New Machine Build- Joes CNC 2006 - Camden, AR

[kbisswanger]

Well I just completed my second CNC Router. I like many started with a simpler design (JRGO for me) and used it to cut the Joe's 2006. All of the parts were cut on the 15x 30 table of the JRGO before I cannibalized it for the electronics and lead screws. I am very pleased with how it turned out. I am currently getting 200+ IPM without any real tweaks -yet. I also posted a pic of the little JRGO that cut the parts and the bench I build to hold the 2006(I still have to get a buddy over to help move it into place!). I will post some more pics when I get it set in place and start making some chips.

A Few Specs:
1/2 - 10 , 5 start screws
380oz steppers - CNC Router Parts
5 start nuts - CNC Router Parts
SuperTech controller (came with Taig Mill, 10 yrs old), 24V PS
Bosch Colt 1hp VS trim router

Since this is my first post, I wanted to thank everyone that contributes to this community. All the files/tips/tricks made the build much easier. Finally I'd like to thank Joe for the great design he has generously made available for FREE. You and the JRGO designer have made it super easy for people to get started in the great (and addictive) hobby.

Thanks
Biss

[atwooddon]

Biss, nice build, I really like the colors. Makes it look neat and tidy. I still need to paint my 2006, what did you use for primer/paint? Are those galvanized pipe rails?

Don

[kbisswanger]

Thanks. I used water based paint and primer. I believe the primer was some leftover Kilz and the paint I picked up at the local Wally World. I shot it on with a HVLP paint sprayer (I just thinned the paint with water).

The rails are just black gas pipe from the local hardware store. I put them on a lathe and sanded them until smooth.

Thanks again,
Biss

[kbisswanger]

The router is now in its final home. I installed the home/limit switches and got the homing/limits all set up in Mach3. I constructed some low cost cable carriers out of vinyl window screen trim from Home Depot. They seem to work pretty well, and it keeps the spider web of wires all nice and tidy. See pictures below.

Biss

[wasted_druid]

Nice.

Out of curiosity, what method did you use to cut the larger parts that don't fit on the bed of the JGRO?

[kbisswanger]

I just cut the longer parts in two pieces. I then just glued them together. The majority of the forces are carried by the top and bottom "skins" of the torsion boxes (much like an I-beam) therefore butting the ends together really results in an insignificant reduction in strength. On the end pieces that are sandwiched together I just staggered where the joint was located. It all seemed to work out pretty well, and things lined up without any real problems. I don't have alot of pictures but i have attached two that show some of the parts. There are actually other ways to do as one piece. You use positioning pins and cut one portion then repositioning and finish the cut. I just took the easy way out, knowing that I would degrade the overall strength very little.


Thanks,
Biss

[EBC]

Nicely done!

[kbisswanger]

Hey guys. I need some help. I just replaced my supertech controller with a G540. It is powered with a 48V PS (all purchased from Keling) Nothing else has changed (table, motors, software, etc). I think I have everything setup properly, but I am getting random skips or glitches while jogging. I am also getting random faults on the Gecko. I'm not sure what is causing the gecko to just fault, but wen I remove one of the steppers it seems to reduce the frequency of faults. Unfortunately it doesn't matter which stepper I remove, so I don't think its a bad motor. Is there a list of reasons for fault light on the gecko to be triggered (ie no charge pump signal, estop open, etc). I've been screwing with this for two weekends now, and I'm starting to get aggravated. BTW I never had any issues with the supertech controller; it was just alittle under powered. I've tried two different computers (Laptop used with the STech controller before, and an old pc I had laying around). Any ides would be greatly appreciated!

Keith

[kbisswanger]

I think I've narrowed it down to a cable from the controller to the z axis. I was able to turn the failure on and off by switching cables...crazy.. I actually don't think it is a faulty cable; it appears to be the type or maybe the length. The cable that goes to my z axis is longer than the others (15'); i guess this could potentially be the problem. its funny i didn't have this problem with the supertech controller? has anyone else had issues with long cables and their g540??

keith

[kbisswanger]

Just thought I'd give an update on my Joes 2006. In my last post I described issues with cabeling, etc. I replace all my cables with heavier guage wire and continued to have issues with random skips and "hitches." Well after trying everything I decided to read the Mach 3 instructions on how to optimize the computer. I basically turned everything off that was running in the background and uninstalled a few things. Mach has some tips at the following link http://www.machsupport.com/downloads...timization.txt

I am using an older laptop with a parallel port and it is working great now. Before the optimization my max speeds were ~175ipm after adjustments I can now reliabily jog at over 500ipm. The stalls, skips, hitches are gone. Anyway I have been enjoying my machine for many months now. I just thought there may be others out there that were like me and doubted the necessity of optomizing ther pc's for Mach (their test program showed no issues either!)

The Joe's 2006 is a great machine that does nice accurate work. Below are a few pic's of things I've made with it over the past year. Thanks again Joe for the great design and thanks to all the friendly people on this forum.

Biss

[kbisswanger]

One of these is actually some vinyl work (Thanksgiving plate), but I used my machine to cut the vinyl! It works well for that too!