Proposed T-Slot 8020 Build in Oz

[RTP_Burnsville]

I like your router build thus far....... I have been sketching a similar build with a fixed gantry for a couple months so enjoy reading the updates. Looking at a 2 x 3 foot working size for what I had in mind so similar to yours.

Is it correct that you mostly used 120x40 aluminum profiles?

I have several sketches with both linear rails and also the supported rod style, it will be interesting to see how your selection works out.

Thanks,
Robert

[uspl]

Hi Robert

Thanks for looking, I was beginning to think I was posting solo in this thread

Most of my frame is 80x40 with some 40x40 for trimming the table edges. Going to 120x40 would be overkill for this size project as far as I can see unless you have a cheap supply to use up.

If you would care to share your sketches i would be keen to see another perspective on the build; I am working through various ideas for the Z-axis right now.

Some of my latest ideas below.

[RTP_Burnsville]

Hi,

Will see if I can pdf a couple of my sketches.... At the moment they are just pencil and paper drawings.

Are you going to have any racking issues with your gantry? For some reason the photos make it appear not as solid as the main frame.

Thanks,
Robert

[uspl]

Hi

I don't expect to have issues with the gantry flexing or racking. It is not shown in the drawings but the gantry uprights are braced by 40x40 sections at a 45 degree angel both sides back to the base frame.

If I do get some movement, I have plenty of options to add stiffeners and further bracing including corner gusset plates at the back of the gantry cross member.

Look forward to seeing your sketches. My weather channel feed shows me it looks like a good day to be indoors in Burnsville and sketching. Down here it is just touching 100F in the shade, good day to clean up the workshop with a beer in hand.

Cheers

[aarggh]

Hi David, great looking build mate, for more rigidity if the sides of the gantry are flush with the outside of the frame, a 1/4" triangle plate of aluminium or steel screwed to the frame and gantry sides would make it rock solid.

cheers,
Ian

[uspl]

Hi all

Ian, comments noted, thanks for the kind words, and yes the outsides are flush so triangular brace plates can be added as needed. Once I get to the test cut stage I will review.

I got some stepper mount plates made up to suit, they came from a chat group contact who happens to be in Hawai; one week later they turned up USPS as nice as you like.

Fitted them last night, lovely job and they mate with the 8020 perfectly.

[uspl]

Saturday afternoon update time.

I was stripping some old gear at work for the dumpster and salvaged a 19" rack mount case. Perfect to house the electronics for this project.

See images below.

I am open to some suggestions for cables between the motors and the controller boards. I want to have them as plugable so i can easily pull out the electronics box for maintenance as needed. The motors are running at 42vDC at about 3A. I need a four conductor cable, preferably shielded. I have read a few posts on using DIN or MIDI cables but wonder if they will handle the current load.

Comments from someone with an electrical background ?

Thanks

Images:
From the back, the RJ-45 sockets will connect to the home and limit switch wiring.

Look inside, lots of space for lots of cool air to circulate.


With the lid on and slid back on it's rails. Note the kill switch mounted on the front.

[uspl]

Evening all

Attached herewith for you edification and enjoyment.
Sketchup files of some common parts I have done to create my build, thought they might be useful to someone.

[uspl]

Wow, nearly two months since I updated this.
Finally got some workshop time and now I have this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qpyyCbEGyY&feature=g-upl]DIY CNC demo - YouTube

I should get the cable carriers and limits/home done over the next few weeks and then maybe start actually producing something.

Cheers

[uspl]

Its alive I tell you, alive !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNXRJ_Ac9zk&feature=g-upl]FirstCut - YouTube

Twelve months of test and re-test plus build, about $1000 over budget compared to what I told SWMBO but what the hell, it works.

Still needs a proper T-Slot clamping system (underway now) a cyclone dust extractor and lots more adjusting and tweaking but it does actually work. Some custom sign engraving will hopefully pay back some of the investment, some photograph etching will be fun and family and then we will see where it leads.

Whoo hoo, yes I am excited.