Joe's CNC Router Build in Milton, WA

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I have started to build Joe's CNC Router 2006 and have created a Blog on my personal web server to document the process similar to the way David Da Costa and others did. I have two posts there now and have completed the fabrication of the bearing slides. Pictures included. I have many pictures but will limit the picture posts because my upload speed is limited by Comast.

I noticed after assembing the bearing slides that the Y-Axis ones have the bearing riding on the 3/4" drill rod right on the edge while the Z-Axis ones ride almost in the middle. I created a CAD drawing from micrometer measurements showing both axis and will create a post this evening after work showing the arrangement. I have sent the drawing to Joe for his thoughts but have not seen his response yet. I have not created the X-Axis one yet as I do not have the 1" pipe yet to test it on. I will do that this weekend after I purchase the 1" pipe.

The Blog is located here

http://www.dickshouse.net/wordpress

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I am anxiously awaiting the parts for Joe's CNC Router 2006. In the mean time, I have collected most of the parts. I made the bearing slides and purchased the 3/4" drill rod, the 3/4" and 1" BSP pipe. I got my pipe from a local steel supply house in Tacoma and they were pristine. No mars on the pipe at all. Reading the threads on Joe's machine builds on CNCZone, I notice from pictures that the cap screw heads for the skate bearings on the bearing slides seem to be located inside the angle. I have assembled them with the nuts inside the angle. The head inside the angle will not interfere with installation of the slides in the mounting slots. Oh well that is how you learn to assemble this device. Fun Fun Fun.

I started to build the stepper motor controller box and have a completed the box except for the front panel connectors for the limit switches and the motor power wiring. I have purchased three GECKO 203V (the vampire versions that never dies) that are on back order. Hurry up and wait.

I purchased a CNC4PC C11G breakout board for mounting in the front of the panel. I had purchased a 5 and 12 VDC power supply from CNC4PC a couple of years ago. I cut the pass through hole and took out the jack screws to mount the device but they were not long enough as my front panel is 1/8" thick. So I took the front panel to my mill and milled a 1/6" slot and was able to mount it.

My computer needs a reboot (Thank you Microsoft. How many times has this happened? 1000s.)

I will up load some pictures in my next post tomorrow evening. It has taken me 6 vacation days to get his far on the controller box build with our Powder Room having flooded taking two of those vacation days to tear apart.

My blog is at

http://www.dickshouse.net/wordpress

Richard

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I attached three pictures of the controller box as currently completed. More later.

Richard

http://www.dickshouse.net/wordpress

[txcowdog]

I see you have marked a spot for the A axis driver. Is that for future expansion or are you building this with an A axis?

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I originally planned to use this box for a mill conversion to CNC. The A axis was to be a rotary table at some time in the future. They are not very expensive and conversion to CNC would be simple after the XYZ axis were implemented. I bought the plans from Jeff Davis at HOMECNC.INFO but found the manufacture of the aluminum parts were not within my capability at that time. I am new to the CNC world but very arrogant. I believe that I can do anything. Some times I cannot. I rebuilt the transmission in my dad's 1943 Willys Jeep when I was 15 with almost no tools. I love reading about this stuff and the videos make me want to have my own machine. I believe that when I have the router operating, I can make the CNC parts for the Mill out of HDPE and then when converted to CNC replace the HDPE parts with aluminum. I already have all of the aluminum sitting on the floor of my metal shop.

Richard

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I have posted more work in progress on my personal blog. Some small changes.

http://www.dickshouse.net/wordpress

Richard

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My kit arrived today from Joe with the box in surprisingly good condition based on pictures others have put up on this site. I have stored the box in the garage because if I opened it up I would not go to work for the rest of the week.

My wife of 36 years died on 24 June and I have been moping around in need of a distraction and it is finally here. I will take lots of pictures and post them for everyones enjoyment.

Thanks Joe for the lift in spirits.

Richard

[joecnc2006]

Glad the package arived in one piece, Look forward to seeing the build and maybe a new color scheme...

Joe

[bp092]

Can't wait to see your progress. It's a fun and exciting build; should keep you both happy and busy. A new color scheme? I'de say it is safe to assume that nearly 50% of joes builders painted theirs white. I know I did.. still no one did the full out john deer scheme as the rendering was posted awhile back.

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Guys, my wife's grandfather Max Sklovsky was the first chief engineer of the John Deere Tractor Division about 1905. His son Ira Maxon (changed name because he was going to Russia and mother was afraid they would never let him come home) was the designer of the John Deere Model L and LA tractors. The L/LA was a modern rubber tired tractor for small farms. I have been considering doing a full John Deere color scheme. I know Janie and Family will all look down and smile if I do. So that is what I am planning. Should be an eye catcher.

Of course our riding mower is a John Deere. Janie had to have one and loved to mow the back 40.

Richard