Well, I figured I finally had something worth posting.
I started out well over a year ago. I built the JGRO and the 3-Axis HobbyCNC controller. This was a great machine, thanks JGRO for the plans, I learned a lot from building this. I then made a bone head move. I started running a program without the spindle on. Ouch! The poor thing was toast.
I then came across the Pilot Pro Ex designed by Phil at www.pdjinc.com. I purchased the CD for $29. This thing has a ton of info, drawings, parts lists, programs and lots and lots of pictures.
Here are a few details:
Cutting area: X=27”, Y=36”, Z=4.5”. I had built the table for my JGRO so I just extended the Pilot Pro Ex to fit the table.
Spindle: Hitachi M12VC with an extension using ER11 collets.
½-20 ACME screws with Dumpsters nuts, www.dumpstercnc.com. These anti backlash nuts are so much better than the homemade ones I attempted to make.
VXB Linear Bearings and blocks.
HobbyCNC 3 axis controller. www.hobbycnc.com This was a fun 1st time ever project. I also built the power supply according to the instructions included in the kit. Great instructions and support.
I purchased and I am using Mach3 to control everything.
I also built a dust collection system based on plans from ShopNotes. The dust collector on the spindle is still a work in progress.
I still need to install home/limit switches and do a little wire maintenance.
Time to make some noise!
xmac