[jgro]

Hi all,

I've been lurking here for a couple of months now and I've finally got my CNC router to a point where I can show it to you guys. Here are the specs:
15" x 30" cutting area
6" z travel
3 116 oz. Pacific Scientific stepper motors
1/4-20 lead screw
Skate bearings on gas pipe for guides
This power supply
I plan on using a Xylotex driver board and TurboCNC to run it.

Here is the CAD model in SolidWorks:

[jgro]

Here is a pic.

[DaSigntist]

Awesome, Looks Great Jgro!
Keepus informed with pictures and details.

Regards,
DaSigntist

[High Seas]

Awesome Jgro!
And thanks - I might borrow your "outa - the - box" by being in the box for the Z axis!
I was just struggling on my design and your method may be my solution!
I like how you nested the bearings inside the rails! Helps keep your x-axis size by a bit. The rest of the rig is cool too! Nice sw image too.
Gud-on-ya-mate! (pronounce that "maight")
:cheers:Jim!
mental note - lurking and doing -- not blabin' I'd better get back to the garage (that's pronounces gare-ig) and get some work done!

[balsaman]

Everytime is see someone post a 3D model of a machine my heart sinks a little because it seems that that's as far as it goes. The threads die without a real machine turning up that looks like the model!

I was very happy to see a real machine as I scrolled down a little farther! Very nice job. The cad part is the easy part. Putting the tools to work and building something is the hard part. Looks like you are on the right track! Looks great. Just wait till you get it going on it's own steam!

keep up the good work.

Eric

[bb99]

Nice Job!

I've started to design my first CNC machine and seeing your work inspires me! I have a few questions for you. First, what CAD package are you using? Also, I noticed the L-bracket under the Y-axis, what is it for and how does it work? And finally… In the CAD rendering I see that on the Z-axis, you have the topmost bearing on the front of the pipe. But, would it not be better to have it behind (since the weight of the router will "pull" the top of the carriage forward)?

bb99

[ezland00]

wow, great job

Where can i get a copy of SolidWorks?

[balsaman]

bp99, I think he has 4 bearings there. at the top he has one in front and one in back. You just can't see the back bearing.

Eric

[Mr.Chips]

My take on the "L" bracket it added support the Y rails. Chuck Knight used a 2X2 with the corner beveled for a better contact to the rail for the same reason.

Good job Jgro.
For me the cad part was too much so I went to full size plans on a roll of brown construction paper from where else, Home Depot
Hager

[anoah]

Nice job! Looks like a really nice design.

I have sent you a PM.

[jgro]

Thanks for all the kind words. I'm lucky in that I work for a design/engineering firm and have access to all kinds of CAD software. We mostly use Pro/Engineer, but I like SolidWorks because it's a kick-butt piece of software. We also have a CNC machine in the model shop. That's where I cut alot of my parts. I did design it that it could be done on a table saw or with a router. I just wanted to learn CNC programing, so I went that route.

The l bracket is for support. I used 1/2' pipe on the x axis which is way too small. It flexes alot. I'm going to see how bad it is when it is all together and if it is untolerable, I may make a new base using larger diameter pipe or solid rod.

Here's the cad model for the Y Gantry:


jgro

[jgro]

...and here's the Z gantry:

[anoah]

Hi Jgro,

Would it be possible for you to send me a copy of your solid works files? I would love to take a closer look at what you have done.

I have PM'd you my email address.

Thank you!

Albert

[Mr.Chips]

JGRO,
Thanks for the SUPER drawings. One picture is worth a thousand words. The viewer can really understand the construction.

Are the red spots pins or dowels? I thought about adding them to mine after everything is aligned.
Hager

[jgro]

The red spots are .250 x 1.50 long steel dowels. This allows me to take it apart and put it back together and not lose my alignment. It also adds some rigidity to the joint.

jgro

[HomeCNC]

Nice work on your router and models! I too like using soldworks!

[jgro]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd post an update. IT'S ALIVE As you can see if you compare these images to the ones that I posted earlier, I redesigned the base to use 1" pipe and I doubled up the mdf on the end pieces to give it more stiffness. I built two torsion boxes, one between the end plates and one under the cutting surface. These helped to stiffen up the whole assembly. I've got homing and limit switches wired and working. All the tests that I've done so far are very encouraging. I cut a 4" square and measured the size with my caliper, within .002. I measured across the corners and they were dead nuts equal Right now I'm cutting some new mounts for mounting my new rotozip that I got for Christmas. Then I'll be able to hog out some material with something other than a 1/8 bit. This is Fun!

jgro

[jgro]

another

[jgro]

my control box

[dlenox]

jgro,

with the bearing setup that you did for the X-axis how much
deflection do you get with the gantry on lateral moves.

curious because you must have the bearings tweaked pretty
tight.

dan