4-axis diy router/lathe

[skyten]

I am in planning stage to develop a cnc with 4-axes. The x y z there the x-axis should turn and so be able to make turning works. The size of the largest table will be 200 cm x 120 cm and the y 30 cm. The bar on the y are going to be possible to manually set at 30 cm, 60, and 90 cm heigth, so to be able to work on tall stuff. I have allready got a lot of valuable information here on this forum. The primary target is woodworking.

I hope I can get some advice during the developing time, which may take some time, due to lack of time and fundings.

Maybe a too big project to be the first I build, but I think it may be possible, as I have successfully made a windturbin, from shelf components. I will try to use shelf components while possible.

I have very little knowledge of computer/electronic hardware, so this part I have to buy complete ready to use.

I have for now not any specific questions, but would like comments on the project as such.

(English is not my native language, hope you understand Swenglish)

Jorgen
Sweden

[la_coterie]

Hmm, not sure you've got the axis terminology correct

The X axis is by tradition the longest - yours is 2000mm the one at 90 degrees is the Y axis and the one that makes the holes in the table is the Z axis.

Build a working xyz table first, get that sorted and then think about other clever bits.

The software to make the G code with the extra axis will cost..

Go on have a go at the electronics - it's fun! and there's loads of people here who will point the way.

Off the shelf components - hope you have deep pockets (lots of money)

Anyway your Swenglish is better than my Franglais

[svenakela]

You go ahead, here are many Scandinavians!
Were in Sweden are you located?

Sven

[skyten]

With rotating X-axis I mean nothing more than a lathe in the direction of the X-axis, using a lathe is like a rotating x-axis. This is probably not the first time somebody think of building or already have built such stuff(the simplest method is just to place the lathe on the working table). Most of the time it will not need any too complicated g-code generating as it will be either milling or turning. As the matter of fact I am primary intressted in turning wood, and If I make a cnc-lathe, the step to make it milling as well is not too far.
My location is in Scania about 50 km from Malmoe (see my profile).

[svenakela]

You're talking about an XYZ-machine with an optional A-axis.
There are numerous examples of that, even here.

Go through the image gallery and you'll find a bunch of them.
Such as Jfettig's a-axis:
http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showp...500/ppuser/986
Or Beezers:
http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showp...1265/si/a-axis

The size is just a matter of choice!

[erlyrisa]

Yes, I am planning to make the same sort of machine, note that it will have to be very strong - mine is made out of welded steel I beams - so the actual travel/acceleration will be slow, but at least the whole gantry wont vibrate apart when being used to hold carving tools to do wood turning. - I hope your taking strength into consideration, otherwise your machine will only be able to do positional/indexed carving over the A axis, instead of high speed turning.

[dan dimock]

Have you done any more work on your idea? I hope to start on one before long, just waiting to see what is out there that works so I can get help on mine
Dan

[skyten]

Hi!
I am back, been away for about a year, reason illness, but now recovered.
I am in the stage to look for steel, aluminium which is needed for my building plans.

I will start from top, and start with the z-axis, and build from top to down.
During the time in bed I have spent some time to study the matter, and I have learn a lot, what it will be a bit more difficult and more costly than I thought from the start. Anyhow I will go for it.