Started building my first (Joe's) router

[David Da Costa]

It's a Shuttle Express controller that along with the plugin for Mach 3 you can use to control the axis movement.

David

[bp092]

Was wondering the same as well. I saw my brother had one that he uses for video editing, always wondered if that could be integrated to be used as a jog device. Cool!

[David Da Costa]

Here is a small update showing the mounting bracket I cut on my small CNC router for the Xylotex fan.

The photo shows it mounted on the slide with the Xylotex card. This all mounts into one of the internal 3.5" drive bays in the computer case.

[David Da Costa]

I have now completed and successfully tested my “all-in-one” computer/ cnc controller for the new CNC router that I will be building thanks to Joe.

The photo shows the completed setup and I have made a video of the setup in action (less any sign of a cnc router ).

Sorry about the amateurish video, and I am not expecting to win any Oscars with it . The url for the video is http://web.mac.com/dacostad

Well that it, I have now completed everything I can before building the router, ordering everything required, building the bearing slides and building the cnc computer/ controller. Now I am hoping for an early present from Joe

David

[bp092]

David, very cool work. I think you've come along way and you really did complete the router. I think for me the hardest part would be the electronics, getting the software setup and building any of the aluminum parts and getting them working properly, assembly of the MDF really won't be a problem. Can't wait for you to get the kit, I like the way you document your build. You put a lot of effort into the video, I was pleasantly suprised. Steppers are noisy huh? I was thinking the same thing when watching, but you know what, so is my router and so will my dust collector when everything is running .. keep everyone posted, there are more people checking out your stuff man, just a lot of lurkers here even despite the lack of posts.

[David Da Costa]

The steppers are'nt to noisy once they are mounted, but of course any noise they make a drowned out by the router and the dust extraction system.

I am really looking forward to building the rest of the router and will also make a video of that too.

[ccsparky]

Originally Posted by David Da Costa The steppers are'nt to noisy once they are mounted, but of course any noise they make a drowned out by the router and the dust extraction system. I am really looking forward to building the rest of the router and will also make a video of that too.

David,

That's really nice! Great job on the PC/Controller!

I worked on my kit Wednesday and forgot to bring the camera home. Will be going by the shop today to work on it some more. Loads of fun! I'll post in my log tonight.

Keep up the great work, it's exciting to watch what you are doing!

[joecnc2006]

David, I fimally got a chance to see the video, Very nice job on documenting it. Look forward to seeing everything working when you get it all together, and of course as soon as you get the kit.

Joe

[David Da Costa]

Thanks everyone - I am having a lot of fun doing this and will try to document the build of the kit in a similar way.

David

[David Da Costa]

Good news!!! My kit is on its way and I should have it by Thursday.

I am going to try to document the build as much as possible.

I am also intending to spend a bit of extra time painting the MDF as I want to get as "professional" a finish as possible.

I have been doing some experimenting and intend to seal all the cut edges of the MDF with drywall spackle, seal the MDF with spray lacquer (alcohol based so won't cause MDF to expand) then spray with Rustoleum white paint.

I am going to use Titebond III to glue the MDF along with 1" brads from my new Porter Cable brad nailer and compressor.

David

[bp092]

It sounds good David, I can't wait to see your build.. good idea on drywall mud on the edges, MDF edges suck up paint differently than the face and generally look bad unless they are filled. Usually on return panels or exposed edges for MDF with millwork and casework in our shop we edgeband all of the edges to hide that. The mud should work fine though. What color do you plan to paint it? John Deere colors? heh I'm going to probably go with the hammered metal look or buffed aluminum paint. Nice buy on the PC kit as well, they make very good nailers and sanders, I think their guns are up there with senco.

[David Da Costa]

No not " John Deere" color It's going to be white of course.

David