First Machine Almost Done - Pics + Video

[tvdbon]

Hi Guys,

My rockcliff build is almost done. I started with the plans and ended up with something a bit different. The machine is running (without a router), but there is still alot of work to be done. Check it out and let me know what you think :

Photo Set

Video Clip of First Movement

[craigtx]

looks like a rockcliff.. what did you change?

[tvdbon]

well, halfway during the build I discovered I couldn't find the sleeve bearings anywhere locally so I started to do modifications using skater bearings and from there I worked without any plans and just building as I think it will work. Came out pretty good I think

[craigtx]

your setup looks great. i used the olite bearings and they dont slide easy, i should of use skate bearings. the hardware store had skate bearing and olite but they where costly.i order olites from mc carr and got them the next day (fast shipping). what steppers/controls did you use?

[tvdbon]

Thanks, it still needs a lot of work and I still need to figure out how the software works. The machine almost pushed the sharpie through the table I'm glad I didn't mount some kind of router before testing. Compared to some of the other machines here this one looks pretty crappy, but I'm pretty proud of it. I'm a software developer so building stuff like this isn't (wasn't?) really my thing. I'm hoping to have everything done by the end of the week so that I can do some real cutting.

i used the 3-axis cncpro package kit from hobbycnc.

http://www.hobbycnc.com/hcncpropkg.php

[craigtx]

i think you did a great job. i cant stand my work but everyone allways like my art work. i see the mistakes they dont. i have been working with wood for 20 yrs and still cant get it perfect.(its wood)i hope my cnc make a circle like yours. mine will be some egg shape with my luck. HaHaHa
software is a problem cant bye rhino so turbo cad is all i got and lost with it. cant snap a line for nothing. i watched all the mach3 videos and might watch them again.

[tvdbon]

OK, so i've managed to mount an actual router on it this weekend and did some test cuts, cutting some letters into a piece of scrap wood. The only problem I have is that my router bits are too big. Ie, doesn't work very well with engraving text. Today I went looking for some router bits with a smaller diameter but even the smallest looks too big. If found dremel bits which should work but I doubt that it'll fit in the router... I'll try some more cuts tonight and post some more pictures.

[edmond]

Nice work on your machine. I see you are using the same Ryobi Router as I have on my LionClaw machine. You can get 3mm router cutters with a 1/4" shank at any good power tool store, Im getting some adaptors made so I can use O flute spiral cutters with a 3mm and a 4mm shank, the adaptors cost R150 each but are well worth it as the normal 3mm router bits dont cut very clean.

Edmond

[tvdbon]

Yeah, well as you can see I modified the router a bit to make it work. Removed all "un-important parts" btw - what speeds do you run your router on. It's marked at 1-10 but at the moment I'm running it at full speed. When I cut some wood it starts burning. Could it be because the router (spindle) speed is to high?

Let me know how I can get some cutters and how much it'll cost 'cos round here I'm not having any luck getting anything really usefull.

Thanks,
Tom

[edmond]

I also stripped my router to take off the annoying plunge base and then made some brackets out of HDPE to suit the contours of its body.I run my router on speed setting 5 which equals about 20000rpm, I have had no burning issues, but I am using Pro Tech single flute router cutters. Normally the speed depends on the cutter size and number of flutes.Just experiment with the rpm and feed rate till you get it right.

Edmond

[robashley]

Hey all,

Just finished a scaled up Rockcliffe. Used linear bearings instead of the oilite - pic to follow when painted!!!!

I have read in the Mac 3 book and am in the process of setting the whole thing up but it mentions limit swtiches and home switches - what have you guys fitted?

I was thinking about adding simple microswitches to each axis? Any comments help would be appreciated....What do you guys do?

Happy CNCing ......

Rob

[mdre83]

Im looking for somewhere to purchase the motors/rods etc at a reasonable price...
any advice?

cheers