What to use for an enclosure?

[Tim Wiltse]

I am sure this is a stupid question but...I just received my Xylotex 3 axis board, cables, power supply etc. What can I use for an enclosure to house it? Is there something off the shelf that I can use? I want to start using it but I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to run it without being in something first.

Later,
Tim

[dropride]

Check out http://www.candcnc.com/, they have an enclosure that will house the xylotex boards.

[Switcher]

You can put it in anything you want, I've seen guys use empty PC case, metal toolbox, storage containers, depends how much you want to spend.



.

[Bubba]

I have also seen some nice system put together using a "Circuit Breaker" box.
Also they are readily available and in expensive

[raytor]

If you want to use a blank project box that will exactly fit the Xylotex board and power supply, limit switch circuits and charge pump circuitry, check out a BUD 8x6x3.5 Alu project box.
I have photos of a finished one here under the raytorCNC album:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SherlineCNC/

[monte55]

I used a plastic case that a Weller Soldering gun came in. Power supply and 4 axis driver fit very neat. The small fan that comes with the power supply is mounted on the top and when you shut the case it puts the fan directly on the heat sinks. It looks like it was made for it. If you look under DIY machines
about a week ago or so under the heading "pics of my new CNC machine" you will see how I mounted mine and a link to a video.

[jimbobbus3]

I picked up a half-dozen external SCSI drive enclosures a while back for about $8 each. They've been wonderful project boxes, and include a fan, a power supply and nice elements like a power switch and IEC cord socket. The Xylotex 3-axis controller and the 24V power supply fit nicely into one of the more square-shaped enclosures after gutting the non-essential bits. Note - the external enclosures that are the width of a 5.25 drive are too skinny and won't work as well. Here's an eBay photo of a desirable unit -
http://www.unixmac.com/~ken/images/g...lescsiencl.jpg

And eBay listings with similar ones -
http://cgi.ebay.com/External-SCSI-ca...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/External-SCSI-Dr...QQcmdZViewItem

I've purchased a couple like this at the local Goodwill store for $5 each. Usually they've got a CD-ROM drive installed.

[Fixittt]

I first used a $10 plastic tool box from the hardware store, then found an old curcuit break box in the attic. Its all now in that.

[elmerfud]

2 years late, but i'll put it up others to benefit.
IBM style early power supply box is the perfect fit.
Has a fan and 2 of the 4 mounting screws line up perfect.
(xylotex 4 axis board).
$2 dollars at a swap meet!