Newbie wants the know

[KKutt]

Greetings

I am in the infantile stages of building a wood router (thinking about it)

I looked at mach software and am impressed and am thinking of using that.

I have been in the machinist business, CNC drafting and design, for over twenty years and am pursuing a home business for wood working.

The router needs to be accurate and rigid. Not necessarily on the cheap, I want it to run dependably and for years without major repairs. And 4’ x 6’ + XYZ- A axis (for the first one.)

I have been scouring the internet and not finding what I need and could use some advice from someone with the know and any response would be greatly appreciated.



Logitrol large servo package deal? Is this something you would use? Is it a good quality product? Is there a better alternative than this? This is the one I looked at.


5 Axis Large Mill / Router (Package Deal 026)

**5 Axis Servo Motion controller with Translation card, 4 internal opto relays**

**NEW!! x2 RAPID 55vdc / 700w Tolroid Coil Power Supplies 120 or 220vac**

**Jog Pendant Remote NEW!! (Ver.3)**

**5 / AMTEC 600oz.in Peak Servo Motors with 500 or 250 line encoders
including 8ft pre-wired motor leads**

**Home & Limits switches**

**Quickstart instructional Leaflet, CDRom and Printer Cable**





Is there any problem with using linear ball bearings on a router (the block and rail type not the round) ? (other than the cost)


Would slaving two motors to drive twin ball screws for the X axis be possible with Mach? Would this increase accuracy and rigidity?


Has anyone come across an auto tool changer that does not require spindle orientation? Will mach do spindle orientation in use with logitrol?


Can Mach compensate for lead screw error?


Do I ask too many questions???????


Thanks for getting through this.

[ger21]

I don't have any experience with Lowcost cnc retrofits, so I won't comment on that.

Originally Posted by KKutt Is there any problem with using linear ball bearings on a router (the block and rail type not the round) ? (other than the cost)

Most all high end commercial routers use them.

Originally Posted by KKutt Would slaving two motors to drive twin ball screws for the X axis be possible with Mach? Would this increase accuracy and rigidity?

Yes, mach can slave 2 motors. It may increase rigidity, depending on what you're starting with. Shouldn't have any effect on accuracy, but should keep your gantry from racking.

Originally Posted by KKutt Has anyone come across an auto tool changer that does not require spindle orientation? Will mach do spindle orientation in use with logitrol?

I don't think that most ATC router spindles require spindle orientation. We have a 10HP HSD at work, and I can put tools in by hand at any orientation. But you'll need to spend close to $10K for one. And no, I don't think Mach can orient the spindle.

Originally Posted by KKutt Can Mach compensate for lead screw error?

Yes, but you'll need an accurate way of determining the error.

Originally Posted by KKutt Do I ask too many questions???????

Almost.

[KKutt]

Thanks for the info Gerry
I am very new to routers and my mind wants to build them like machine tool.

[Torchhead]

kkutt: Before you rip out the check book you might want to nose around my website for the packaged deals for Router (RouterPaks). We also have a nice high end Pendant for not many bucks (MPG101B). Consider that our packages come with all of the electronics integrated and tested (even the home switches) and the 4 axis servo system (top of the line) will beat most prices you see. We have some pretty techie stuff in the servo interface and all systems come with differential cable drivers/receivers to kill the common encoder noise problems. It will at least give you something to look at (:-)

TOM CAUDLE
www.CandCNC.com

[KKutt]

Originally Posted by Torchhead kkutt: Before you rip out the check book you might want to nose around my website for the packaged deals for Router (RouterPaks). We also have a nice high end Pendant for not many bucks (MPG101B). Consider that our packages come with all of the electronics integrated and tested (even the home switches) and the 4 axis servo system (top of the line) will beat most prices you see. We have some pretty techie stuff in the servo interface and all systems come with differential cable drivers/receivers to kill the common encoder noise problems. It will at least give you something to look at (:-) TOM CAUDLE www.CandCNC.com

looks like good stuff, do you have any probing systems? I am going to build a desktop router and purchase a 4x8 router to start my bussiness. I want to have 3D probing capability X-Z-A axis I dont know how this all comes togather. Just wondering if you have any sucess storys with your software-Mach and a pobing system.

[Torchhead]

We don't have a probing solution (yet). It's more mechanical than electronic. MACH3 has a probing function and even a probing plug-in. I haven't used it yet so I don't know how all of it works. Heck I just got good at doing 2D and 2.5D routing (:-). I think you can buy and use any of several general purposr pobe devices with MACH. There was even a DIY thread somewhere on building your own probe....been to long to remember where!