Joes 2006 Build in Brisbane Australia

[ClaudioG]

Hi Guys,

I figured now would be a good time to start a log of my build of a Joes CNC Model 2006 R2 build.

I've done a lot of reading of other great logs so hopefully mine will end up being at least 1/2 as useful for someone. There's a ton of great information here and elsewhere on the net.

I've got a long way to go, and a few other projects at home which I have to complete before getting too far down the track with this, so this project will take a while. I know it will be all too easy to get totally absorbed by this project and forget ever thing else, which has already happened with just reading about it.

I thought I'd get the ball rolling with buying a few critical components I can't get in Australia while I'm over here in the USA for the next few weeks and taking them back with me.

I'll be ordering the 1/2-8 2 Start ACME lead screws from MSC, DumpsterCNC bits, lovejoy couplers from Enco, bearings from VXB, a Hitachi Router from Lowes, T-Track & clamps from Rockler, ShuttlePro from Amazon and some mills. Oh, and a new digital camera for the photos and videos that everyone love.

I'll also be ordering a HobbyCNC 3-Axis kit with 305oz and probably having that shipped directly as I'll exceed my luggage weight limits (50lb per bag, 2 bag limit)

I have a few major stumbling blocks to overcome, the first of which is to convert Joes excellent plans to metric in order to be able to use metric thickness MDF and HDPE. I've done enough research and grovelling to be comfortable that this will get done one way or another.

I was more than happy to pay Joe for a kit but unfortunately the shipping costs to Australia tipped it over the edge. I would much rather be spending the money on other components than helping keep DHL, UPS or FedEx in business.

I'll also be checking out Kents excellent Joes CNC in Visalia while I'm over here in a few weeks so I'm looking forward to that.

I'll have lots of questions and have no doubt you guys have all the answers. I can then return the favour to the next rookie that comes along.

Cheers,

Claudio

[joecnc2006]

Great look forward to seeing it and you converting to metric will help others, and sure people here can help with any question which may arise for you.

and most af all take your time and have fun....

Joe

[ClaudioG]

Hi Joe,

One question I do have which was asked before here;

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=54

but I don't believe it was answered.

Do you need 3 or 6 Dumpster clamps as it appears as though you are using them at both ends of the the ACME thread in this photo

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...5&postcount=64

Thanks,

Claudio

[joecnc2006]

Originally Posted by ClaudioG Hi Joe, One question I do have which was asked before here; http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...6&postcount=54 but I don't believe it was answered. Do you need 3 or 6 Dumpster clamps as it appears as though you are using them at both ends of the the ACME thread in this photo http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...5&postcount=64 Thanks, Claudio

You will need 6, one on each end of all three axis......as shown in the second link.


Joe

[ClaudioG]

Thanks Joe.

You might want to edit your original thread here as it states that 3 are required.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...5&postcount=37

Claudio

[ClaudioG]

I'm just trying to decide what router bits I should get in the USA to cover me for cutting and carving MDF, HDPE and some aluminium.

Here's what I think is a good start, which I mostly stole from VCarve Pro

- 1/4" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral
- 1/8" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral
- 60 degree v-bit (diameter?)
- 90 degree v-bit (diameter?)
- ball nose (diameter?)
- 20 degree Engrave bit (0.02" diameter tip)
- Ogee 1/4" Radius, 1 1/4" diameter x 1/2" deep
- Roundover 3/8" Radius 1" Diameter x 1/2" Deep
- large bit for surfacing

I'm not too sure on what diameter bits to get for some. Any other suggestions? Are some not needed.

Most of what I will be doing is straight cutting, but I like VCarve Pro for the odd sign and would like to try and engrave some aluminium signs as well.

I assume I should be getting Carbide bits.

Can anyone suggest preferred USA based brands, part #s or suppliers.

Thanks

Claudio

[Jason Marsha]

Here is what I use.

1/4" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral Whiteside from Routerbits.com ru2100

1/8" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral Whiteside from Routerbits.com ru1600

5/32" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral Whiteside from Routerbits.com ru1700

60 degree v-bit 9/16" diameter ( 3 flute) Amana from Toolstoday.com 45733 Rather Pricey

90 degree v-bit 1" diameter MLCSwoodworking.com #7729

These are the bits I use nearly all of the time. Ball ends are in my next order.

