[dirktheeng]

All,

I started building my dream CNC router (ok not the dream one.. but the one I could afford in my practical dreams). I've been recording my progress in videos and thought I would share my experiences with you all and maybe get some advice along the way.

Here's my first video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_deXeUesYaA

[dirktheeng]

Here's a video showing a fully assembled gantry car/riser. It moves so smoothly. I am VERY impressed by this system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZaFocCpbIA

[dirktheeng]

here's a video of the gantry assembly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1aMK3HCHJ4

[dirktheeng]

Here's the 4th video. It discusses the z axis as well as problems I ran into and my fixes. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpK3xqy8HDY

[DonFrambach]

Great videos! Thanks for posting them. Please continue!

[dirktheeng]

Here's video blog 5 discussing cable track install and a few clearance issues as well as machine feet installation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei53s24H5nI

[dirktheeng]

the solution to the clearance issue was to reverse the direction of the y axis motor and cabling... kindof a pain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoNowMXDKJ0

[dirktheeng]

here's video blog 7: discussion of solid feet for your build.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT0-AzBoxEk

[dirktheeng]

Here's video blog 8: a discussion of the base design.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPBpMdS76Vk

[dirktheeng]

here's a video showing my first motion!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrBB7dkw2jU

[dirktheeng]

Here's how I did my main power connections:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9EMowiL_D8

[dirktheeng]

All,

Got the control box installed and did a short video about how it will work and what I will do to get it working with Mach3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni-N_lPWQzo

[dirktheeng]

Video Blog 12: explanation of how I got the table together, tips, tricks as well as a bit more about the base.

I apologize for the sound for the first 20 seconds of the video. My finger must have been over the microphone on my iphone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-jnmaZ4DRk

[dirktheeng]

Hi again. Today is Saturday so I did a bunch of stuff in my shop. I did a little bit of work on the router too. I got the pump set up and going. Here's an update.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqr5ErMWGSk

[dirktheeng]

got the bulkhead mounting plate on the z axis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybP5GFAKzE

[dirktheeng]

Got the spindle controller from PMDX installed and working.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2O6ppK2W40

[dirktheeng]

I got the lines run for the spindle connection today. I know that it is a bit contraversial how I did this, but I wanted to be sure that the wiring was protected and that there was no way I was going to get a fire. Many people will tell you that you don't want to put any switch between the VFD and the spindle. However, I did it and sized the breaker so that it will never trip unless there is a big problem in the VFD. The breaker should NEVER trip under any ordinary circumstance. I am aware that I am taking a risk in that I may damage the VFD if the breaker flips while the spindle is on. However, I believe that protecting the wire form any chance of fire is worth the cost of a relatively inexpensive VFD. Feel free to disagree with me. If you have a better idea of how to protect the wiring, I will definately consider it. Note: the manufacturer of the VFD does state that they do not reccomend it, but then states that if there is a need for it, to just make sure that the switch doesn't act while the VFD is running. I believe I have met that requirement by how I sized the breaker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOggu_ZNDYo

[dirktheeng]

Got the spindle installed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Y1FCAZ9I0

[dirktheeng]

Got the VFD installed and partially serviced!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfZ_ZK9Hcdg

[dirktheeng]

All,

made up a pigtail to connect the motor to the vfd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31_NEh4daN0