they are probably for shipping spindles separately, they would probably prevent what happened to yours.

I was aware that HSD made the caps as I have had a pdf copy of the manual for a few months now. I was a little surprised and quite disappointed that one wasn't fitted when the router was shipped. I have MSN'ed Taney about it and sent a photo of the damage before I cleaned it up. Hopefully Excitech get the next ones protected during shipping.

I am considering making something to cover the hole for when the machine is not in use as the HSD manual recommends that tool holders be removed when the machine is not in use overnight. There is also a blank tool that covers the taper that can be put in a tool changer to be selected at the end of the day. I have not seen pictures of one however.

Shannon.

[Big S]

Did a bit more today...

Made up some parts on work CNC for the pressure plates while in town last night. Put them all together today. I hope to cut the rods in half so I also have a plate with the small hole in it. The rods will have some springs between the pressure plate and the mounting on the spindle (once I source some ).

I also will attach a dust extractor brush on the tops of the rods so it follows the pressure plate height and gets rid of all the dust.

More planned for tomorrow

Shannon.

[Big S]

Its not that the spindle is missing.

[rocket67]

1) The gantry side cover is off.

2) The gantry is at the opposite end to the home position.

3) The machine is sitting on blocks.

4) Is that a straight edge sitting on the bakelite top or have you set something into the table top?

5) I have no fockin idea. - What are you on about?

Rocket.