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johnohara johnohara's Techno-Isel... 02-09-2014, 08:58 PM
johnohara The Machine 02-10-2014, 12:19 AM
johnohara Gantry Sides 02-10-2014, 08:32 PM
johnohara Cleaning and Maintenance 02-12-2014, 02:06 AM
Pplug The best thing you can do to... 02-13-2014, 05:40 PM
RickMc Re: johnohara's Techno-Isel... 08-04-2020, 05:02 AM
dcorwin822 Unfortunately my brother... 01-26-2021, 01:37 PM
johnohara Hi Pplug~ Thanks for the... 02-13-2014, 07:30 PM
johnohara 223652 223654 223656 A... 02-13-2014, 11:07 PM
johnohara Accuracy and Resolution 02-15-2014, 01:04 AM
johnohara Removed the Z-Axis 02-16-2014, 01:59 AM
johnohara Got a chance to clean,... 02-19-2014, 10:50 PM
johnohara Removing the X-Axis 02-20-2014, 02:21 AM
johnohara X-Axis is clean, greased and... 02-21-2014, 01:15 AM
johnohara Removing the Y-Axis 02-22-2014, 12:51 AM
tasslejof Re: Removing the Y-Axis 02-08-2020, 06:42 PM
Pplug Wow there is a lot of sawdust... 02-22-2014, 03:09 AM
johnohara Hi Pplug~ I was surprised... 02-22-2014, 05:45 PM
johnohara Re-Assembly 02-23-2014, 02:47 AM
Pplug The davinci uses a... 02-23-2014, 04:38 PM
johnohara Pplug~ I have the serial... 02-23-2014, 11:57 PM
Muffer Re: johnohara's Techno-Isel... 03-20-2018, 03:16 PM
johnohara Purchased a SongYong Hybrid... 03-04-2014, 10:31 PM
intjonmiller Re: johnohara's Techno-Isel... 05-30-2017, 09:04 PM
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    johnohara's Techno-Isel DaVinci

    Last year, I purchased a Techno-Isel DaVinci router from one of the
    local high schools. Not sure why they decided to sell it. Either the
    instructor retired, the curriculum changed, or student interest waned.

    Regardless, it caught my eye. These machines are well-made.

    I intend to use this machine to learn as many aspects of cnc machining
    as possible. That includes not only the machine itself, but other things
    such as design, numerical control software, material science, prototyping,
    etc.

    Although it's designed to cut wood, there should be no problem
    modifying the z-axis assembly to accomodate filament extrusion, laser
    cutting, or other x-y-z applications .

    Finally, to teach is to learn. To that end I'll try to share as much
    as I can via images and video.

    Attachment 222918

    ~john

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    The Machine

    Attachment 222938
    This is a fixed gantry machine. Same condition as when I bought it.

    Attachment 222940
    Soft button display panel, 7 segment LED status indicator, RS-232 port

    Attachment 222942
    Identification label

    Attachment 222944
    Emergency stop, power switch in back.

    Attachment 222946
    Separate power to the motors.

    Attachment 222948
    Power to controller.

    Attachment 222950
    Heavy-duty T-slot aluminum plate

    ~john

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    Gantry Sides

    Attachment 223122 Attachment 223124
    The sides of the gantry contain the motor controller and power supply. Each is covered
    by a thin aluminum plate attached with machine screws and plastic stand-offs. The
    covers do not keep the sawdust out. At least I know this machine was used.

    Attachment 223126
    The motor controller is on the left side.

    Attachment 223128
    The power supply is on the right side.

    Attachment 223130
    Motor controller showing stepper connections. Each stepper is six wire.

    Attachment 223132 Attachment 223134
    Inside dimensions: ~ 160mm W x 185mm H (as a rectangle)

    ~john

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    Cleaning and Maintenance

    Attachment 223304 Attachment 223306
    Removed the t-slot work surfaces from the x-axis and z-axis.
    There's sawdust everywhere. To be expected. Probably inside the x and y assemblies too.

    Attachment 223308 Attachment 223310
    The x-axis work surface is a little scratched up. The back side is like new.
    I used Dawn dishwashing detergent. Did a good job. I'll look for some aluminum cleaner and wax tomorrow.

    Attachment 223312 Attachment 223314
    The z-axis front and back are like new.

    Attachment 223316
    The outside of the x-axis assembly turned out nice too.

    ~john

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    723
    The best thing you can do to that machine is to convert it to run Mach 3 with g540 motor controller. I ran a stock techno for years with the standard g code interface. It was horrible. I then stepped up to running it with the standard electronics and a controller called Gallad with the Kay interface. Finally I bit the bullet and converted it to run mach3. I now get full use of the machine with incredible speed, power and features like spindle speed control and a Z touch off plate.

