Newbie- Another newbie, another ?? thread before I start

[Realmseeker]

Howdy folks,

I think I can build most of this threads pleasantries from other newb threads I've read:

My first post...
been lurking for months....
About to start my build....
been bit by the bug....
read them all but a few questions....

Well its my turn!
Also stealing a bit of limelight from Keeway since he posted a few hours before me,

I just posted this in the yahoo group,
but thought I would also post here,

Quoting self....

Howdy folks,

About to start up a 2006 model build,
BTW I would like to thank you Joe for putting these plans out there,
and to whomever translated them in DWF files,
I plan to print them out in 1:1 scale and use them to scroll/bandsaw out templates then flush cut on a router table,
also I plan to use hobbycnc 205oz kit,
(ez or pro version? bigger motor?)

I have a few questions I am hoping a few of you can help me with please,
I am hoping to start within the next 3 weeks,

I own a Bosch 2 1/4 hp variable speed router,
I am sure that is up to the task of doing the work as my spindle,
but what I am curious about is how much wear is this going to put on it?
Its my baby and would really like to not have to replace it anytime soon,
also I would like to remove it from the machine for other uses,
(what that might after I have a cnc at my disposal IDK),
So is worth the extra 100+$ for another router just for the machine,
or should I just use the one I have?

Also I plan to just use allthread rods for my first CNC,
I figure for the first time out of the box,
keep the price down while I learn,
then upgrade later when I use the first machine to build the second,
the question I have is,
should I use 1/2-13 or the 1/4-?(20 I think) at the local home depot?
I plan on maybe extending the x and y axis 1-2 feet each,
I know the original build was done with 1/4 allthread,
but at what size is it generally a good idea to go to 1/2",
or would it just be better to use 1/2 no matter what the size?

This machine will be used for hardwood solid, ply (construction grade and baltic), MDF, and particle board,

Last question,
I only have 1/4 and 1/2 collets,
should I look around for 1/8?

Cheers and Beers guys,
hopefully I'll have a build log up on CNCzone soon
Also I am going to repost this on their forums,
I believe my user name on there is Realmseeker,

Jordan

End Quote

Enjoy the wall of text,
and as always,
any help is appreciated,

from the great white north,
(now wet and yellow/green),
Jordan

[ger21]

1) Buy another router.

2) Do NOT use allthread. Not when you can get acme for $6
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=408-0200

[Realmseeker]

Originally Posted by ger21 2) Do NOT use allthread. Not when you can get acme for $6 http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=408-0200

Yeah I've seen the price on acmes,
but after conversion and shipping,
its about 30-40$ a rod for me,
never mind the cost of the nuts and couplers etc,

I think I have a local source for acmes up here(toronto, ON):
http://www.ntsteel.com/products.shtml#B7

Scroll to the very bottom,
I found them last night,
so I'll contact them monday and find out prices,
its got to be cheaper then shipping in from the states,
and 12ft lengths.... think of the stupidly large CNC I could build,
Could do full house size walls:P

[BobF]

Gerry is right. Don't use allthread. If you do, don't extend the machine. It will take all week to get the far end of the long axis. Even if you get the steppers to run fast enough you will have so much wip in the screws you won't be able to use the speed.
There is a build thread where the sides were modified to eleminate the notches the pipes fit into on the torsion box and replace with a side that had a groove for the pipes to sit in. This might make it easier to build.

[Realmseeker]

Originally Posted by BobF There is a build thread where the sides were modified to eleminate the notches the pipes fit into on the torsion box and replace with a side that had a groove for the pipes to sit in. This might make it easier to build.

howdy BobF,
I'll try to find the acmes for sure,

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...=31436&page=11
this the thread you were referring to?
or at least the concept?

[BobF]

Originally Posted by Realmseeker howdy BobF, I'll try to find the acmes for sure, http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...=31436&page=11 this the thread you were referring to? or at least the concept?

Thats it. This is the concept.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/attach...9&d=1172463330

Lots of other good ideas in that thread. Looks like he found ways to make it easier to build if you don't have a CNC to cut parts without loosing any of the essential strengths of Joes design.

[calgrdnr]

Here is a link to the 5 start screws I used .
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=171

this upgrade as far as I am concern,should not be an upgrade if you are just starting to build. It is by far the best improvement I have made . not to mention the time saved on each project. i.e. 75IPM to 120+ ipm. also makes the motors life a little easier

if links don't work search part number at end of link .. good luck.

beg, borrow, collect cans.... start out right as far as the drive screws go . you will be much happier you didn't waste money starting out with other screws. Good luck please keep us posted on your build


Kent

[ger21]

Or go for the Roton 1/2-8 4 start. I'm pretty sure they'll ship to Canada.

[Realmseeker]

Originally Posted by ger21 Or go for the Roton 1/2-8 4 start. I'm pretty sure they'll ship to Canada.

I've spent the day sourcing out Canadian dealers,
Hopefully I'll have a small list of of whom I used for other Canadians,
or at least Ontarians,
I'll be able to call around on Monday,
but sadly even with shipping and exchange,
its not that much worse to order from the US,
or ship to a friend for when he drives back up here,

I'm hoping to start up a build thread soon,
probably once I start buying and have the home shop setup,
(just moved),

I found a PDF and a collection of the DWGs from some sort of link I stumbled upon,
The pdf had a parts list and some partial build instructions,
It seemed to have all the parts nescessary,
but lacked an acme rod for the Z axis,
would a 12" long 1/2-10(or whatever I end up using for the other 2 axises),
be big enough?
Should I link the pdf or do you guy know which one I am talking about?

Thanks again guys,
you all have been helpful so far

[BobF]

I think Joes uses a 14" rod for Z. I take it back, mine is closer to 20". It could be a little shorter though, mine may have an inch of overhang.
Most of the Acme is sold in 72" lengths. Use one for X and you can cut the other 2 out of a second rod.