Info for newbies- it may help you

[monte55]

I just got my table up and running. Not producing work yet but getting familiar
with the table and running Mach 3. I built my own macnine and so far after reading numerous posts I really havent made any real mistakes. Here are some
specs on mine.

Table is 60"x60"........tool has full 49"x49" travel
X.... has 1" linears bearing and shaft with 3/4 Acme 6 TPI driven direct by 495stepper motors through Lovejoy connectors ...note.. X has dual 495 motors, one on each side.......

Y.....same spec as X except one motor to move tool holder across gantry

Z.....dual 1/2 " drill rod shafts and 4 bronze bearings.. also 3/4 Acme 6 tpi and
495 stepper z has 6.5" travel

I am using Xylotex 4 axis drive and their power supply.
I am using Mach 3.......steps set to 9600
speed set to 60 ipm
accel set to 5
My gantry which must weigh at least 30 lb and these settings seem to work fine. I am still experimenting with different settings. I can get it 80 ipm but with the gantry inertia it may loose steps at start. I would think routing with this size table and 60 ipm should be ok but I'll know more later. I know if I have a 1/2" bit in my router and I am freehanding I don't think I would exceed
that.
Two weeks ago I almost gave up thinking I'll never get it.
Don't quit. You need to read a lot, especially your manuals.....But with the help of Ger21, Haytay, Jeff at Xylotex, Mach 3 people and numerous others
I am watching my machine draw roadrunner pics on paper. I've been waiting 3 months for this and it's really cool.
So now that you know the size of my machine and what is running it I hope this makes your selection easier of hardware and drivers.
Final note........I doubt had I used smaller steppers and thinner acme screws
I would have been happy. Smaller motors with larger power supplies and drivers may work but at what additional cost? I may do that later if I feel the need for more speed and power. I got my acme screws and bearings from ENCO cheap. I have a small mill and lathe which allowed me to make bearing
retainers etc which has saved me plenty. I made my own acme bronze nuts
for my screws. They are not precision but work well so far. I purchaced a 13" piece of bronze for under $20 and a $55 3/4 x 6 tpi tap so as the nuts wear
the fix will be cheap no waiting. If you are buying these nuts as they wear the cost will exceed my tap and bronze total quickly. I made this machine so I may improve any single part without additional redesign or machining. Hope this info helps.......................Nick

[bp092]

photos? sounds cool

[mog5858]

thanks for all that i was hopping someone would tell me there specks so it a starting point me. pic would be grate.

[monte55]

I finally got some pic of my machine........look in the DIY section

[jjones]

I just wanted to add that examples with this type of detail do help a lot!

Thank you!

Jim

[monte55]

I hope it will help you. Getting specs,seeing pics and seeing the concept actually working, I think is the best way to go. When I was starting, I had no idea what speed I needed among other things. This project can consume
some dollars so we don't want to waste any more than necessary by making mistakes and redoing parts.