Rockcliff CNC Large Flying Gantry Model

[armyliferarmy]

Ok guys, I'm seriously thinking about going with the "Rockcliff" large flying gantry model (36 x 24) with 288 oz stepper motors. I've asked some questions of Rockcliff and Nick was very quick to respond. Has anyone built the large flying gantry model yet? How does it do and what (if any) suggestions do you have?

I want to do cabinet doors, signs, and just basically play.

Thanks

[anoel]

I'd want to see it already built. Looks like Rockcliff only has plans of that one.. doesn't look as though it's been built at this point. The small machine looks a bit wimpy with the rail design. But the Large one says "fully supported" so it might be better. I would not want to be a guinea pig though.

[rlrhett]

It really surprises me that this question keeps getting asked and the answer seems always to be "no." I am not sure why not even Nick has built one. It seems to me that you should build at least once a machine you sell plans for. Nick is great, so this isn't really criticism. Still, the flying gantry plan has been up for months and not one has been built.

My message to Nick is, "we don't want to be guinea pigs. Please build one and show us your results." We want to see your supported rails at work and get a sense of your accuracy, cost, etc.

[rockcliff]

What! no one want's to be the first, where's your sense of adventure?


I am actually starting one this weekend, it's been on my to do list for a couple of months, and kept getting pushed back, everything to build it, is in a small pile on my bench, so it will not take too long, and I just received dumpstercnc's new 3/8-10 nuts and couplings today and will be using them for the machine I am not sure mine will be the first one built, as there has been a few who claimed to be building one? but your correct no pictures or feedback to date? I should have some pics posted in a couple of days. The slide design although not yet assembled into a machine, have actually been made and cut tested, under a bridgeport vertical mill, with good results, the slides show they are a few times stronger / rigid then an unsopprted rail, and will support about 100lbs of load, which is acceptable for an MDF / Wood / linear bearing, so I am not expecting too many issues.
Nick
www.rockcliffmachine.com

[jhowelb]

Waiting to see!

[armyliferarmy]

Since my last post (seems like an eon), I too have had a couple of setbacks. I acquired a Model T Ford that requires a total rebuild. Haven't put too much time into it yet, but it does beckon me. I am in the process of putting in electricity, insulation and interior walls in the garage so I can work this winter. With good news and photos (CarveOne..) I may start sooner than later!!!!

[rockcliff]

Here's a picture from Saturday



The machine is ready to do some repeatabilty tests, then some trial cuts,
I will post a few updated pics today or tommorrow, and will add detailed build photos to our yahoo group for any who are interested.

Nick
www.rockcliffmachine.com

[rlrhett]

Nick,

That is basically EXACTLY the machine I want to build. One question, though. It would seem that having PERFECTLY parallel rails would be critical to keep the shuttle bearing from binding up. Has that been a problem? I assume you used your other machines for the parts, but unless you are selling kits I'm going to have to do it with regular hand tools. Has getting the rails parallel been a problem? Is there an adjustment built into the system?

Thanks,

[rockcliff]

I am not sure PERFECTLY, is a word that could apply to a DIY machine made from MDF, but you can get them close enough If they are built in the correct assembly order, it works out good, the slides are actually pre-loaded to zero clearance.

Yes there are simple adjustment provisions for the runner blocks, and
everything on this machine exept for the 4 motor mounts, were cut old school with manual woodworking tools, table saw and table router, I do not think it could be made better any other way. Home Depot offers free cuts with their large panel saw when you buy wood from them, which is a great option for people too.


it's alive
Picture of 3/4" thick wood Nema 23 motor mounts cutting on Rockcliff Flying gantry






www.rockcliffmachine.com

[jhowelb]

How in the cat hair are you supposed to order a password? I see no referance to payment of cash out on the web site!!

[CarveOne]

armyliferarmy,

Hurry up and finish that garage improvement and get started on building this thing! This design looks good to me. It should work out well for you. The Model T will take much longer to restore and it can wait.

CarveOne

[cpcapace]

I purchase the plans from ebay. And they emailed me a password. Decent plasns it looks like. There could be more info on setting it up though.