Rockcliff Router Build

[lgroulx200]

Hi Coolcuttings,

My jog speed is set at 36 ipm. The machine will go faster but my x lead nut (I used a rod coupler) was installed a little off. If it goes faster then that the free end of the lead screw whips around quite a bit. I'm worried that if the rod coupler come loose, I will have a tough time repairing it.

I finishing a router that I was building before using my new router. I am changing the Z axis design to use the same idea as on the rockcliff router. Not that many parts and it sure works nice.

Larry

[Coolcuttings]

Hello gang,

I have just finished the box to put the machine in to keep the wife and child happy. The little fella could not sleep if I had it running in the shed at night.
one day I must insulate the shed. all I have to do now is stick in the machine and hook up the dust collector.
I am running 12vdc garden spot lights in the box to keep the heat down and so I can see.
[IMG][/IMG]

[Mr.Chips]

Originally Posted by Coolcuttings Hello gang, I have just finished the box to put the machine in to keep the wife and child happy. The little fella could not sleep if I had it running in the shed at night. one day I must insulate the shed. all I have to do now is stick in the machine and hook up the dust collector. I am running 12vdc garden spot lights in the box to keep the heat down and so I can see. [IMG][/IMG]

What is the box size, hard to get a feeling for the size from the picture. Or better yet a picture of your CNC inside.
Thanks

[Coolcuttings]

Greeting Mr. Chips,
the box is 48D*32H*35W or internals 1080*730*760mm's which is just big enough to fit in the machine into.

CC

[Coolcuttings]

Hi all,

My machine is up and running complete with sound proof box.
All I hear in the shed is the rumble of the dust collector. Just need to move the PC from the top of the box and install under it.
Just hate when you need a PC cable at 11pm and nothing is open.

[lgroulx200]

Hi Coolcuttings,

Well done!

I found my camera at my daughters house. I will post some pictures later tonight.

Larry

[lgroulx200]

Hi,

Here are some pictures. The wires on the back of the machine are pinned. They are for my home switches. The wiring could be (should be) tidier.

I set the machine to drill holes every 1" on the X table. I use them for indexing and for hold downs.

The first part that I made was the router clamps used for my new trim router.

Larry

[Coolcuttings]

Hi Larry,

Nice machine. What is the weight of your trim router? I was going the use one but I was unsure if the machine would carry it.

CC

[lgroulx200]

Originally Posted by Coolcuttings Hi Larry, Nice machine. What is the weight of your trim router? I was going the use one but I was unsure if the machine would carry it. CC

Hi Coolcuttings,

I am not sure of the weight of the router. I'm cutting poplar at 1/4" at 10 ipm with outstanding results. It is capable of cutting faster but my machine uses 1/2 drill rod and my Z axis is not very ridged fore and aft. On a couple of occasions in my Gcode, I put G00 instead of G01. The machine was set to jog at 35 ipm. It cut the piece with no ill effects.

Larry

[lgroulx200]

Hi Coolcuttings,

you should send a picture of your machine to Rockcliff. Nick will post it on his web site.

How is your machine coming?

I fixed my X axis backlash problem. I screwed on a plastic leadnut on the end of the table. I lost a couple of inches in travel but got my accuracy back.

Larry

[Coolcuttings]

Larry,

The machine is cutting well. I have cut a few RC plane parts and the thickest has been a 1/4'' ply which was cut with a .05 endmill router bit and 2 passes at 0.125 each. I have done 3 cuts of the same peice on different thickness ply and all have come out the same, which is a bonus. I get a bit of flex in the y axis and x axis as the cutting surface has been made larger by 3 inches. Next time I would go a thicker rod to stop the flex. But you live and learn as we go. I had troubles keeping the material being cut fixed in place which I solved by drill a piece of mdf at 1'' intervals and then tapped these with a 3/16 tapper. 225 drill holes and 225 taps, glad it is only a piece that will get marked over time.

I will take a photo when it is next running and send it off to Nick.

CC

[cncboss6]

Hello guys, I just started a Rockcliff router. I am just getting everything together. What type of switches do you use for homing switches and how do you hook them up to the machine, and the control. I am using 425 oz in stepper motors, and a stepmaster nc 3 axis board. I have a complete metal working machine shop with a cnc bridgeport mill to make some of the parts. I will not get to fancy, as this is my first cnc build but I can use my mill with a 3/4" ballnose endmill to mill the table and blocks correctly. I bought 2 dewalt heavy duty trim routers for my project. I will make some nice aluminum mounts for the router to clamp around the diameter on the nose of the router. This is a fantastic website to share and get information from, and all you guys make it happen. Boy, the world would be a boring place without hobbies. Thanks again, Pat