CNC router build

[ericks]

Progress.....i worked out how much and what cable i needed for the spindle, steppers and sensors, decided to order Lapp cable. Drag chain and cable ordered, cyclone for the cnc dust extraction ordered. Managed to tidy up around the cnc and shed a bit. Getting ready to mill a lot of aluminium this week. The control panel is also back in place

[ericks]

Some of the cable arrived, picked up the aluminium. Took me a long time to complete one of the side plates.....

[Phil_Par]

I did a 3D model in Fusion 360 of my machine and felt pretty confident that everything was finalized to start cutting the Al plates. I thankfully decided to do a test machine from plywood which helped me amend my design. I am actually using the plywood machine to cut the Al plates and I am surprised how stiff it is!!! I am having great results so far.

[ericks]

I did a 3D model in Fusion 360 of my machine and felt pretty confident that everything was finalized to start cutting the Al plates. I thankfully decided to do a test machine from plywood which helped me amend my design. I am actually using the plywood machine to cut the Al plates and I am surprised how stiff it is!!! I am having great results so far.

I really should improve my cad skills....i made a few mistakes on the sizing that is causing a delay in the build. Yes making test pieces really helps, my acrylic parts allowed me to sort some design faults. The only problem now is my little 6040 takes so long to mill the aluminium. Wow i did not think that plywood would be so rigid....good work!!

[ericks]

Looks like the first side plate fits reasonably well. The holes for the proximity and e-chain bracket still need to be done soon as i decide on their location.

[ericks]

Most of the temporary acrylic parts replaced with aluminium. Only one bearing block left to do. Everything seem to run smooth. Installed the first cable for the VFD....still waiting for the e-chain to arrive.

[ericks]

All the acrylic bits are replaced. Next part is to machine the y-axis plates for the ball screw bearings. I could only find 16 mm plate in stock at my supplier....hope this will be rigid enough. At least there are two plates that will share the load. The motor brackets require a bit of machining too. All the cable arrived which is great. Expecting possible test run in a couple of weeks

[Phil_Par]

A video is mandatory to record her first steps

[ericks]

.

A video is mandatory to record her first steps

I am sure i can do that

[ericks]

Progress....all four y-axis ball screw brackets machined and fitted. Y-axis rails lined up. Only the two ball nut brackets to machine. Also the three stepper motor brackets require a bit of machining.
The e-chain has gone missing, the courier company is trying to find out what they did with it.....I pulled in all the cables.

Looks like i might start the machine before next weekend

[ericks]

Managed a bit of work today...
I will need to machine terminal boxes for the stepper motors cause i would like to properly connect the screened cable

[ericks]

The e-chain bending radius is a little smaller than i like. However i am still within the cable bending specs. Hope to complete the cabling tomorrow...

[ericks]

At last i completed the x-axis alignment of the ball screw/bracket. Both sections e-chain are in place, spindle cable is connected.
I really hope i can do the first cut on the machine this weekend

[wmgeorge]

It looks very nice and heavy duty. Should work fine fir you.

[ericks]

It looks very nice and heavy duty. Should work fine fir you.

Thank you. I sure hope so, i will add rigidity if required.

[wmgeorge]

Oh.... I do not think you will need too. I am impressed. Where did you get that spindle and Hp rating?

[ericks]

Oh.... I do not think you will need too. I am impressed. Where did you get that spindle and Hp rating?

Thanks. Here is the pic of the motor specs and the terminal box. As you can see they at least have a good terminal box on their motors.

[wmgeorge]

All spindles should have such a nice termination box. Thanks for posting.

[ericks]

All the cables strapped in position, i left space for later upgrades....

[ericks]

Well....today i managed to start the machine for the first time. Everything went well....

Tomorrow i need to look at setting the optimal values for the stepper motors. This is something i did more than seven years ago on the 6040.
So i will have to start experimenting....

Or maybe someone can advise me on settings??

These are the specs....

1) Nema 34 / 4.5 NM steppers
2) 2005 ball screws on y-axis
3) 2005 ball screw on x-axis
4) 1610 ball screw on z-axis
5) 48V /DC power supply

Any assistance would be much appreciated