Search:

Hi Jeff,

How do you like the machine so far? I am on the fence for purchasing this machine, leaning towards just making the plunge and finally start my journey into cnc! The price seems right,...

Here is version (revision) 3, a more traditional approach at mimicking the Lionclaw/Joes construction. All material is 1/2" MDF. The cut area is 30" x 12" (again 24"~26" x 12" usable).
...

Being new to the world of CNC, I jumped in and started building a Solsylva 10 x 9 machine. I have completed the frame, and now have only the leadscrews, stepper motors, and electronics to install....

Hello jckstrthmghty,

I did note the thickness of the aluminum angle for securing the 5/16", but once I actually threaded the bolt into the angle iron, it actually held very tightly. That said,...

Well, here's the machine as it stands today:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t1/sd80mac/20130328_185300_zps7bfb7c10.jpg

I'm elated with my progress, as several issues came up during the...

Hello Everyone,

I'm about 60% through the build and am pretty excited as the machine continues to come together. I had a few hiccups that almost caused me to quit the build, but I worked through...

Hi Louie,

I'm already in the middle of the Solsylva 10 x9 build. The Y-axis base and table are complete save for the leadscrew and drive nut. Most of the holes on the other components have been...

Hello Jerry, Don and harryn,

I appreciate the advice on using bamboo ply, however, just hearing that the cost is twice that of standard Birch, Oak, or Maple ply is a huge deterrent! My goal was to...

I am currently building a Solsylva 10 X 9 machine, and while the build is going together okay, I already know that this machine isn't going to fit all off my needs. I will be building another...

Hi All,

The drill press and brad point bits from Harbor Freight worked very nicely! All of the holes are clean and straight, and should make assembly easy and fast. I still have to drill the holes...

I think I'll be sticking with the Dumpster route. I'm all for ease of construction!

Anyhow, I assembled the DP last night and tried it with some of the standard v-point bits that I have. I did...

Another quick update:

I scored 32 608ZZ bearings (8mm x 22mm x 7mm (5/16" I.D.)) on eBay for $17.77 with free shipping! It seemed like a good deal, and no one else made a bid so...I won! Now I can...

Hello All,

Saturday, I stopped by Harbor Freight and picked up the drill press for $60. I won't be adding this to the overall cost of the build because I'll be using the press on many other...

Well, I cut all of the parts for the frame this afternoon!

L to R
Top: Gantry Assembly, Base/Frame Assembly
Bottom: Z-axis Carriage Assembly, Y-table Assembly
...

Louie,

I hear you, and I WILL be heeding your advice and will include ACME 3/8" lead screws and Dumpster nuts and couplers on this machine. Now the question is, what number of threads and starts...

Hi Devastator,

I envision cutting mostly flat, 2D objects including some PCB work. Also, small 3D objects that can be copied in resin. But then, once one becomes familiar with CNC, the knowledge...

Hello Roy,

The Solsylva 10 x 9 plans do include provisions for upgrading the machine to 3/8" ACME screws, but this easily adds $150 to the cost of materials; $100 in AB nuts and couplers alone. So...

Hello Sandy,

I think I will build the first machine stock. If anything, I would lengthen the Y travel by no more than an inch or two to give me at least 12" x 9" x 4". This shouldn't affect...

I think I'm just going to stick with the design "as is". Many of the things I would like to create will fit inside the 10" x 9" x 4" envelope. I did think about scaling up the machine to give me at...

Hi helo,

I went with the Poplar because of its straightness and the fact that it is a hardwood, well "soft" hardwood. According to that chart, D-fir is a bit more dense than Poplar? Well, I...

Hello all, and thanks for the replies. I have given heavy thought to the choice of leadscrew, and am considering a 3/8" - 10, 2-start ACME screw with dumpster AB nuts. I had considered standard 3/8"...

...and I'm curious to see where you are on your build. I just purchased the plans for both the 10 x 9 and the 13 x 13. I like the size of the larger machine, but the rigidity of the smaller one. I...

I just downloaded the Solsylva 10 X 9 plans today, and am thinking about getting the 13 X 13 plans as well. Overall, it looks like a fairly solid build. The best thing I like about it is that the...

If you don't mind me asking, how were you going to cut the hex opening? I know that the turning and drilling would be by conventional means, but forming the hex opening intrigues me. If I had a...

Thanks for the quick reply. The radius has to be as small as possible. I could probably get away with maybe .25mm (.0098"). However, looking at the orginals, it looks like the manufacturer center...

I need between 10-30 of these parts turned from solid brass round stock. Dimension are in mm. The centered through hole is 2.025mm to slip-fit on a 2mm motor shaft. The hex-shaped cutout is 5mm from...

What's your shops name? Do you have a website? Portfolio? Worksamples?