Another JGRO machine......:)

[mlabruyere]

Hi everyone,

My first post.....woot!

I started the build last weekend using the "latest" plans on the JGRO thread.

I'll be using an Easy-CNC 3axis controler with a power relay for the router.

I'm going to get the steppers from Anaheimautomation to pickup 3 24Y504S-LW8 432oz/in.

For starters I am going with 3/8 - 16 Allthread with HDPE anti-backlash nuts.

This will be my first table CNC. I currently have a "PhlatPrinter" for cutting foam and thin ply.

One thing I have figured out while building this machine is my wood working skills have gone to heck.....my wood shop coach would be really unhappy with me....it's ugly.....really ugly.....

Matthew

[mlabruyere]

I'll get some photo's in a few days....like I said it's not pretty.

I am planning to use metal dowel nuts where ever I can. I hate to tap into the MDF it just doesn't hold very well....

[tbenefi33]

Hi welcome to the forum.

[mlabruyere]

Thanks!

[mlabruyere]

Another note:

I'm using Mach3 (I purchased the full version last year) to run the G-Code but I need a good program to generate G-Code.

Do you all know of anything, other than PhlatCode, that will create G-Code within Sketchup? I've gotten used to using it but I have ACAD as well so I can create DXF or DWG if needed and get G-Code from there.

[mlabruyere]

Just got the bearings in the mail!

I decided to get angleiron rather than aluminim since my local HW store just has 1.5x1.4x.125 aluminium. The angleiron is 1.25x1.25x.125 whicj is what we need.

I did find that the Z-Axis bearing block slots are too close together.....drat.....I'm cuting them again....

[mlabruyere]

Just ordered the Steppers:

http://www.kelinginc.net/KL23H276-30-8A.pdf

Great deal....I hope 282OZ/IN will be enough!

[mlabruyere]

I got the HDPE in today and completed all of the adjustment blocks. This was much easier than trying to drill and tap MDF....

I also completed the bearings for the Z-Axis tonight.

[mlabruyere]

Got the UHMW in the mail today and completed all of teh adjustment blocks. This was much butter than trying to drill and tap MDF.

I also completed the Z-Axis bearings. That angle iron is tough to tap but man you can really torque the bolts in it!

[mlabruyere]

Am I going to have issues with the 3/8-16 All Thread and the steppers I have? Lost steps.....slowness....?

[mlabruyere]

Here are some pictures.

Shown are the Z Gantry bearings, all of the UHMW bearing blocks (and the system I used on the drill press to keep all of them centered), The new steppers all wired (Bipolar Series), and the crummy Gantry back plate I cut.....oh well...it's not pretty but it should work.

I should have the gantry completed this week.

[mlabruyere]

I finished the Z-Axis and have nearly completed the Y-Axis. I figure at the pace I am able to work I am looking at about 3 months to first cut.....