K2CNC Summary

[tauscnc]

Hey Jason,
That is so true. I have been thinking of how I would go about cutting them. I have a table saw (cheaper version), a miter saw and also a 10" delta bandsaw. Then I could always cut them on the sherline or the K2 cutting one at time. I guess I figure with some of the parts I and others have gotten from K2, I couldn't do worse But I am really excited abou it. It would make the Y axis so much stiffer. Heck if you can't think of something to make from the machine, make something for it (I love this banana guy).

Hey Rob,
Good to hear from ya bud. I did not check out that part on the website. Will do. Hows the cutting going?

taus
www.cuttingedgecnc.com

[ger21]

With a good blade, either the table saw or miter saw will cut them just fine. There are a few threads around here about cutting aluminum with woodworking tools. A triple chip blade is best, but anything with 60+ teeth will work fine.

[carlnpa]

Taus,
8020 has a downloadable calculator that computes flex. It didn't work for me otherwise I'd calculate deflection for you. It's going to reduce flex, the question is how much? I think it will be around 15/1000 if you double up the 1020 rails. You will get better flex reduction with a piece of plate that ties all the rails together (long axis and crossbracing) and the dimensions are not critical.
Carl

[rrrevels]

I cut aluminum with my miter saw with no problems. A little WD40 and all is well. I would ease up to the line a little at a time to make sure the fit is perfect. I also use a hand held circular saw for some of my rough cuts.

Just be prepared for the flying chips and NOISE!

Russ

[tauscnc]

Hey guys,

Hope you guys are cutting something with your machines! I had a great conversation with Ron today at K2. In effort to keep the post going, I must say things seem to be really changing. I talked to him about the upgraded ballscrews and we went over the price/accuracy...for my needs I nor Ron think it is worth it. What I did instead is get some felt pads that you put on the bottom of chairs so they don't mark your floor and cut a hole out of it. I then CA'ed that to the ballnut as a wiper. So far it seems like it is going to work well . I will post some pics of it soon.

I also asked about the rails and he said they should be able to hold something like 200 pounds! WOW! I have scrapped the idea of adding more rails and if needed I will get a top for it. As mentioned in other posts, I think that will be a better way to do things. I would still suggest new buyers to get 2 extra CROSS RAILS put in. Its great for clamping work etc.

My main thing I am going to do is get the servo motors from them with new mounts, etc. I can't wait to give them a try. I am gonna go from steppers to servos. Man I hope they really are better

Seems like they are coming out with new products too. Tables, duct collections stuff, etc. Looking good.

taus

[Xnaron]

Hey guys,
I talked to him about the upgraded ballscrews and we went over the price/accuracy...for my needs I nor Ron think it is worth it. What I did instead is get some felt pads that you put on the bottom of chairs so they don't mark your floor and cut a hole out of it. I then CA'ed that to the ballnut as a wiper. So far it seems like it is going to work well . I will post some pics of it soon.
taus

Hey Taus,

Do you need a wiper because of the debris from the cutting that gets into the ballscrew? Do you think a vacuum at the tool cleaning up the debris would solve the problem? I am thinking about buying a k2 3925 and am just researching its problems now. So far I haven't found anything that would stop me from buying one.

Thanks,
Brendin

[tauscnc]

Hey Brendin,

yeah, the sawdust, aluminum chips, plastic, etc gets all over the place and one place is on the ballscrews. Before you know it the ballnut is all gummed up and not running well. The X one for me (the 25" one) is not as much of a problem as it is easy to get to but the Y (39" one) is tough as it is under the table etc.

The upgraded ballscrews have wipers and a bit more accuracy but from talkting with Ron it depends on what your wanting to do with the machine. For me, I would of just spent more money to get wipers which I have already made. They also have really high end thompson ones if your going into some major production work now/too. A vaccume system at the router would help with much of the mess...I don't have one but should be getting one soon. I will keep you posted on what I figure out. I know K2 is working on this and some other products for the machines. I really like the tabletop and will probably get one someday also.

I am thinking about buying a k2 3925 and am just researching its problems now. So far I haven't found anything that would stop me from buying one.

While I had a rocky road in the beginning and looking back on it (I have read many of my posts over) I think, WOW. My goal was to give an honest review and hopefully I did...but thing are different now. Looking back on it , I would buy another 3925 as it just fits a good nitch in the market. The size of the machine is awesome and I have been happy with its cutting. Plus the parts that did not work they replaced without question and even sent me a new ballscrew for the long axis since mine was getting bent from me taking in and out. That I do think was my fault but they still took the hit.

I Just talked to Ron and have been really happy with our conversations. The customer service end really seems like its been stepped up and sounds like most of the machines coming off the production are doing well. You should get the machine with the updated parts and I don't think you should have a problem. I would suggest 2 extra crossbraces as they are great to help clamp down on parts if your not using a table. Hopefully the shipping companies will do their end and deliever the products. Ron said they have changed the way they pack the machines for shipping too. Sounds good to me.

I can't wait to get my servo motors. They are also sending me the mounts etc and wires. I just ordered 3 gecko 320

Yipie!!!!!

taus

[tauscnc]

oop,

look below

[tauscnc]

Here is the felt I put in front and behind the ballnut.

PICTURE 1

PICTURE 2

Here is what I did to the front of the machine. I cut a slot using a standard woodcraft 3/8" (I think) key hole cutter. I used the router in the base and worked its way though. Little by little untill the nuts fit in. Now I can slide my top on in front without having to move the machine. I have suggested this mod to Ron.

PICTURE 3

I got my geckos and should get my motors soon!

taus

[CNCRob]

I love that ideal you had about slotting the front so the top will slide into place taus. It sure beats taking it off or taking the motor in the back off to get the top on and off, I may do that to my machine also.

[tauscnc]

YIPPIE!!!

I got my servo motors from K2 today!!!

A+ for packing...awesome job!!
The servos look great and beefy. Man these things should really make the router zing I also got my Gecko 320s the other day. Man I wonder what I will be doing tonight ??

Ron also sent me the motor mounts for free as I upgraded to the servo setup (not sure if this is a normal practice or a one time deal...) but the mounts look great! They also sent me the wire and I got 2 new larger aluminum pullies. Man I can't wait to try this out. I am so excited!

I talked with him again today and I am really happy with them. They have really seemed to turn things around. I talked to him about "secret" projects they are working on which sound great! Ok, Ok, stuff like different tops, other machine setups, etc.

I did ask Ron about making a Sherline spindle mount so I can take my Sherline head off and put it on the router and he said, no prob just send the dimentions. So I will probably look into that too.

Good stuff K2! I am happy.

taus

[cbass]

Good to hear that Taus. Don't forget to sleep tonight!


Carlo