Jason

[ccsparky]

Originally Posted by ClaudioG I'm just trying to decide what router bits I should get in the USA to cover me for cutting and carving MDF, HDPE and some aluminium. Here's what I think is a good start, which I mostly stole from VCarve Pro - 1/4" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral - 1/8" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral - 60 degree v-bit (diameter?) - 90 degree v-bit (diameter?) - ball nose (diameter?) - 20 degree Engrave bit (0.02" diameter tip) - Ogee 1/4" Radius, 1 1/4" diameter x 1/2" deep - Roundover 3/8" Radius 1" Diameter x 1/2" Deep - large bit for surfacing I'm not too sure on what diameter bits to get for some. Any other suggestions? Are some not needed. Most of what I will be doing is straight cutting, but I like VCarve Pro for the odd sign and would like to try and engrave some aluminium signs as well. I assume I should be getting Carbide bits. Can anyone suggest preferred USA based brands, part #s or suppliers. Thanks Claudio

Hello Claudio

Most of my bits are 1/4" shank with a few 3/8" and 1/2"
Here are some links to the sites where I've purchased most of my bits.
When given the choice of shank length I normally purchase the longer shank.
I've picked up a few router bit sets from Woodcraft when they have sales. If you subscribe to newsletters you'll benefit from catching the sales when they happen.
As far as diameter goes, When using spiral upcut bits the majority of cutting will be done with 1/8" and 1/4". On the V-groove bit side I just pick up a selection of what ever I can find, however I find that I use the 1/2" the most.

Router Bit World
http://routerbitworld.com/

2 Flute UpCut Spiral
CMT
http://routerbitworld.com/category_s/1304.htm
Freud
http://routerbitworld.com/category_s/256.htm

V-Groove
http://routerbitworld.com/SearchResu...earch=v-groove

Ball (Round) Nose
Freud
http://routerbitworld.com/category_s/175.htm


WoodCraft
http://www.woodcraft.com/

V-Groove 90 degree selection
CMT
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8250
Whiteside
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8053

V-Groove 60 degree selection
CMT
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8252
Whiteside
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8054


Woodworksers World
http://www.woodworkersworld.net/v_groove_bits.shtml


Rockler
http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView....etest=1&gord=1

Signmaking Set $39.99
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...7&cookietest=1


American Carbide
http://www.american-carbide.com/Woodworking/RB.aspx

Hope this helps and have a great time!!

Bob

[calgrdnr]

Nice link list of bits Bob , Thanks I am at the stage I would like some more bits. I bought the sign makers kit from Rockler they just don’t give you to many options. Nice bits though. I can definitely see the ATC in my future also.

Maybe you can make link to this list in the Joes Mods & Tips

Thanks again and no I haven’t forgot about Video will get one done soon I hope .

I am looking forward to meeting Claudio, Hopefully he can get some ideas from my setup .What to do and what not too.


Kent

[ClaudioG]

Thanks Bob and Jason for the info on the bits. The signmaking set sounds like a good option along with the others.

Kent, I might be able to help with the video when I visit as I bought a new camera today in San Francisco. We're now in Sacramento for about 36hrs staying with my girlfriends (Jen) mother and then driving to L.A.

I'm hoping to drop into Rockler near Anaheim and buy the T-Track stuff and some router bits.

Last night I ordered the ACME and Lovejoys from MSC and the DumpsterCNC stuff so that should be here this coming week. Going to see if the local Lowes has the router otherwise I'll just order it off Amazon along with the ShuttlePro.

The jet lag has been knocking us about a bit so hopefully I'll get a good nights sleep tonight, ready for the big family day tomorrow.

Claudio

[ClaudioG]

Hey Guys,

I went to Lowe's this morning to checkout the Hitachi M12VC router and noticed a Dewalt DW618 with similar specs but was a 50Hz/60Hz model which would be more suitable for Australian 50Hz power. I've got a stepdown transformer for the voltage conversion.

Does anyone have experience with this model? I've read the reviews at Amazon and they are a little mixed but most seem positive with a few major negatives thrown in so it's hard to make a decision.

The WD618 has variable speed 8,000 to 24,000RPM, soft start, spindle lock (spring loaded so 1 hand need to hold the lock), draws 12A instead of 11A on the Hitachi, 3 1/2" mounting collar (not sure what the M12VC is), 2 1/4 horse. As I said, very similar to the Hitachi.

Here's a link

http://www.amazon.com/DeWalt-Dewalt-...2101079&sr=8-3

Thanks

Claudio

[ClaudioG]

Well after spending 3 1/2 weeks in the USA, I've come back home with some hard or impossible to get items as well as some things which were cheaper than what they are here.

I went for a DeWalt DW618 router instead of the Hitachi because the DeWalt is rated at 50/60Hz and we use 50Hz power in Australia. I also bought a 2nd hand 1500w step down transformer in Australia before heading to the USA.

Some nice features of the DW618 are the removable power cord and spindle lock. Hopefully the quality doesn't let me down. This is a factory refurb model which I'm hoping has had a bit more time checking it out that the production units, but I could be wrong.

Here's a detailed spreadsheet with all the bits I bought and photos of the collection so far.

One item not shown is the digital camera I bought as well which is a Panasonic DMC-FX50. Very happy with the picture and video quality (check out Kents log for some I shot).

Lots of fun shopping around for this stuff.

Claudio