mhackney's 1st CNC router
Well, I am starting this thread to document my build, solicit ideas and help, and to keep me motivated!
After several months of scheming, planning, reading and scheming more, I finally cut my 1st piece of MDF today.
The project:
- moving gantry
- 18" x 12" x 4" working volume
- xylotex driver
- 3 80 0z NEMA 23 Japan Servo stepper motors
- igus Drylin N linear bearing for all 3 axis
(these are 800mm/~24", 600mm/~18", 400mm/~12")
- 1/4-20 all thread w/ delrin homemade bearings
- still debating on the router, i have a dremel but I am leaning toward the Porter Cable 7310 laminate trimmer that I have.
I have succeeded in resisting the temptation to spin the motors!
I cut the base and mounts for the X rails. Primed and painted as I go along. Boy that MDF soaks up the primer and paint! I'll be using 10-24 screws in to tapped MDF for construction. I'll post the first photos of the table and X axis later tonight once the paint dries. (A nice forest green. I think I'll leave some parts natural and simply use clear acrylic on them for contrast).
Wish me luck!
Oh, I plan to use this to cut balsa, aircraft ply, G-10, carbon composite and maybe a bit of foam for mold making. Primary use is for flying model building - planes, helicopters and ornithopters.
Michael
Re: mhackney's 1st CNC router
Quote:
Originally posted by mhackney
...I have succeeded in resisting the temptation to spin the motors!...
Michael
Save that until you get so fustrated you want to give up. Hearing those steppers spin is music to the ears and motivation to get the machine working.
Look forward to watching your build. Good luck with your router.
first modification/adjustment!
Well, the Krylon paint I used almost killed me! Even though I have pretty good ventilation in my shop (to the outside) the fumes were so bad my family almost tossed me out. So, I have switched to a latex based paint also made by Krylon and in a more "machine green" color. It seems to cover better. I am still using a primer coat and trying to apply thin coats.
I have the base completed now. The end pieces are about 4.5" tall. The rails are permanantly installed and adjusted for parallel. The gantry base is attached to the sliders and ready to install after the paint dries. I suspect the latex will take longer to dry than the 14 min Krylon. I'll take a few more photos once the paint dries and things are reassembled. Then it is on to the gantry, screws and motor mounts.
michael