Free Router plans! and Discuss it here.

[dneisler]

Any chance this machine will do some alum parts, even real slowly? Reason I ask is I am thinking of getting my feet wet with this cheaper machine, and buidling Data-Cut, or CadCut, or a couple other bigger better machines. I was curious to if this machine could help make some of the Alum parts for them, even slowly....

[spalm]

Well, I'm getting close.

I'd say about 80% done with the mechanical. That's a lot of drilling!

Going with GER21's recomadation of 3/8 12 leadscrew. (GER, you da man, I have been reading all your posts. You seem to know your stuff. Hardware and software.) Made the leadscrew holes larger so I can add bearngs as I think them up.

A lot of stuff in the mail. Leadscrew, bearings, couplers, Actel. Went with HobbyCNC drivers and 200 oz steppers. Maybe overpriced, but I feel comfortable with it for a start.

My power supply was at 49 volts, so had to design a linear regulator to bring it down to 42. So much to do.

Plan to tap my own anti-backlash leadscrew nuts with left over 3/8-12. I know I have seen posts here on making your own taps, but I can't find them now. Anybody please send a link to one of them.

I am having so much fun, and this is truely a great site.

Steve

[esmiller]

Well, I got mine mostly all built.. a few glitches to work out, such as raising the bed, but temporarily, I bolted on a longer board to allow my router to reach the bed to test it.
Actually ran a test file tonight, and it turned out reasonably well, considering I have done *NO* backlash measurements, and my End mill bits are dull!

Anybody got any place where they have deals on End Mills? I can only use 1/4" shafts, since that is all my router allows.

I have a bid in on a speed control for my router, but atleast it is running !!!

Eddie Miller

(Now I just need to learn the software!!)

[pen25]

Originally Posted by esmiller Well, I got mine mostly all built.. a few glitches to work out, such as raising the bed, but temporarily, I bolted on a longer board to allow my router to reach the bed to test it. Actually ran a test file tonight, and it turned out reasonably well, considering I have done *NO* backlash measurements, and my End mill bits are dull! Anybody got any place where they have deals on End Mills? I can only use 1/4" shafts, since that is all my router allows. I have a bid in on a speed control for my router, but atleast it is running !!! Eddie Miller (Now I just need to learn the software!!)

www.wttool.com might have a local store or one close.. they have a huge sale right now on end mills.

[ger21]

Although many people use them as such, endmills are NOT router bits. They use different geometry. Router bits will cut wood faster and cleaner than an endmill, which is designed for metal. They should last longer, too. The downside, is that router bits tend to be more expensive. Especially when the site listed above has them for $1.

[pen25]

yea i agree.. when it comes to bits you get what you pay for.. though sometimes a 1 buck bit for a one time shot will work..

[vattern]

Has anybody generated a cutting sheet from the plans ?
I want to have the timber merchant cut to a rough tolerance as I have no way of getting a 4 x 8 sheet home, and also no easy way to cut up a big sheet at home ..

Thanx
Thys

[gregmary]

Here is my sketch of a 4' X 8' sheet and how I cut it up. You will want to add the dimensions.

Greg

[Hawkeye]

Just a reminder that Home Depot, and I'm sure the other stores do it too, Sell 1/4 and half sheets of MDF. They are a little bit more expensive but I fit 8 3/4"x2'x4' sheets in my trunk with no problem.


Hope this Helps,
George

[kywoodwrkr]

When you lay it out remmeber MDF is 49" wide and 97" long.
Also our Home Depot here cuts material up for us.
I had one sheet of particle board cut into 2'x4' sections for model airplane building. No charge.
FWIW
DaveP

[chuckknigh]

Yes, my Home Depot gives you 2 cuts for free, and $0.25 for each additional cut. Usually if it's only 3, they don't even bother charging you. As far as I can tell, the 2 cuts seem to be a standard company policy.

Eight 2x4' sheets is just a single 4x8' sheet with 3 cuts in it.

-- Chuck Knight

[Calico]

does anyone volunteer enough making this plan with solidwork ?

i hope i have time to make one

rud