    In retrospect, I should have done it years ago!
    http://www.glenspeymillworks.com Techno LC4896 - 2.2Kw Water Cooled Spindle | Moving Table Mill from Omis 3 CMM, 500Lb granite base | Epilog Legend 32 Laser Engraver

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    7

    Re: johnohara's Techno-Isel DaVinci

    Quote Originally Posted by Pplug View Post
    The best thing you can do to that machine is to convert it to run Mach 3 with g540 motor controller. I ran a stock techno for years with the standard g code interface. It was horrible. I then stepped up to running it with the standard electronics and a controller called Gallad with the Kay interface. Finally I bit the bullet and converted it to run mach3. I now get full use of the machine with incredible speed, power and features like spindle speed control and a Z touch off plate.

    In retrospect, I should have done it years ago!
    How did your modification go connecting the g540 controller? How did you connect it and did you change out the power supply? Thank you.

    Rick McCaskill
    Rickm1947@aol.com

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by RickMc View Post
    How did your modification go connecting the g540 controller? How did you connect it and did you change out the power supply? Thank you.

    Rick McCaskill
    Rickm1947@aol.com
    Unfortunately my brother passed away in 2016. His machines sat untouched until last weekend when I took possession of them.

    I had to completely disassemble the machine down to individual pieces to get it out of it’s home unfortunately. Once I get them together and running again I’d be glad to share any information I can about them.

    When disassembling the 4896 I did not see a gecko unit in it anymore. I either missed it or he converted it back to original.

    He also may have been talking about one of the mills he had in his classroom. I unfortunately don’t have any access to it at all.

    Good luck with your machine!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247
    Hi Pplug~

    Thanks for the note. The steppers and controller will be replaced in the near future.

    I'm not going to use the Mach3/G540/Parallel Port toolchain. I know it's popular and a reliable solution,
    ( I have no bias against it ) but I'm doing this to dive deep and learn. Especially the software.

    The stepper motors are nema 23 with holding torques of 120 oz/in. There are some good solutions
    available that will allow me to tinker with this thing 'til I break it.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247
    Attachment 223652

    Attachment 223654 Attachment 223656
    A little elbow grease and time.

    Attachment 223658 Attachment 223660
    The z-axis came out better than I thought it would and yielded a surprise -- an end switch.
    Still needs to be greased and oiled.

    Attachment 223662
    The x-axis cleaned up like new.

    I think there's still a bit of sawdust and dirt inside the y-axis.

    ~john

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    Accuracy and Resolution

    Before I replace the stepper motors I need to know their actual resolution. The machine
    specifications state that the current motors achieve 400 steps/revolution (0.0004 in/step)(0.01mm/step)
    with zero backlash.

    Without power, you can turn the steppers and feel each step. I marked the wheel on the outside of
    the y-axis and counted each step as I turned the motor a full 360 degrees.

    200 steps. I'm guessing the controller handles the 1/2 steps. This is very encouraging. 0.02mm is 20 microns.

    I wanted to see what 0.02mm per step looked like, so I setup a Velo 400x usb microscope and took a picture
    after each step. Here are 25 steps covering a distance of 0.5mm. The point is the end of a pin.

    Attachment 223814 Attachment 223816 Attachment 223818 Attachment 223820
    Attachment 223822 Attachment 223824 Attachment 223826 Attachment 223828
    Attachment 223830 Attachment 223832 Attachment 223834 Attachment 223836
    Attachment 223838 Attachment 223840 Attachment 223842 Attachment 223844
    Attachment 223846 Attachment 223848 Attachment 223850 Attachment 223852
    Attachment 223854 Attachment 223856 Attachment 223858 Attachment 223860
    Attachment 223862 Attachment 223864

    Here's the setup.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Picture 96.jpg 
Views:	4 
Size:	50.7 KB 
ID:	223866

    ~john

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    Removed the Z-Axis

    Attachment 224002 Attachment 224004 Attachment 224006
    Close-up of the Z-Axis. The underside shows the screws used to attach the ballscrew nut. The limit switch connects
    directly to the stepper motor.

    Attachment 224008
    The shafts need to be cleaned.

    Attachment 224010 Attachment 224012
    The ballscrew will be re-greased.

    ~john

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247
    Got a chance to clean, re-grease, and re-oil the z-axis.

    It took me a while to understand the types of compatible grease and oil. The
    maintenance manual listed a number of options. I had to check the msds pages for each.

    I chose Coastal all-purpose lithium-grease #2 from Warren Oil for the ballscrew and
    Coastal Hydraulic and Jack Oil (AW 32) for the shafts.

    Attachment 224698 Attachment 224700
    I cleaned everything with FVP degreaser.

    Attachment 224702 Attachment 224704
    Then applied grease to the ballscrew and oil to the shafts.

    Attachment 224706

    Attachment 224708
    Overall, I think it turned out okay.

    ~john

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    Removing the X-Axis

    Attachment 224724 Attachment 224726
    Four bolts on the bottom hold the x-axis in place.

    Attachment 224728

    Attachment 224730

    Attachment 224734
    Hard to clean without removing the assembly. Needs to be done.

    Attachment 224736

    Attachment 224738

    Attachment 224740

    Attachment 224742
    Interesting design. Double linear shafts on a custom extrusion.
    The ball bearings inside the linear half-blocks(?) don't roll smoothly.

    The X and Y axis assemblies seem to have identical designs.

    ~john

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247
    X-Axis is clean, greased and oiled.

