New 4x4 XYZ Gantry Build

[dfmiller]

Then quit whining about the price. LOL
Seriously the stuff is nice. There are several ways to attach the pieces together. I think you could save some money buy doing some of the machining yourself if you had the equipment. for instance on my table top I just got them to cut to length. The countersinking for the mounting holes was very expensive as it was a "custom machining operation" The 18 holes were $150-$200. It took me less than a hour to do that with my Mill ( a drill press would work)

But I think building a really heavy wood base would be good. Have you seen the thread where Bob M is using LVL for his base and table. Looks really nice.

Dave

[WillsCNC]

Thanks Dave and Bob,

So Bob you being in FA you won't be able to pick up your machine. That was great for me to do. We here also have had a hot summer but was late like early July after a cpld and wet spring. Great out today as just fimish cutting the grass.

Will

[WillsCNC]

Dave,

The cover

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[dfmiller]

Those are not what I was supplied. :-(
Time to talk to the other Dave :-(
Dave

[dfmiller]

Mine





Dave

[WillsCNC]

Dave,

Your right they sent the wrong parts. I found a part # stamped on the inside and it is different than what is in the instruction book. As you can see I never would get that on. Email but i'm hoping to call XYZ in the morning.

Thanks again,

Will

[WillsCNC]

Update 8-24-11

Installed Kent Dust shoe and reduced it to a small shop vac for now. Worked more on getting all the wire in place and looking neat. Cut my first program part and will get t tracks on Thursday I hope. Need more fine tuning as the circle in the push block was not round. I made the g code in Cut2d and know some people have had problems. Any ideas anyone? I did not import it as a Mach file but as a tap inch file. Changed the setting in general config but still had problems.

Here are some more pictures.......

Will

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[dfmiller]

Will,
You are getting there.
I use the Mach arc inches *.txt post I think. It outputs Gcode as a .txt file.Are you sure you have the steps per properly. Have you tried to cut a square and measure the result.
Its looks like you are off quite a bit.
Dave

[WillsCNC]

Have not had much time to work on my machine in the last week and a half. Been just a few hours at a time. I did get lots done yesterday and today. My next job is to surface the spoil board. Would have done that today up UPS sent my package next door and did not get it till now which is to late. I cut a slot in my top for future use as I want to try and cut box or dove tail joints. One reason I went with the 80/20 frame and am more than pleased with it. It is FLAT. Anyone building a XYZ add more cross members or you will have problems with the table not flat. I knew before I even started it needed them. I have the machine working well. I cut the insert plug for the table top size on size to check fit and had to sand it in order for it to slip in. I think I may have it close to being correct and adjusted but that I think is never ending. Here are some pictures, let me know what you think or have questions.

Will

Slot in base
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[dfmiller]

Will,
That's looking good.
Dave

[WillsCNC]

I trimmed the left and right edges of spoil board 90 deg to front edge

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Spoil board plug cut out


Jig to cut spoil board plug
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Plug inserted in spoil board

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CNC moved into shop
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[WillsCNC]

Thanks Dave, I'm glad to be back at it

Will

[ger21]

Need more fine tuning as the circle in the push block was not round. I made the g code in Cut2d and know some people have had problems. Any ideas anyone?

Oval circles are usually due to flex somewhere in the machine. If you slow the feedrate on the circle, it should be round. You'll need to play with feedrates for different size circles. The smaller the circle, the slower you may need to cut.

It's the quick back and forth movement of smaller circles that causes flex that you won't normally see.

[WillsCNC]

Thanks Gerry,
I did more fine tuning and I think it's cutting round holes or so it seams. Will do more later to check it again. Say, I have looked at your web site and like what you offer. We may have to talk as I do have some questions and am new to Mach but not CNC.

Will

[ger21]

Fire away.

You can send me a PM or email at cncwoodworker at comcast dot net

[boblon]

Will,
A great looking build dude. I was just wondering how it was going with you last night and before I could post the question I saw your update. Cool.

BTW, today is 15 weeks since I sent them my order. I guess they're running a little behind. It's OK, I'm STILL not ready (but getting closer )

BobL.

[WillsCNC]

I milled the spoil board this morning. I have not done any fine adjustment on the Z axis yet but will check that out later. The cutting went fine, took about 1/2 hour and the Kent dust shoe worked good. After milling I have small ridges on the left side of the table and none on the right. I know it may be the Z but any ideas on a quick fix would be great...... Thanks,

Will

Milling the spoil board
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Left side
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Right side

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[boblon]

Will,
Did you ever find the source of the lines?
BobL.

[richey]

Bob

Have you heard anything from XYZ, I am going on 9 weeks and have had not heard a word, no activity on the credit card either. Getting a little disappointing.


Rich

[boblon]

Rich,
It's been 16 weeks as of yesterday for me. I wrote the sales guys, he is going to check on it and get back with me.
They say 12 week lead time, so I wouldn't get too excited at 9 weeks (seems like a long time I know).
BobL.