Steele and aluminum first project

[SCHootie]

I'm pretty sure you can weld Al with MIG using the right gas. It won't take much internet surfing to find out what you need.

[Oce]

You can absolutly weld with MIG, but it's a lot more difficult than with steel...It takes a lot of time to learn and get it right... I prefer TIG for aluminium...Luckily, if you have a MIG/MAG welding machine, chances are that you can use the same gas for both...I don't remember the exact composition, but it should contain mostly Argon gas, if I'm not mistaken...(it's been a while...)
I believe you can get a decent TIG for about 8-900 $. That was the pricetag on mine at least...
But the cost of gases and different sizes of electrodes add up...You may be better off getting some friends at a machine shop

[thkoutsidthebox]

Also I forgot to mention, you will need to use an Aluminium/Magnesium wire with the Mig and no spool gun because the pure aluminium wire is too soft. But the Al/Magnesium makes a dirtier weld.

[Coogrrr]

Well I got some time in finally and have nearly finished the Z-car today. I should have it running through wood inside 2 weeks if I get as much time in the days to come.

Well here are a couple of pics and a new AVI file that shows the movement of the Z-car and gantry.


http://www.sandjlee.com/coogrrr_cnc2.avi


Coog

[Coogrrr]

I did manage to mount the Y belt and 2 of the 4 holders for the 2 X belts, this is a bear as I am drilling steel with a portable 18v drill....

The whole setup slides VERY smoothly but I think I am getting some flex in my rails now that there is some good weight on them. I do have a plan that seems to be working out for the X axis as this is direct downward force and is simple to over come. BUT... my Y axis is flexing horizontally and the bracing can only be between the main strut and the rails in a vertical setup like the X axis..

So my question is anyone have an idead to brevent horizontal flex in the Y rails but using only a straigt up down from the strut to stabalize this? I have added a pic that shows the yellow arrows for the flex and the red arrows show where I have to support the rail.

Help needed....

[SCHootie]

Couldn't you extend your rail support the entire length of the rail? This still may not help with the lateral flex. As far as drilling, I believe the bit makes all the difference. I have some cheap bits that I was using, but not doing to well. I just happened to have a bit in my tool box from unknown origins that went right through the channel I am using.

[Coogrrr]

Originally Posted by SCHootie Couldn't you extend your rail support the entire length of the rail? This still may not help with the lateral flex. As far as drilling, I believe the bit makes all the difference. I have some cheap bits that I was using, but not doing to well. I just happened to have a bit in my tool box from unknown origins that went right through the channel I am using.

I figured I could bolt up through the channel (its aluminum) and into the rail the tough part here is that the rail is all hardened steel so drilling and tapping this item or just drilling it is going to suck royal. I may have to take it to a shop to be put on a mill.

Anyone here have a mill and live in or around Portland, OR?

Coog

[Micro Rotors]

Coogrrr,

Very nice job, I watched the video and it makes everything more clear in my mind.

If you don't mind answering this;

Just how much are you into your version of Davids table?

[Coogrrr]

Originally Posted by Micro Rotors Coogrrr, Very nice job, I watched the video and it makes everything more clear in my mind. If you don't mind answering this; Just how much are you into your version of Davids table?

50 in steel 150 aluminum 450 in electronics/motors 200 in rails/bearings so in all end to end around 1k rounding up not including the PC. I am sure I can build another one like this for less as I bought an extra axis and extra aluminum etc and the first shot through is always a learning(costly) process.

My next one will be done with copier motors and mdf/hdpe so it will cost around 200 to build a 24x24x4 inch table and go more quickly with the first CNC building the parts for the second.

First cuts today if I can get mach3 setup all the way..

[Coogrrr]

ok so I had extra magnectic contact switches left over from my security system installation and had an epiphony(spell check). I setup 2 of these contacts per axis wire back to my electronics and they work like a champ!


http://www.smarthome.com/7113.html

love em!


Coog

[Micro Rotors]

Coogerr,

Did you ever get the Horizontal flexing out of the Y Axis?

Bill

[Coogrrr]

I am now dialing in the machine and havent as of yet dealt with any flex issues. The problem I am trying to solve is this...

I have setup the machine in Mach3 and watched all the videos I can ref all home and jog the machine no problem with either. BUT! when I type in g0x10 it goes 10 inches perfectly however if I type in g0x0.5 it gets to the limit switch at around 4 inches left to go.

How is it it will run positive X axis perfectly then over run back the other direction??

Help anyone everyone?

Coog

P.S. I will start searching through the threads for more info.