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Hi!

So I have a lot of experience with gantry type wood CNC's. I am just about to graduate with my ME degree, and have plans for developing a few products.

Here are my needs:

1. Cut steel...

Here is something that might be valuable to others. I decided to hook up my Hitachi X200 VFD to Mach3 and control spindle speed via the computer rather than adjusting it manually for different tools....

The work continues. I'm actually getting very close to calling it good.

I got the bed and sacrificial layer both secured. Leveled the bed and was pleased to see it was very level to begin with....

Perhaps I should have painted it the color of CHICKEN WNGS!! Oh wait... I guess I painted my shop that color. No wonder I keep craving buffalo sauce.

Great progress to show for. She is starting to...

Funny, but I am already in the process of doing this. It was in the original plan but just never got done.

I must say, however, after 3+ years of using it like this I have never noticed any...

Ok, so I am going to resurrect this dinosaur of an old thread. I built this machine years ago and kinda quit posting as I started using it. It has faithfully cut hundreds and hundreds of guitar...

Hi,

I have never personally built a machine with the SBR rails. I am anxious to see how they perform. However, if you really want to kick butt and not worry about it I would strongly consider...

Lol, Ger21 said everything I was going to say. ~300-400oz steppers will serve you much better in this case. I would go with 1610 ballscrews, and seriously, keep as much mass as possible. Mass is your...

Ok, so I know this seems way too basic and perhaps not even worth mentioning....but I have been really ignoring the obvious. I do a lot of cutting with a 1/2" end mill, cut somewhere in the 120-130...

Thanks a ton! I'm looking into that right now. I like your indexing suggestion. I am watching some tutorials on DeskProto now. This might do the trick.

Hey Folks,

I have been too busy using my machine for the last few years to actually get around to posting stuff about it. Here is my setup:
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I have an NPN proximity sensor that I use for homing and limit switches. One sensor per axis, and "triggers" on both end, so the sensor moves with the table.

This has been working great for about...

Touch Probe
CNC Tutorial - Touch Probe in Mach 3 - YouTube

We got a few CNC nuts here so I thought this might be handy.

Fixtures and Offsets
CNC Tutorial - Fixtures and Offsets in Mach 3 - YouTube

I think carbon fiber would just be a gimmick. I would stick to cast. Also concrete/epoxy machines have promise.

Weight is your friend. When people say they want a "lightweight" machine all I hear...

Sorry for the double post.

Crane's CNC: In action - YouTube

Video of it in action today. I'm running full speed at this point. Not sure if I will ever get around to painting it.

Hey all, I have not been around in a while, mostly because I have been busy with school. Still using the big CNC a lot for my guitar making. The dust was getting to me so I decided it was finally...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jKjy0aCgwro/T8xDeBXdLQI/AAAAAAAAHcs/M_Z4yuej74k/s512/2012-06-03_22-10-26_755.jpg
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https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jKjy0aCgwro/T8xDeBXdLQI/AAAAAAAAHcs/M_Z4yuej74k/s512/2012-06-03_22-10-26_755.jpg
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Some more explanation:

FAQ :: VFDs | How Do I Derate Three Phase Inputs For Single Phase Applications? | Precision Electric, Inc.
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Maybe I should clarify- there different models, and some are designed for use with single phase. These are the models with an S leading the last four letters in the model number. These do not need to...

That is correct. I would't think about it as "only produce 1.1kw", but rather is "only rated for 1.1kw." Make sense?

For example, if you have a 3kw spindle, your looking at just under 5HP. This...

As for VFD's, I know that if you go from a 3 phase to single phase 220 you need to double the rating of your spindle, or de-rate the VFD by 50%. Not sure what the rule is if your going to 110V single...

You posted this while I was typing up my response. My thoughts exactly. If your going to have this problem, then this is as good as it gets as it means nothing is wrong with your system.

Good...

I have not put your code thru Mach3 yet so I can't say for sure, but looking at your actual cut it looks more like a programming issue then a mechanical one. I will copy and paste your code into my...

Can you post your G-code? Also in the Mach window preview, does it look like a circle or an octagon? also a picture of the cut would be helpful.

What I am going with this info is figuring out if...

Need more info. What's your CAM software and what are you using to control your machine?

I used the deWalt router at first, but moved to a Porter Cable, and then to the Bosch. The Bosch is by far my favorite. The Dewalt worked, but the upgrade to the Porter Cable 1 3/4 horse was a night...

I think there are a few common mistakes every machinist will make, no exceptions. Cutting into your spoil board is almost a right of passage.

The PC does not sound like the problem with the details given. It sounds more like a setup or config issue. Is there any chance that you lost or did not load the correct profile? What kind of...