Newby on electronics

[jjones]

Well, I've been on fire about building something since I found this site!

I'm pretty good with the wood working and I thought I had a solid background in electronics, but I'm finding I don't know enough.

Questions....

Can anyone offer a link to some reading on the electronics involved? I'm looking for something that brings it back to "layman" terms. I'm getting confused when looking at drivers, breakout boards, power supplies, etc..

I have an old B&D router that is small and cranks 30000rpm unloaded I'm going to use on my first attempt. Has anyone had any experience with using a reastate to make a standard router variable speed?

Keep in mind that this build is more for a "learning experience" than for long term use, so keeping cost to a minimum is important.

Thanks!

Jim Jones

[jjones]

Anybody?

Jim

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by jjones I have an old B&D router that is small and cranks 30000rpm unloaded I'm going to use on my first attempt. Has anyone had any experience with using a reastate to make a standard router variable speed?

A reostat is a wastefull way of controlling a router of that kind, it is a 'Universal' motor AC/DC. The typical controller for this is made using a Triac, which is an AC electronic switch, there are many construction articles on the web.
Although speed control is not very good without some kind of simple tach feedback, due to a Universal motor speed being limited by friction and load.
Al.

[jjones]

Thank you Al!

I justed needed someplace to start.

Again, Thank you

Jim

[Mr.Chips]

Originally Posted by jjones Well, I've been on fire about building something since I found this site! I'm pretty good with the wood working and I thought I had a solid background in electronics, but I'm finding I don't know enough. Questions.... Can anyone offer a link to some reading on the electronics involved? I'm looking for something that brings it back to "layman" terms. I'm getting confused when looking at drivers, breakout boards, power supplies, etc.. I have an old B&D router that is small and cranks 30000rpm unloaded I'm going to use on my first attempt. Has anyone had any experience with using a reastate to make a standard router variable speed? Keep in mind that this build is more for a "learning experience" than for long term use, so keeping cost to a minimum is important. Thanks! Jim Jones

Hi Jim,

There is every sort of machine imaginable on this site and new designs about every week.

If I were starting over I think I would start with a proven design and NOT modify it.
Here is a link to the plans that are available within the Zone:

http://www.cnczone.com/modules.php?n...category&cid=2

Many of these have been built, you can search and find some projects that are underway or finished

When I started building mine I had the typical woodworking tools, table saw, router drill press etc. With these you can build some proven designs. Then when you get one running you then can use it to machine some aluminum pieces to make a new CNC or add enhancements to your present one.

The electronics was and still is my weak point. Again in this area I would suggest buying an electronic package say from Xylotex or any other reputable seller. This will avoid a lot of discussion and misunderstandings when connecting up the electronics.

Good luck and jump right in.

Hager

[moonlighttech]

I agree with Hager. A time to build, and a time to buy!! If you don't have a track record of fairly complex successful electronics projects behind you, buying is the smartest thing you can do for yourself. The extra expense is usually worth the quality, reliability, safety, guarantee, and convenience.

[Konstantin]

Jim , I would strongly recommend you to look at this site
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com
Voltage dividing circuits, pull up/down resistors and more.
A lot of info, starting from the most basic stuff and on.
Many of the terms used in drive description PDFs you can look up there and find how it works and the picture will become a lot more clear.
Konstantin.

[jjones]

Thanks for the link! My electronics background is in musical related circuits (tube amps, signal processor, etc.). For this project, I'll take the advice and buy the electronics. More to learn than I have time for right now.

Just like any project I get into, it's more about the learning!

Thanks!

Jim