    Attachment 224936

    Attachment 224938

    Attachment 224940

    Cleaned and polished the covers and end plates too.

    ~john

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    Removing the Y-Axis

    A lot more work involved here. As I suspected, the x and y axis assemblies are identical
    with the exception of how the y-axis attaches to the gantry columns. To clean this
    I decided to disassemble the whole thing. Why not, I was already there.

    Attachment 225128

    Attachment 225130

    Attachment 225132

    Attachment 225134

    Attachment 225136
    Pulled the bolts, removed the column and cleaned it.

    Attachment 225138

    Attachment 225140
    Had to remove the motor to get at all the bolts.
    The connector is for the limit switch.
    The green board terminates the connections to the motor.

    Attachment 225142

    Attachment 225144

    Attachment 225146
    Removed the covers. I doubt it's ever been cleaned.

    Attachment 225148

    Attachment 225150
    Removed the assembly from the gantry column.

    Attachment 225152
    Cleaned up nice.

    Attachment 225154
    Greased the ballscrew and oiled the guides.

    Attachment 225156
    Ready to be re-assembled.

    ~john

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Posts
    2

    Re: Removing the Y-Axis

    Hi good day, what kind or name of oil and grease ur use for, and u are using gcode progam ?




    Quote Originally Posted by johnohara View Post
    A lot more work involved here. As I suspected, the x and y axis assemblies are identical
    with the exception of how the y-axis attaches to the gantry columns. To clean this
    I decided to disassemble the whole thing. Why not, I was already there.

    Attachment 225128

    Attachment 225130

    Attachment 225132

    Attachment 225134

    Attachment 225136
    Pulled the bolts, removed the column and cleaned it.

    Attachment 225138

    Attachment 225140
    Had to remove the motor to get at all the bolts.
    The connector is for the limit switch.
    The green board terminates the connections to the motor.

    Attachment 225142

    Attachment 225144

    Attachment 225146
    Removed the covers. I doubt it's ever been cleaned.

    Attachment 225148

    Attachment 225150
    Removed the assembly from the gantry column.

    Attachment 225152
    Cleaned up nice.

    Attachment 225154
    Greased the ballscrew and oiled the guides.

    Attachment 225156
    Ready to be re-assembled.

    ~john

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    723
    Wow there is a lot of sawdust in that x axis! We have been running ours for years with little to no dust collection and don't have anything like that in ours! The one thing I have to really give techno credit for in the past is the excellent protection they give their linear motion components. You can't say that about the new Chinese stuff they went to.
    http://www.glenspeymillworks.com Techno LC4896 - 2.2Kw Water Cooled Spindle | Moving Table Mill from Omis 3 CMM, 500Lb granite base | Epilog Legend 32 Laser Engraver

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247
    Hi Pplug~

    I was surprised too. Expected it to have sawdust inside but nowhere near that much. The
    maintenance manual recommends greasing the ballscrew *through* the rubber flaps.

    You are right 'tho about the components. They are first class. My understanding is the ballscrew
    and nut were made by THK. A comparably priced pair from McMaster Carr would easily run
    north of $500. This machine has three.

    Working on it has given me an appreciation of the benefit of using quality parts.

    ~john

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    247

    Re-Assembly

    Attachment 225288
    Bolt left side gantry column to base. Brushed a little oil on each bolt.

    Attachment 225290
    Re-attached Y-Axis, ballscrew and limit switch.

    Attachment 225292
    Attached protective covers.

    Attachment 225294
    Re-mounted stepper motor and limit switch connection.
    Attached coupler to ballscrew. Tightened screw through hole in cover.
    Re-attached right gantry column.

    Attachment 225296
    Re-attached X-Axis assembly -- four bolts.

    Attachment 225298
    Mounted Z-Axis assembly -- four bolts.

    Attachment 225300
    Attached protective covers.

    Attachment 225302
    Mounted Z-Axis surface plate -- four bolts.

    Attachment 225304
    Installed spindle mounting bracket.

    Attachment 225306
    Installed spindle. Re-tied power cable to stepper motor cabling.

    Attachment 225308
    Mounted X-Axis surface plate and gantry side covers.

    Performed a power-up self-test (hold start button on power-up) -- worked fine.

    The controller is still a problem 'tho. I'm willing to tinker with the serial
    connection and write a little program to move the motors but that's
    about it. If it doesn't want to cooperate it's on to plan B.

    ~john

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    723
    The davinci uses a non-standard serial cable. You can wire up your own by using the diagram in the manual. You shouldn't have to write a program to make it move, just download the stepper code interface from techno's website. The interface works, but is not feature rich. The largest handicap of this machine is the serial interface on the motor controller. It is ridiculously slow when running complex or large toolpaths.

    The router has two ways to download and run a tool path. First you can "drip feed" the gcode, Line by line. The second is downloading the code to the small internal memory.

    The best thing you can do is replace the motor controller all together.
    http://www.glenspeymillworks.com Techno LC4896 - 2.2Kw Water Cooled Spindle | Moving Table Mill from Omis 3 CMM, 500Lb granite base | Epilog Legend 32 Laser Engraver

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