Diary of a FoamCutter building a jgro router table

[robtbldr]

Just wanted to ask you a quick question about your hybrid. I know the main axis are run by acme 1/2" 10 5 start but is the z axis the same or the 1/2" 8 2 start screws? Do you use the standard finish acme or the black oxidized ones? Does the finish really matter to the function of the machine? Thanks.

[Glidergider]

You are correct about all the pitch and number of starts. Regarding the black oxide, I bought exactly the recommended parts from mcmaster.com. I think it was the cheapest 1/2, 5 start, 6 foot acme they sold. About $60 per stick. I haven't had any problems with the finish on my acme screws. Works great now, for over a year.

[Jason Marsha]

Dave,

What's the fastest you have cut and at what depth without the motors stalling.

Jason

[Glidergider]

Jason,
I routinely cut at 100 ipm without stalling. Sometimes I cut at 150 ipm, but in the winter, it's not 100% reliable at higher speeds. I'm a little lazy, so I haven't tried to optimize the speed. I'm very happy at 100 ipm. I know Joe cuts routinely at 150 ipm.

Regarding the stalling question, I don't know exactly when it stalls. My jog speed is 200 ipm.
Dave

[Glidergider]

I can't believe how long it's been since I updated this thread. I'm still active with my Hybrid CNC. But for the last 4 months, I've been away from home. I really missed my CNC hobby while away. Still, I've been getting home on occasion, and I'd use that time to build my first 4th Axis. So now I have a 4 axis Hybrid. I'm just a newbie in 4th axis, but it's just as much fun as when I built my JGRO. You know building is half the fun.

This machine, I uses a 1200 in-oz stepper. Wow, that's big. And a 1:3 belt drive. This weekend was my first cutting. I shot a little piece of video to commemorate the occasion. Check it out.

YouTube- 4th axis, DIY Using Vectrc's VcarvePro

YouTube- 4th axis, DIY Using Vectrc's VcarvePro

In case you haven't heard, VcarvePro now support some limited 4th axis. It's awesome.
Take care
Dave

[maxmanbb]

hello all,

About how long on average does it take to make the jgro ?

[Glidergider]

I'd say the JGRO takes a week to build. Ordering parts, stepper motors, drivers, power supplies, Acme nuts, will take longer. Choosing these parts is a difficult decision particularly if you've never built a cnc before. Then waiting for all the parts to arrive will an eternity.

I had a great time building my JGRO. It was my second CNC. My current Hybrid is the third machine. But the JGRO is a great machine. Easy to build with just normal shop tools. I used my JGRO to cut parts for my Hybrid. I also reused all the motors and drivers for the hybrid too.

[Glidergider]

YouTube- Wilskills Totem Pole Cutting.mpg

YouTube- Wilskills Totem Pole Cutting.mpg

I had some fun with the rotary last weekend. It sure is fun.
Dave

[prettyboytoys]

Hello, I intend on starting to build a JGRO machine asap. I have spent alot of time reaserching and finding suppliers.

the one thing I am having a hard time with, is the mdf board. from what I can tell, it is better to use the High density(hdf) board to build with. that beiung said. I can find a supplier for the high density stuff. can anyone point me in the right direction??

[Broken Balsa]

Originally Posted by prettyboytoys Hello, I intend on starting to build a JGRO machine asap. I have spent alot of time reaserching and finding suppliers. the one thing I am having a hard time with, is the mdf board. from what I can tell, it is better to use the High density(hdf) board to build with. that beiung said. I can find a supplier for the high density stuff. can anyone point me in the right direction??

I don't know about hdf but I used mdf purchased at Home Depot for my machne and its been going strong for two years now. Just be sure you are carful when drilling edges and I would recomend you use some thin CA in the tapped hole and after letting it dry re-tap it. Make yourselve a drillng jig for drilling the edges. Its a fun project to do. I have now built 3 cnc routers. One last thing, no matter which you use seal it with Bullseye shalack for a good seal. I used durlin to hold the rails instead of mdf as shown in the plans..Broken Balsa

[prettyboytoys]

thnk you broken balsa, that helps alot. sounds like I can get started right away. the other questions i have are

1. what type of lead screw is the best ? i was thinking of using 1/2" acme

2 what are the best steppe motors to use ??


thanx

[Broken Balsa]

Originally Posted by prettyboytoys thnk you broken balsa, that helps alot. sounds like I can get started right away. the other questions i have are 1. what type of lead screw is the best ? i was thinking of using 1/2" acme 2 what are the best steppe motors to use ?? thanx

3-Axis SideStep CNC Stepper Motor Driver Kit -
this is what I used on my JGRO ... works well and have had no porblems with it. I used acme and durlin for all screw followers. The acme you are thinking of using is not super fast but I have had no problem with its speed. My new machine is scary its so fast but I still use the JGRO all the time. I used Gecko on the new machine and can recomend it but its spendy. You can find my build log on this page and it pretty much takes you through the build. Lots of help on the thread.... Broken Balsa